Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a delightful blend of flavors that brings a taste of summer to your table. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or just a quick weeknight dinner, this dish is both vibrant and satisfying. With its creamy dressing and fresh ingredients, it’s no wonder that this salad stands out as a favorite among family and friends!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This salad comes together in just 20 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy days.
- Flavorful Combination: The tangy dressing paired with sweet corn and Cotija cheese creates a taste sensation that you won’t forget.
- Versatile Dish: Serve it as a side at barbecues or enjoy it as a light meal on its own.
- Crowd-Pleaser: With ten servings, it’s perfect for gatherings and ensures everyone gets their fill.
- Easy to Customize: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or spices to make it your own.
Tools and Preparation
To make this Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment will help streamline the cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Serving platter
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Necessary for cooking the pasta efficiently; ensures even cooking.
- Mixing bowls: Ideal for combining ingredients without making a mess.
- Whisk: Helps achieve a smooth consistency in the dressing, blending all flavors perfectly.
- Serving platter: Makes it easy to present your dish beautifully at any gathering.
Ingredients
This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is loaded with corn, cotija, and a deliciously tangy, creamy dressing that is the stuff dreams are made of. It’s quick and easy to throw together and is made up of mostly pantry ingredients that you’ve probably already got in your kitchen!
- 16 oz. rotini pasta
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 4 (10 oz.) bags frozen fire-roasted corn (cooked according to package directions) or 3 (15 oz.) cans of corn, drained
- 1 cup crumbled Cotija or queso fresco cheese
- 1/3 cup freshly chopped cilantro + more for garnish
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- a couple pinches cayenne pepper
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 teaspoons lime zest
- Kosher salt
- fresh cracked pepper
How to Make Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente.
- Toss with 2 teaspoons olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Set aside to cool to room temperature or place in the fridge to speed up the cooling process.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
- In a medium bowl, combine sour cream, mayo, 2 tablespoons olive oil, chili powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, lime zest and juice, along with large pinches of salt and pepper.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
- Add cooled pasta to a large bowl.
- Mix in the corn, Cotija cheese, and cilantro.
Step 4: Dress the Salad
- Pour most of the dressing over the pasta mixture.
- Toss until everything is well coated.
Step 5: Serve
- Transfer to a serving platter.
- Drizzle with remaining dressing and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro.
Enjoy your delicious Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad at your next event or simply as a delightful side dish!
How to Serve Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is not only delicious but also versatile, making it perfect for various occasions. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.
As a Side Dish
- Serve alongside grilled meats for a delightful contrast in flavors.
- Pair with tacos for a complete Mexican-themed meal.
At Potlucks or Picnics
- Bring this salad to gatherings as it’s easy to transport and always a crowd-pleaser.
- Serve it chilled or at room temperature, making it ideal for outdoor events.
For Meal Prep
- Portion the salad into containers for convenient lunches throughout the week.
- Add extra lime juice just before serving to keep it fresh.
As a Main Course
- Add sliced grilled chicken or shrimp on top for a hearty meal.
- Incorporate black beans or chickpeas for added protein and texture.
With Additional Toppings
- Top with avocado slices for creaminess and healthy fats.
- Sprinkle with extra Cotija cheese right before serving for an enhanced flavor.
How to Perfect Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
To ensure your Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh corn and herbs boost the overall flavor significantly.
- Cool the pasta properly: Ensuring the pasta cools completely prevents the dressing from becoming watery.
- Adjust spice levels: Modify the chili powder and cayenne pepper according to your heat preference.
- Let it rest: Allowing the salad to sit for about 30 minutes before serving lets flavors meld beautifully.
- Experiment with cheeses: Try different types of cheese like feta or Monterey Jack if Cotija is unavailable.
- Add more veggies: Incorporate bell peppers or cherry tomatoes for added color and crunch.
Best Side Dishes for Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
This pasta salad pairs wonderfully with various side dishes, enhancing your meal’s overall appeal. Here are some great options:
- Grilled Chicken Tacos: Juicy chicken wrapped in soft tortillas makes a flavorful match.
- Black Bean Salsa: A refreshing salsa featuring black beans adds protein and complements the salad well.
- Mexican Street Corn (Elote): Enjoy traditional elote for an extra corn kick in your meal.
- Guacamole and Chips: Creamy guacamole served with crunchy tortilla chips provides delightful textures.
- Spicy Roasted Vegetables: Roasted veggies bring warmth and earthiness that balance the salad’s freshness.
- Chili Lime Watermelon: A sweet and tangy fruit dish that cleanses the palate between bites.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to keep in mind.
- Using the wrong pasta: Stick to rotini or similar shapes for better dressing adherence. Avoid flat pastas that may not hold up well with the creamy dressing.
- Overcooking the pasta: Ensure you cook the pasta until al dente. Overcooked pasta becomes mushy and affects the texture of your salad.
- Skipping the cooling step: Letting the pasta cool completely before combining it with other ingredients helps maintain freshness and prevents wilting.
- Neglecting seasoning: Don’t forget to season each layer. Add salt and pepper to both the pasta and dressing for a balanced flavor throughout.
- Not adjusting for personal taste: Customize your salad by adding more lime, spices, or extra veggies based on your preferences. Make it your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keeps well for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezing Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
- Not recommended due to potential changes in texture after thawing.
- If necessary, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month, but expect variations in quality when defrosted.
Reheating Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish and heat until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl in short intervals of 30 seconds, stirring between each until warm.
- Stovetop: Warm gently over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about making Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad.
What is Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad?
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a creamy, flavorful dish combining rotini pasta with corn, Cotija cheese, and a zesty dressing inspired by elote.
Can I customize my Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad?
Yes! Feel free to add fresh vegetables like bell peppers or avocado, or spice it up with jalapeños for an extra kick.
How long can I store Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad?
You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be sure it’s in an airtight container.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This salad is perfect for meal prep as it holds up well and can be stored easily in portions throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite ingredients or adjust the spices according to your taste. Give this delightful dish a try at your next gathering or as a tasty side during dinner!
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 10 1x
Description
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings the essence of summer to your table. This delightful salad combines rotini pasta, sweet corn, and creamy Cotija cheese, all enveloped in a zesty dressing that’s reminiscent of traditional Mexican elote. Perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or quick weeknight dinners, this recipe is not only easy to prepare but also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 16 oz. rotini pasta
- 4 bags (10 oz.) frozen fire-roasted corn or 3 cans (15 oz.) corn
- 1 cup crumbled Cotija cheese
- 1/3 cup fresh cilantro
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- Juice and zest of 2 limes
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- a couple pinches cayenne pepper
- Kosher salt
- fresh cracked pepper
Instructions
- Cook the rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente; toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Cool completely.
- In a bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice and zest, olive oil, chili powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta with corn, Cotija cheese, and cilantro.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently until well coated.
- Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with extra cilantro if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
