Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe

This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe is a vibrant and flavorful dish that celebrates the taste of summer. Packed with sweet corn, zesty jalapenos, and a creamy chili lime dressing, it’s an ideal choice for picnics, barbecues, or any casual gathering. In just 30 minutes, you can create a refreshing salad that will impress your guests and satisfy your cravings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: This salad comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings.
• Bursting with Flavor: The combination of fresh corn, lime juice, and spices creates a delightful taste explosion.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it as a side or main dish; it pairs well with grilled meats or can be enjoyed on its own.
• Crowd Pleaser: With its colorful presentation and rich flavors, this salad is sure to impress friends and family.
• Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to adjust spice levels or add extra veggies based on your preferences.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience seamless, gather the necessary tools before you start. This will help you stay organized and efficient while preparing your Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta quickly and efficiently.
• Skillet: Perfect for cooking the corn to achieve that delicious charred flavor.
• Mixing bowl: Allows you to combine all ingredients easily without spilling.
• Whisk: Ideal for blending creamy dressings smoothly.

Ingredients

This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is bursting with the flavors of fresh summer corn, jalapenos, red onion, and a creamy chili lime dressing. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s the perfect dish for feeding a crowd!

Ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or melted butter
– 6 ears corn (husks removed – approximately 4 ½ to 5 cups of corn kernels or frozen or canned corn)
– ½ teaspoon kosher salt
– ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
– 8 oz. dry uncooked pasta (such as fusilli or farfalle)
– ¼ cup mayonnaise
– 3 tablespoons sour cream (or Mexican crema)
– ½ teaspoon chili powder
– 1 teaspoon lime zest (from one lime)
– ¼ cup lime juice (freshly squeezed from 1 ½ to 2 limes)
– ½ teaspoon kosher salt
– ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
– 2 medium jalapeno (seeded and sliced/chopped)
– ½ cup red onion (chopped finely)
– ¼ cup fresh cilantro (chopped – more to use as garnish)
– ½ cup cotija cheese (crumbled)

How to Make Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Corn

You have two options for cooking the corn:
1. Grill Corn: Preheat your gas grill to 400 degrees F. Peel back the husks from the corn and remove the silk. Brush the corn with oil on all sides. Grill for about 15–20 minutes until lightly charred, turning every 5 minutes. Let cool before cutting kernels off the cob using a sharp knife.
2. Cook in a Skillet: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil (or butter) in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove kernels from the cob with a knife and transfer them to the skillet. Cook for 8–10 minutes until slightly caramelized.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

While the corn cools, bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain well and set aside in a large mixing bowl.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Add the cooked corn into the mixing bowl with pasta.

Step 4: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together:
* Mayonnaise
* Sour cream
* Chili powder
* Lime juice
* Lime zest
* Salt
* Pepper

Adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 5: Assemble the Salad

Drizzle dressing over pasta and corn mixture. Toss well to coat evenly. Stir in jalapenos, red onion, and cilantro. Garnish with more chopped cilantro if desired. Taste for seasoning adjustments before serving.

Enjoy this delightful Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad at your next gathering!

How to Serve Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe

This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that’s perfect for gatherings. Here are some creative ways to serve this delicious salad.

As a Side Dish

• Serve it alongside grilled chicken or turkey for a complete meal.
• Pair with beef tacos for a refreshing contrast to the savory flavors.

In a Lettuce Wrap

• Use large lettuce leaves to create a fresh wrap, adding crunch and versatility.
• Great for picnics or casual dining.

Topped with Avocado

• Add slices of ripe avocado on top for creaminess and added nutrition.
• A drizzle of lime juice enhances the flavors even more.

Chilled in Summer

• Prepare it ahead of time and chill in the fridge for an hour before serving.
• The flavors meld beautifully when served cold.

How to Perfect Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe

To ensure your Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad turns out perfectly every time, consider these tips.

• Choose fresh corn: Freshly grilled or sautéed corn adds sweetness and texture that frozen or canned corn can’t match.
• Cook pasta al dente: This prevents the pasta from becoming mushy when mixed with the dressing and other ingredients.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste the dressing before mixing it in; you might want to add more salt or lime juice based on your preference.
• Add extra toppings: Consider sprinkling additional cotija cheese or chopped cilantro on top right before serving for extra flavor.
• Make it ahead: Prepare the salad a few hours in advance to allow the flavors to blend, but add fresh herbs just before serving.

Best Side Dishes for Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe

When serving your Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad, pairing it with complementary side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some great options.

1. Grilled Chicken Skewers: Marinated chicken skewers cooked over open flame add smoky flavor.
2. Black Bean Tacos: Flavorful black beans wrapped in soft tortillas provide protein and earthiness.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables tossed in olive oil and herbs make for a colorful addition.
4. Guacamole with Tortilla Chips: Creamy guacamole served with crunchy chips offers a satisfying dip option.
5. Spicy Roasted Potatoes: Crispy potatoes seasoned with chili powder enhance the meal’s bold flavors.
6. Chips and Salsa: A classic pairing that adds crunch and zest to your table setting.
7. Cucumber Salad: Refreshing cucumber salad dressed with lime vinaigrette cools down spicy dishes nicely.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many home cooks encounter pitfalls when making this dish. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Skipping the corn grilling – Not grilling or charring the corn can reduce its flavor. Always grill or sauté the corn to enhance its sweetness and add depth.
• Overcooking the pasta – Cooking pasta too long can result in mushy texture. Follow the package instructions for al dente pasta for the best results.
• Neglecting seasoning adjustments – Failing to taste and adjust the dressing can lead to a bland salad. Always taste your dressing before mixing it with other ingredients.
• Using stale or old ingredients – Using outdated produce can affect the salad’s quality. Always use fresh ingredients for optimal flavor and texture.
• Not allowing flavors to meld – Skipping refrigeration after mixing can lead to less flavorful results. Letting the salad chill enhances its taste as the flavors combine.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• The salad will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe

• Freezing is not recommended due to potential changes in texture, especially for vegetables like corn and peppers.

Reheating Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C), spread on a baking sheet, and heat until warm.
• Microwave – Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
• Stovetop – Heat gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad.

What is a Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe?

Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad combines pasta with fresh corn, jalapenos, red onion, and a creamy chili lime dressing inspired by elote, or Mexican street corn.

Can I use frozen corn in this recipe?

Yes! Frozen corn works well; just thaw it before using. It saves time while still providing great flavor.

How can I make this salad spicier?

To add more heat, include additional chopped jalapenos or a dash of hot sauce to your dressing.

Can I substitute ingredients in this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize with different types of pasta or add other veggies like bell peppers or avocados according to your preference.

How long does this salad keep in the fridge?

The Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad will stay fresh for about 3 days when stored properly in an airtight container.

Final Thoughts

This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is not only delicious but also versatile, making it perfect for gatherings or weeknight dinners. You can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or proteins. Enjoy experimenting with flavors while savoring this delightful dish!