If I hear “Mommy, can we have that yummy corn pasta again?” one more time… well, let's just say it's time to make some zesty street corn pasta salad!
The cheesy, buttery, slightly spicy goodness of your favorite street corn, but tossed with perfectly cooked pasta and a burst of fresh herbs. Unable to resist! It's a match made in culinary heaven, and it's about to become your new go-to recipe for easy weeknight dinners or impressing your guests at your next potluck.
So, let's roll up our sleeves, put on our aprons, and get ready to create some culinary magic! This street corn pasta salad is about to become a family favorite, and I can't wait to see those happy faces when it hits the table. Let's get cooking!
If you like noodles, butter garlic noodles are also a perfect choice.
The Versatility of Street Corn Pasta Salad
The beauty of street corn pasta salad lies in its versatility. While the traditional ingredients like corn, lime, and cheese make it a standout, you can easily adapt this dish to fit your taste preferences or seasonal availability. Here are some exciting ideas to consider:
- Add Protein: To turn this salad into a more substantial dish, consider adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or black beans. This not only enhances the nutrition but also makes it a complete meal for any occasion.
- Seasonal Variations: Depending on the season, you can incorporate different vegetables. Grilled zucchini, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes can add an extra layer of flavor and color, ensuring that your Mexican street corn pasta salad remains fresh and exciting throughout the year.
- Dressings and Toppings: Experiment with dressings beyond the classic lime and mayo. A drizzle of spicy vinaigrette or a sprinkle of chili powder can take your salad to the next level. And don’t forget about the toppings! Crumbled feta or cotija cheese can elevate the creamy texture and add a salty bite that perfectly complements the sweetness of the corn.
Embrace these ideas to make the elote salad your own while impressing your friends and family at your next gathering!
Ingredients Used to Make Street Corn Pasta Salad
Get ready to butter up your taste buds with this zesty salad that's so good, you'll want to bathe in it:
- 8 ounces pasta (fusilli, rotini, or penne): The perfect base to soak up all the zesty dressing and flavors.
- 2 cups corn kernels (grilled or canned): Sweet and slightly smoky, these kernels are the essence of the dish.
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise: Adds creamy richness to the dressing.
- 1/4 cup sour cream: Provides a tangy balance to the creamy base.
- Juice of 1 lime: Fresh, zesty, and brightens up the flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder: A touch of spice to give the salad a little kick.
- 1/4 cup cotija cheese (crumbled): Salty, crumbly goodness that brings authentic Mexican flavor.
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (chopped): Adds freshness and a pop of green color.
- Salt and pepper to taste: The basics to enhance all the flavors.
How to Make Street Corn Pasta Salad
- Cook the Pasta: Start by cooking the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and let it cool.
- Prepare the Corn: If using fresh corn, grill the ears until they’re charred in spots, then slice off the kernels. If using canned corn, just drain it well.
- Mix the Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked pasta, corn, cotija cheese, and cilantro to the bowl with the dressing. Toss everything together until evenly coated.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Before serving, give it a quick stir and top with a bit more cilantro and cheese if desired.
Finally done! – Street Corn Pasta Salad that’s vibrant, flavorful, and just the right amount of tangy and spicy. This salad is a fantastic side dish or even a light meal on its own, perfect for any occasion. Enjoy every zesty bite!
Quick Salad Recipe
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Inactive Time: 30 minutes (chilling)
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Author: Jen Sharpin | So Damn Delish
- Yield: 4-6 servings
Discover our zesty Street Corn Pasta Salad recipe! Creamy, tangy, and packed with Mexican flavors – the perfect fusion of comfort food and summer freshness.
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces pasta (fusilli, rotini, or penne)
- 2 cups corn kernels (grilled or canned)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 cup cotija cheese (crumbled)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook pasta and let it cool.
- Grill fresh corn or drain canned corn.
- Whisk together mayo, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Toss pasta, corn, cotija cheese, and cilantro with dressing.
- Chill for 30 minutes and serve.
Note:
- Customize your salad with additions like diced avocado, black beans, or a sprinkle of paprika for extra flavor.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Perfect Pairings for Street Corn Pasta Salad
When serving mexican pasta salad, consider what other dishes would complement its creamy, tangy flavors. Grilled chicken or shrimp can make a delightful addition, providing protein that pairs beautifully with the salad's texture. You might also serve it alongside spicy grilled vegetables for a truly vibrant spread.
For a refreshing beverage, consider making a citrus-infused agua fresca or a classic margarita. The bright flavors will enhance the experience and leave your guests feeling satisfied. This pasta salad isn't just a side; it's an invitation to explore bold flavors and create memorable meals together!
At So Damn Delish, I make cooking easy and fun with recipes that are both budget-friendly and packed with flavor. Check out my collection of simple, scrumptious dishes and get inspired to cook up something DELISH tonight, like this street corn pasta salad!
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Flavorful Street Corn Pasta Salad for Summer Gatherings
Street Corn Pasta Salad recipe now at So Damn Delish! Creamy, tangy, and packed with Mexican flavors – the perfect fusion of comfort food and summer freshness.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta (fusilli, rotini, or penne)
- 2 cups corn kernels (grilled or canned)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 cup cotija cheese (crumbled)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta and let it cool.
- Grill fresh corn or drain canned corn.
- Whisk together mayo, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Toss pasta, corn, cotija cheese, and cilantro with dressing.
- Chill for 30 minutes and serve.
Notes
- Customize your salad with additions like diced avocado, black beans, or a sprinkle of paprika for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Inactive Time: 30 minutes (chilling)
- Category: Salads & Soups
Nutrition
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
