Description
This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish combining al dente pasta with sweet corn, juicy cherry tomatoes, zesty lime dressing, and crumbled cotija cheese. Inspired by the classic Mexican street corn (elote), this salad is creamy, tangy, and mildly spicy, perfect as a refreshing summer side or a crowd-pleasing potluck option.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Vegetables
- 12 oz pasta (such as rotini or penne)
- 2 cups corn kernels (fresh, grilled, or frozen and thawed)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ red onion, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
Cheese and Herbs
- ½ cup cotija cheese, crumbled
- ÂĽ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Dressing
- â…“ cup mayonnaise
- â…“ cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Prepare the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down, then set aside.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with corn kernels, halved cherry tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, crumbled cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, and minced jalapeño.
- Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth and well blended.
- Toss Salad: Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently but thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or chili powder as desired.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature, garnished with additional cotija cheese, fresh cilantro, or lime wedges if desired.
Notes
- For authentic street corn flavor, use grilled or charred corn kernels.
- Increase heat by including jalapeño seeds or adding a dash of hot sauce.
- This salad can be prepared up to one day in advance; refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling (pasta), No-Bake (assembly)
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
