The vibrant colors of the Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad catch your eye, while the tantalizing aroma lures you in like a kid to a candy store. Picture this: creamy dressing mingling with sweet corn, zesty lime, and a sprinkle of cheese that dances around the pasta, creating a dish that’s not just food but pure joy. Zesty Mexican Macaroni Salad.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- What can I substitute for mayonnaise in Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad?
- How can I make this salad spicier?
- Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?
- 📖 Recipe Card
This salad is perfect for summer barbecues, picnics, or even just a casual dinner at home when you want to impress without breaking a sweat. Trust me, one bite, and you’ll be hooked on its amazing flavor experience that captures the essence of street vendors in Mexico. For more inspiration, check out this Garlic Butter Green Beans recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is quick to whip up, making it ideal for busy weekdays
- The flavor combination of sweet corn and tangy lime makes it irresistible
- It’s visually stunning with vibrant colors, perfect for any gathering
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve as a side or main dish
I vividly remember the first time I served this salad at a family reunion; everyone went back for seconds and thirds while I basked in my culinary glory.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Pasta: Opt for small shapes like elbow or rotini to hold all that delicious dressing.
- Fresh Corn: Use sweet corn for a burst of flavor; frozen works too if fresh isn’t available.
- Red Bell Peppers: These add crunch and a pop of color; choose firm ones for the best texture.
- Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brightens up the flavors; chop it finely for even distribution.
- Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice enhances the dish’s overall zestiness; skip bottled juice if possible.
- Mayonnaise: Creamy mayo binds everything together; consider using Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
- Feta Cheese: Feta adds saltiness and creaminess; crumble it right before serving for freshness.
- Chili Powder: A dash of chili powder brings warmth—adjust based on your spice preference.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
Sauté the Corn: In a skillet over medium heat, add fresh corn kernels. Sauté until they become golden brown and release their sweet aroma—about 5-7 minutes.
Prepare the Dressing: In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, salt, and pepper until smooth. BBQ Chicken Pizza This dressing will be your flavorful glue!
Toss Everything Together: In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, sautéed corn, diced bell peppers, cilantro, and feta cheese. Pour in your zesty dressing and mix well until every ingredient is coated.
Chill Before Serving: Cover the salad with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together beautifully. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad can be made ahead of time too! Just remember not to add the cheese until right before serving to keep it fresh and crumbly. Mexican Street Corn Flatbread.
Now you’re ready to enjoy a plateful (or two) of this delightful dish that brings both flavor and fun to any table!
You Must Know
- This delightful Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad combines sweet corn, creamy dressing, and zesty spices
- It’s perfect for summer gatherings or a cozy dinner at home with friends
- The vibrant colors and flavors make it a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by cooking the pasta until al dente while grilling the corn for optimal flavor. Mix the ingredients as they cool for the best results.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to add diced jalapeños for heat, or swap in quinoa for a gluten-free option. Customize it to suit your taste buds!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Enjoy cold or warm gently on low heat.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To ensure perfect results, always season your pasta water well; it makes a difference in flavor
- If using fresh corn, grill until slightly charred for that smoky taste
- Lastly, let your salad chill before serving; the flavors meld beautifully!
Sharing this recipe brings back memories of summer barbecues where this dish was always the star. Friends would rave about its refreshing taste and ask for seconds!
FAQ
What can I substitute for mayonnaise in Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad?
Greek yogurt is a great substitute; it adds creaminess without extra calories. Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn.
How can I make this salad spicier?
Add diced jalapeños or sprinkle some cayenne pepper into the dressing.
Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?
Yes, it’s best to chill for a few hours before serving to enhance flavors.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines the sweetness of corn with zesty lime and creamy dressing. This refreshing salad is perfect for summer gatherings, barbecues, or casual dinners at home. With its enticing colors and delicious ingredients, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Easy to prepare and customizable, this pasta salad allows you to enjoy the essence of Mexican street food in every bite!
Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow or rotini pasta
- 1 cup fresh sweet corn (or frozen)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt)
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a skillet, sauté fresh corn over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown.
- In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, sautéed corn, diced bell pepper, cilantro, and feta cheese. Pour the dressing over and mix well.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup / 240g
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 15mg