Description
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a creamy, zesty, and smoky pasta salad that combines grilled corn, fresh herbs, and a tangy dressing inspired by authentic Mexican street corn. Perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or quick meals, this vibrant and flavorful salad is easy to prepare, versatile, and crowd-pleasing.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 3 ears fresh corn, grilled and kernels removed
- 3 cups cooked rotini or shell pasta, cooled
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup Cotija cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Corn: Grill fresh corn on the cob until lightly charred on all sides to develop an authentic smoky flavor. Once cooled, carefully cut the kernels off the cob and set aside.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta for the salad.
- Mix the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, fresh lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, grilled corn kernels, chopped green onions, and cilantro. Pour the dressing over and toss gently to evenly coat all the ingredients.
- Add Cheese and Final Touches: Sprinkle the crumbled Cotija cheese over the salad and give a gentle stir to incorporate without breaking up the cheese too much. Adjust seasonings if needed.
Notes
- Don’t skip grilling the corn; the smoky charring is essential for authentic flavor.
- Rinsing pasta with cold water prevents sticking and keeps the salad refreshing.
- Adjust lime juice and chili powder to taste to balance tang and spice.
- Use fresh herbs and fresh lime juice for brighter, deeper flavors.
- Chill the salad before serving to allow flavors to meld and improve taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Grilling, Boiling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
Keywords: Mexican street corn, pasta salad, grilled corn, summer salad, creamy dressing, cotija cheese, cilantro, lime, chili powder