Description
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a delightful fusion of flavors, inspired by the beloved elote, or Mexican street corn. This vibrant salad features tender pasta tossed with charred corn, a creamy dressing, and a medley of spices that create a refreshing dish perfect for summer gatherings. In just 25 minutes, you can whip up this crowd-pleaser that’s versatile enough to serve as a side or a main dish. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, attending a potluck, or enjoying a casual dinner at home, this easy-to-make pasta salad will impress your guests and elevate any meal with its colorful presentation and bold taste.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked rotini or penne pasta
- 2 cups corn (grilled, frozen, or canned)
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/3 cup crumbled cotija cheese
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta with corn.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until fully coated.
- Gently fold in chopped cilantro and cotija cheese.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: For added freshness and crunch, toss in diced bell peppers or red onions. If cotija cheese isn’t available, feta cheese can be used as an excellent substitute. Chilling the salad before serving allows flavors to meld beautifully.