Street Corn Pasta Salad

This Street Corn Pasta Salad is a vibrant, creamy dish that’s perfect for summer gatherings, barbecues, or potlucks. Combining roasted corn, fresh veggies, and a tangy, smoky dressing, this salad offers a twist on the classic Mexican street corn, adding pasta to create a filling and satisfying dish. It’s packed with flavor, crunch, and a touch of heat, making it the perfect side for any occasion.

Why Street Corn Pasta Salad is Irresistible

This pasta salad brings together all the delightful elements of Mexican street corn in an easy-to-make salad form. The roasted corn adds a smoky sweetness, while the creamy dressing—made with sour cream, mayo, and fresh lime—provides the perfect balance of richness and tang. The addition of cotija cheese, cilantro, and jalapeños gives the dish a flavorful kick that’s sure to please everyone at the table. It’s a refreshing, satisfying dish that’s perfect for warm weather and will quickly become a crowd favorite.

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Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Salad:
  • 400g pasta (any pasta of your choice)
  • 2 roasted corn cobs
  • 3 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 shallot, finely minced
  • 2 jalapeños, finely minced (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 cup cotija cheese, crumbled or grated
• For the Dressing:
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup mayo
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Juice and zest of 1 lime
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

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Step-by-Step Guide to Making Street Corn Pasta Salad

1. Roast the Corn:
   • Start by husking your corn and preparing it for roasting. You can use a frying pan with olive oil to roast the corn for about 10-15 minutes, rotating the cob every couple of minutes to ensure even cooking.
   • Once the corn is roasted, use a knife or a peeler to separate the kernels from the cob. Set aside.
2. Cook the Pasta:
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
   • Drain the pasta and set it aside to cool while you prepare the other ingredients.
3. Prepare the Other Ingredients:
   • Thinly slice the green onions, and finely mince the shallot, garlic, jalapeños, and cilantro.
   • Crumble or grate the cotija cheese and zest and juice the lime.
4. Make the Dressing:
   • In a medium bowl, combine the sour cream, mayo, minced garlic, lime zest and juice, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined.
5. Assemble the Salad:
   • In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, roasted corn kernels, green onions, shallot, jalapeño, cilantro, and cotija cheese.
   • Pour the dressing over the pasta and toss everything together until well coated.
   • Taste the salad and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lime if needed.
6. Serve and Garnish:
   • Transfer the salad to a serving dish. Garnish with more crumbled cotija cheese and fresh cilantro if desired.
   • For extra flavor, you can top it with a squeeze of lime juice or a sprinkle of chili powder.

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Key Ingredients for Perfect Street Corn Pasta Salad

• Corn: Roasting the corn brings out its natural sweetness and adds a delicious smoky flavor, which is the essence of Mexican street corn.
• Cotija Cheese: This crumbly, tangy cheese is a staple in Mexican street corn and adds a salty richness that elevates the salad.
• Pasta: Fusilli or rotini work best, as their spiral shape helps hold the dressing, but feel free to use any pasta you prefer.
• Dressing: A mix of sour cream, mayo, garlic, and lime creates a creamy and tangy dressing that brings everything together.

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Exploring Variations for Your Street Corn Pasta Salad

• Spice It Up: For an extra kick, add more jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing.
• Make It Vegan: Use dairy-free mayo and vegan sour cream, and replace the cotija cheese with a dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast.
• Add Veggies: Incorporate diced tomatoes, avocado, or cucumber for more crunch and freshness.
• Add Protein: For a heartier meal, toss in some grilled chicken or shrimp to make it more filling.

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Tips for Perfect Street Corn Pasta Salad Every Time

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Be sure to cook the pasta al dente so it doesn’t get mushy when mixed with the dressing.
• Fresh Corn Is Best: While you can use frozen or canned corn, fresh corn gives the salad a natural sweetness and texture that can’t be beat.
• Chill Before Serving: Let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

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Nutritional Information for Health-Conscious Eaters

Here’s the approximate nutritional breakdown for each serving of Street Corn Pasta Salad (based on 6 servings):

• Calories: 463 kcal
• Fat: 29g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Protein: 9g
• Fiber: 5g
• Cholesterol: 15mg
• Sodium: 620mg
• Potassium: 500mg
• Vitamin A: 5%
• Vitamin C: 15%
• Calcium: 6%

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Storing and Reheating Your Street Corn Pasta Salad

To Store:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• This salad is best served cold, so keep it chilled until ready to serve.

To Reheat:

• This salad is best enjoyed cold. If you prefer it warm, you can microwave it for 20-30 seconds, but note that the texture may change.

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Serving Suggestions for Street Corn Pasta Salad

This Street Corn Pasta Salad is perfect on its own or as a side dish. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, BBQ, or even as a filling for wraps and tacos. For a complete meal, serve it with grilled chicken, shrimp, or your favorite protein.

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Essential Cooking Tools and Equipment

For this recipe, you’ll need:

• Large pot for boiling the pasta
• Grill or frying pan for roasting the corn
• Mixing bowl for assembling the salad
• Knife and cutting board for chopping the ingredients

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh?
Yes! While fresh corn adds a nice texture, frozen corn can work as well. Just make sure it’s thawed and drained before using it in the salad.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, this pasta salad can be made ahead of time. It actually tastes better after a few hours in the fridge as the flavors have more time to meld together.

Can I make this without mayo?
Yes! If you prefer, you can substitute the mayo with plain Greek yogurt for a lighter version of the dressing.

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Quick and Easy Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound pasta
• 2 roasted corn cobs
• 1 cup cilantro
• 1 cup cotija cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup mayo

Instructions:

1. Roast the corn and cook the pasta.
2. Combine the ingredients and toss with the dressing.
3. Chill and serve.

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Key Takeaways

This Street Corn Pasta Salad is a fun, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The creamy dressing, sweet roasted corn, and savory feta bring everything together in a light, refreshing salad. It’s an easy and crowd-pleasing recipe that you’ll find yourself making again and again!