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Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 81 reviews

A vibrant and creamy Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad that combines tender pasta, sweet corn, and a zesty, spiced dressing for a fresh and flavorful side dish perfect for cookouts, picnics, or any casual meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 3 cups cooked rotini or penne pasta, cooled
  • 2 cups corn (grilled, frozen, or canned, drained)

Dressing

  • 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

Finishing Touches

  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1/3 cup crumbled cotija cheese

Instructions

  1. Combine Pasta and Corn: In a large bowl, mix the cooked and cooled pasta with the corn to create the base of the salad.
  2. Prepare the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
  3. Toss with Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta and corn mixture and toss thoroughly until every piece is coated evenly with the dressing.
  4. Add Fresh Ingredients: Gently fold in the chopped fresh cilantro and crumbled cotija cheese to add freshness and texture to the salad.
  5. Chill Before Serving: Cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld perfectly before serving.

Notes

  • For added smoky flavor, grill fresh corn before cutting it off the cob.
  • If cotija cheese is unavailable, feta cheese can be used as a substitute.
  • Adjust the amount of chili powder to suit your preferred spice level.
  • This salad can be prepared a few hours ahead and stored in the refrigerator, but add the cheese and cilantro just before serving for best freshness.
  • For a vegan version, substitute mayonnaise and sour cream with vegan alternatives and omit the cheese.

Keywords: Mexican street corn, pasta salad, creamy pasta salad, cotija cheese, lime dressing, summer salad, BBQ side dish

Find it online: https://chefmilacook.com/mexican-street-corn-pasta-salad-recipe/