Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe

This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe is a delightful blend of flavors that celebrates the vibrant essence of summer. Featuring sweet corn, spicy jalapenos, and a creamy chili lime dressing, this dish is perfect for picnics, barbecues, or any gathering. With just 30 minutes of prep and cooking time, you can whip up this refreshing salad that will impress your guests with its bold taste and colorful presentation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of fresh corn, spicy jalapenos, and zesty lime creates a vibrant flavor profile that will tantalize your taste buds.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as a side dish or a light main course—perfect for any meal!
• Crowd-Pleaser: This salad serves six, making it great for sharing at parties or family get-togethers.
• Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to adjust the spice level or add vegetables based on your preference.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad, you’ll need a few essential tools to ensure efficiency and ease during the cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Skillet
• Sharp knife
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Necessary for boiling pasta; ensures even cooking.
• Skillet: Ideal for cooking corn to achieve that perfect charred flavor.
• Sharp knife: Essential for easily cutting corn kernels off the cob.
• Mixing bowl: Provides ample space to combine all ingredients without spills.

Ingredients

For the Pasta Salad

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or melted butter
• 6 ears corn (husks removed – approximately 4 ½ to 5 cups of corn kernels or frozen/canned corn)
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 8 oz. dry uncooked pasta (such as fusilli or farfalle)
• 2 medium jalapeno (seeded and sliced/chopped)
• ½ cup red onion (chopped finely)
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro (chopped – more to use as garnish)
• ½ cup cotija cheese (crumbled)

For the Dressing

• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 3 tablespoons sour cream (or Mexican crema)
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon lime zest (from one lime; optional)
• ¼ cup lime juice (freshly squeezed from 1 ½ to 2 limes)
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

How to Make Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Corn

You have two options for cooking the corn:
1. Grill Corn: Preheat a gas grill to 400 degrees F. Peel back the husks and remove the silk. Brush the corn with oil on all sides. Grill for about 15–20 minutes until lightly charred, turning every five minutes. Allow cooling before cutting kernels off with a sharp knife.
2. Cook in Skillet: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Remove kernels from cobs with a knife and transfer them to the skillet. Cook for about 8–10 minutes until slightly caramelized.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

While cooling the corn, fill a large pot with water, season generously with salt, and bring it to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside in a large mixing bowl.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Add cooked corn into the bowl with pasta.

Step 4: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, chili powder, lime juice, lime zest (if using), salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.

Step 5: Assemble the Salad

Drizzle dressing over the pasta and corn mixture. Toss well to coat evenly. Add jalapenos, red onion, and cilantro; stir gently to combine. Garnish with additional chopped cilantro if desired. Taste again for seasoning adjustments before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad!

How to Serve Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe

This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a delightful dish that shines at any gathering. Its vibrant flavors and textures make it ideal for various occasions. Here are some creative ways to serve this tasty salad.

As a Standalone Dish

• Enjoy it as a main dish during a light lunch or dinner. The combination of pasta, corn, and dressing makes it filling and satisfying.

With Grilled Proteins

• Pair the salad with grilled chicken or beef for a hearty meal. The smoky flavors complement the salad perfectly.

At Picnics and Barbecues

• Serve it chilled at outdoor gatherings. The fresh ingredients offer a refreshing contrast to warm weather.

In Wraps or Tacos

• Use the salad as a filling in wraps or tacos. It adds flavor and crunch, making your meal more exciting.

As a Side for Tacos or Burritos

• This pasta salad is an excellent side for any Mexican main dish, enhancing your dining experience with its vibrant taste.

How to Perfect Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe

Creating the perfect Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad requires attention to detail. Here are some essential tips to elevate your dish.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh corn provides the best flavor and texture. If using frozen or canned corn, ensure it’s high quality.
• Adjust Seasonings: Taste the dressing before mixing it with pasta. Adjust lime juice, salt, or chili powder according to your preference.
• Chill Before Serving: Allow the salad to chill for at least 30 minutes after mixing. This helps develop flavors and enhances the overall taste.
• Add More Spice: If you enjoy heat, consider adding more jalapenos or a dash of hot sauce for extra kick.
• Experiment with Cheese: While cotija cheese is traditional, try feta or queso fresco for different flavor profiles.
• Garnish Generously: Fresh cilantro on top not only enhances appearance but also adds freshness to every bite.

Best Side Dishes for Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe

Complementing your Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent side dishes that pair beautifully with it.

1. Grilled Chicken Skewers: Marinated chicken skewered and grilled adds protein and smokiness that complements the salad’s flavors.
2. Black Bean Salsa: A zesty black bean salsa brings additional texture and protein, enhancing the overall nutritional value of your meal.
3. Guacamole with Tortilla Chips: Creamy guacamole paired with crunchy tortilla chips makes for an unbeatable appetizer alongside the salad.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add depth and color while providing a nutritious balance to your plate.
5. Chili Lime Shrimp: Quick-cooked shrimp seasoned with chili powder and lime juice takes this meal up a notch in flavor.
6. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins can provide a comforting touch while echoing the corn theme of the pasta salad.
7. Cucumber Tomato Salad: A light cucumber tomato salad offers a refreshing balance against the creamy pasta salad.
8. Fruit Salad: A sweet fruit salad can cleanse the palate between bites of savory dishes, making it an excellent side choice.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making this Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad, avoid these common mistakes for the best results.

• Using undercooked pasta: Ensure your pasta is cooked al dente. Follow package instructions carefully to prevent mushy pasta in your salad.
• Skipping the seasoning: Don’t forget to season your corn and pasta properly. A little salt and pepper can enhance flavors significantly.
• Not cooling corn before mixing: Allow the grilled or sautéed corn to cool before adding it to the salad. Mixing hot corn can wilt other ingredients and change textures.
• Overdressing the salad: Use the dressing sparingly at first. You can always add more, but it’s hard to fix an overly dressed salad.
• Neglecting freshness: Make sure to use fresh ingredients like cilantro and lime juice. Fresh produce adds vibrant flavor and texture to your dish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe

• Not recommended for freezing as it can alter the texture of the ingredients.

Reheating Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals of 30 seconds, stirring in between until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Warm gently over low heat, stirring frequently to avoid sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe?

This salad combines the flavors of traditional elote, using fresh corn, jalapenos, and a creamy chili lime dressing mixed with pasta for a delightful dish.

How long does it take to make this recipe?

This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe is quick and easy, taking only about 30 minutes from start to finish.

Can I customize the ingredients?

Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or substitute different cheeses based on your preference.

How should I serve this salad?

This pasta salad works great as a side dish at barbecues or potlucks, but it can also be a light main course on its own!

Final Thoughts

This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a delicious blend of flavors that celebrates summer. Its creamy dressing paired with fresh ingredients makes it a versatile choice for any occasion. Feel free to customize the veggies or adjust the spice level according to your taste preferences!