Tasty Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

Tasty Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

A Flavorful Bowl of Summer Sunshine

Are you ready to bring a taste of vibrant Mexican street food to your dinner table? If you are craving something creamy, flavorful, and utterly satisfying, then look no further than this Tasty Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad! Picture this: sweet corn slathered in zesty lime and spices, tangled with tender pasta, and crowned with the delightful crunch of fresh veggies. This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s a fiesta in a bowl!

Fun fact: Mexican street corn, known as "elote," is traditionally grilled and topped with cheese, lime, and chili powder—full of flavor and downright delicious! Now, imagine those bold flavors combined with pasta for an easy, family-friendly recipe you’ll want to enjoy year-round. If you love the refreshing taste of our Summer Caprese Salad, you’ll find just as much joy in this exciting fusion dish. So grab your apron, and let’s dive into this delightful, quick-to-make recipe that’ll charm everyone at the dinner table!

What is Tasty Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad?

So, what’s the story behind the name Tasty Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad? Well, it’s a bit of a mouthful, just like the delightful dish it describes! Don’t you love that it’s giving homage to street food culture while sprinkling in the comforting vibes of pasta? It feels almost like this dish has a little party going on, doesn’t it? You can bet it’s going to knock your socks off with flavor! After all, they say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, but I believe this pasta salad can win over just about anyone! Are you ready to toss together this unique and catchy recipe and make your taste buds dance? Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Tasty Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

There are three fantastic reasons to make Tasty Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad shine on your dining table! First, the highlight of this dish is its vibrant blend of sweet corn, creamy dressing, and burst of spicy flavors, bringing the soul of Mexican street food to your home cooking. Second, making this masterpiece at home saves you money while still delivering that classic taste you adore. Plus, you can control the ingredients to create a healthier version that suits your family’s palate. Lastly, it’s all about the toppings! Crumbled cotija cheese, fresh cilantro, and a drizzle of zesty lime make each bite unforgettable.

If you’re fond of our vibrant Mediterranean Pasta Salad, you’ll love this dish too! Its colorful ingredients and fresh flavors create a party for your mouth. So, why not whip up this delicious salad and see for yourself?

How to Make Tasty Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

Quick Overview

Tasty Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is not only easy to whip up, but it also marries the creamy, comforting element of pasta with the unforgettable burst of flavors from Mexican street corn. This simple dish takes just about 30 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for a busy weeknight meal or an impressive side at your next gathering.

Key Ingredients for Tasty Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

To create this mouthwatering salad, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 12 oz. pasta (elbow macaroni or rotini works best)
• 2 cups corn (fresh or frozen)
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1/2 red onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
• Optional: Jalapeño, diced (for those who like it spicy)

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.

2. Prepare the Corn: If using fresh corn, grill it on medium heat for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until lightly charred. For frozen corn, heat it in a microwave or skillet until warmed through.

3. Make the Dressing: In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth.

4. Combine Ingredients: Add the cooled pasta, grilled corn, cotija cheese, cilantro, red onion, and bell pepper into the bowl with the dressing. Toss everything gently until well coated.

5. Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled, garnished with more cilantro and lime wedges if desired.

What to Serve Tasty Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad With

This salad is versatile and pairs perfectly with a range of delicious sides! Consider serving it alongside grilled chicken, fish tacos, or spicy shrimp for a well-rounded meal. For a vegetarian option, serve it with roasted vegetables or black bean quesadillas. Don’t forget a refreshing drink; a zesty limeade or iced herbal tea would complement the flavors beautifully!

Top Tips for Perfecting Tasty Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

1. Ingredient Substitutions: If you can’t find cotija cheese, feta cheese can be a decent alternative, although the flavor will differ slightly!

2. Timing Adjustments: For an even fresher flavor, prepare the dressing ahead of time and let it sit overnight in the fridge. Flavors tend to deepen and blend beautifully!

3. Common Mistakes: Don’t skip rinsing the pasta! This helps to stop the cooking process and prevents the pasta from becoming soggy.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Tasty Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you’re planning to make it ahead, consider adding fresh ingredients like cilantro and bell pepper just before serving to keep them crisp. For reheating, simply toss in a bowl and enjoy cold or allow to sit at room temperature for a bit. While it’s best fresh, leftovers can still hold the flavors quite well!

Now that you have all the details, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, channel your inner chef, and prepare this vibrant Tasty Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad that’s guaranteed to delight friends and family alike! Enjoy every delicious bite!

Tasty Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

A vibrant and creamy pasta salad that combines the bold flavors of Mexican street corn with tender pasta, fresh veggies, and zesty dressing, perfect for summer gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine: Mexican

Calories: 320

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 12 oz pasta (elbow macaroni or rotini) Choose your preferred pasta shape.
• 2 cups corn (fresh or frozen) If using fresh, grill it to enhance the flavor.
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise For the creamy dressing base.
• 1/4 cup sour cream Adds richness to the dressing.
• 1 tablespoon lime juice Fresh lime juice for brightness.
• 1 teaspoon chili powder Adds a spicy kick.
• to taste Salt and pepper Season according to preference.
• 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese Traditional Mexican cheese; can substitute feta.
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro For freshness.
• 1/2 red onion, diced Provides crunch and flavor.
• 1 whole bell pepper (any color), diced Adds color and sweetness.
• 1 Optional: Jalapeño, diced Add for extra spice.

Method

 

Cooking the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.

Preparing the Corn

1. If using fresh corn, grill it on medium heat for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until lightly charred. For frozen corn, heat it in a microwave or skillet until warmed through.

Making the Dressing

1. In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth.

Combining Ingredients

1. Add the cooled pasta, grilled corn, cotija cheese, cilantro, red onion, and bell pepper into the bowl with the dressing. Toss everything gently until well coated.

Chilling and Serving

1. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled, garnished with more cilantro and lime wedges if desired.

Notes

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best flavor, add fresh ingredients like cilantro just before serving. Serve alongside grilled meats or vegetarian options for a complete meal.