This Easy Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad brings together creamy corn, fresh flavors, and a hint of spice. It’s colorful, tasty, and perfect for picnics or barbecues!
I love tossing this together on a sunny day. The sweet corn and zesty dressing make it hard to resist. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself going back for seconds! 🌽
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: This pasta shape holds the creamy dressing and corn nicely. You can swap it with any pasta of your choice, like penne or fusilli, if you have those on hand.
Corn: Fresh corn gives a great texture and sweetness, but frozen or canned corn works perfectly too. Just make sure to drain the canned corn well!
Mayonnaise: While mayonnaise adds creaminess, you could use Greek yogurt for a lighter option. It’ll add a nice tang and is healthier, too.
Sour Cream: Sour cream delivers a nice creaminess. You can substitute it with plain yogurt for a similar taste, or skip it altogether for a lighter version.
Feta Cheese: Feta gives this salad a salty kick. If you’re not a feta fan, try queso fresco or even goat cheese for a different flavor.
How Do I Grill or Sauté Fresh Corn?
Cooking fresh corn brings out its sweetness and adds a nice char to the salad. Here’s how to do it:
- If using fresh corn, remove the husks and silk, then cut the kernels off the cob.
- To grill, preheat the grill to medium heat, toss corn with a bit of oil, and grill for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally until lightly charred.
- To sauté, heat a skillet over medium-high heat, add oil, and then corn. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown, stirring often.
- Once cooked, set aside to cool before adding it to the salad.
Easy Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta Salad:
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 2 cups corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: additional feta cheese and cilantro for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pasta salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus an additional 30 minutes for chilling in the refrigerator. In no time, you’ll have a refreshing and flavorful dish ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down. This will stop the cooking process and make it perfect for your salad.
2. Prepare the Corn:
Next, it’s time to get your corn ready! If you’re using fresh corn, you can grill or sauté it until it gets a nice light char. For frozen corn, just thaw it out and drain any excess water. If you’re going with canned corn, simply drain it. Set the corn aside once it’s prepared.
3. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta with the prepared corn, mayonnaise, sour cream, crumbled feta cheese, chopped cilantro, lime juice, and chili powder. Give it a good stir until everything is evenly mixed together.
4. Season to Taste:
Now, it’s time to add some flavor! Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well for a delicious and creamy finish to your salad. Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust the seasoning if needed!
5. Chill and Serve:
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes. This will help all the flavors blend beautifully. When you’re ready to serve, consider garnishing with some extra feta cheese and cilantro for that lovely touch. Enjoy your refreshing and tasty salad!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While rotini works great, you can substitute with other pasta shapes like penne, farfalle, or even gluten-free pasta. Just keep an eye on the cooking times, as they may vary slightly from rotini.
What Can I Substitute for Mayonnaise?
If you’re looking for a lighter option or want to make it dairy-free, Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute for mayonnaise. You can also use avocado for a creamy texture; just mash it and mix it in with the other ingredients!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To refresh the salad before serving, you might want to add a little extra lime juice or yogurt to perk up the flavors.
Can I Add Extra Veggies?
Definitely! Feel free to add diced bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or red onion for some crunch and extra flavor. Just remember to chop them finely so they mix well into the salad!
