This Easy Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad brings all the fun flavors of street corn right into a bowl! With sweet corn, creamy dressing, and a hint of lime, it’s refreshing and yummy.
This salad is perfect for summer BBQs or just a nice dinner at home. I love to top it with some crumbled cheese and fresh cilantro. It always gets compliments—trust me, you’ll want seconds! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Bow-tie pasta (farfalle) is great for this salad! If you don’t have it, you can use any short pasta like rotini, penne, or even macaroni for a fun twist.
Corn: Fresh corn is preferred and gives a sweet crunch. However, frozen corn works just as well. Just make sure it’s thawed before using it!
Mayonnaise: While mayonnaise adds creaminess, you can replace it with Greek yogurt for a healthier option. It gives a nice tang, too.
Mexican Crema: If you can’t find Mexican crema, sour cream is an easy substitute. It’s readily available and will keep the creaminess intact.
Cotija Cheese: Cotija cheese adds a salty bite. If you don’t have any, feta or Parmesan can stand in nicely.
How Do I Get the Best Flavor from the Corn?
Sautéing the corn really enhances its sweetness and flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- Use medium heat, so the corn cooks through without burning.
- Keep an eye on the corn; let it develop golden brown spots, which adds a delicious caramelized flavor.
- Allow it to cool a bit before adding it to the salad mix – this prevents wilting the other ingredients!
This simple step makes a big difference in taste, so don’t rush it! Enjoy your pasta salad packed with bright flavors! 😄
Easy Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 cups cooked bow-tie pasta (farfalle), drained and cooled
- 3 cups fresh corn kernels (from about 4 ears) or frozen corn, thawed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup Mexican crema or sour cream
- 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta cheese)
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground chili powder (smoked chili powder or regular)
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful pasta salad takes about 20 minutes to prepare and is best served chilled for a refreshing taste. You can whip it up quickly when you need a tasty side dish or a light meal option!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Corn:
In a skillet over medium heat, pour in the olive oil. When it’s hot, add the corn kernels. Sauté them until they become golden and slightly charred—this should take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove from heat and let them cool for a bit.
2. Cook the Pasta:
Cook the bow-tie pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once cooked, drain it well and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Let it drain thoroughly so it doesn’t water down your salad.
3. Make the Dressing:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Mexican crema (or sour cream), lime juice, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Use a whisk to blend everything together until smooth and creamy.
4. Combine Ingredients:
Add the cooled pasta, sautéed corn, sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, and half of the cotija cheese into the bowl with the dressing. Gently mix everything until it’s well coated with the dressing!
5. Taste and Adjust:
Take a moment to taste your salad and see if it needs a little more salt, pepper, lime juice, or chili powder. Adjust the seasonings according to your preference.
6. Serve:
Transfer the salad to a serving bowl. Sprinkle the remaining cotija cheese on top and garnish with a bit of extra cilantro if you like. You can enjoy it right away, but it tastes even better when chilled for a bit in the refrigerator!
Enjoy your creamy, tangy, and slightly smoky Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad as a delightful side dish or a refreshing light meal! 🌽🍽️
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Canned Corn Instead of Fresh or Frozen?
Yes, you can use canned corn! Just make sure to drain and rinse it thoroughly to remove excess sodium and any preservatives. Canned corn is already cooked, so you can skip the sautéing step!
How Long Will Leftovers Last in the Fridge?
Leftover Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving again, as the ingredients might settle.
What Should I Serve with This Salad?
This salad is great on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, tacos, or as a side for summer BBQs. You can also serve it alongside a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
Absolutely! To make it vegan, substitute the mayonnaise and Mexican crema with vegan versions. Use a plant-based cheese or simply skip the cheese altogether. It will still be delicious!
