Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
Here’s what you will need to whip up this delicious dish:
- 12 oz pasta (rotini or penne)
- 2 cups corn (fresh, canned, or grilled)
- 1/2 cup mayo
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup cotija cheese (crumbled)
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion (optional)
- 1 jalapeño (diced, optional)
Directions
Follow these simple steps to prepare your salad:
- Step 1: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and cool under cold water.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine mayo, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.
- Step 3: Add the cooled pasta, corn, cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, red onion (if using), and diced jalapeño (if using) to the bowl. Toss everything together until well coated with the dressing.
- Step 4: Cover and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Step 5: Before serving, give the salad a gentle toss, taste, and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve chilled.
FAQs
1. How long can I store leftover pasta salad?
Leftover Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
2. Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh or canned?
Yes, frozen corn works well! Just thaw it and drain excess moisture before adding it to the salad.
3. What can I substitute for cotija cheese?
If you can’t find cotija cheese, you can substitute it with feta cheese for a similar flavor profile.
4. Is this salad gluten-free?
No, traditional pasta contains gluten. However, you can use gluten-free pasta as a substitute to make it gluten-free.
5. Can I add proteins like chicken or beans to this salad?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken, black beans, or chickpeas can be a great addition for more protein.
Conclusion
This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is not only easy to make but also packed with bold flavors that everyone will love. It’s an excellent light meal or a perfect side dish for any gathering. Enjoy this delightful fusion of pasta salad and classic Mexican street corn flavors at your next event, and watch it become a crowd favorite!
