This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a colorful and tasty dish that combines pasta, sweet corn, and zesty flavors. With just a few ingredients, it’s super easy to make!
This salad brings a fresh, vibrant twist to pasta nights. I love serving it cold on hot days—it’s like a party in a bowl! 🌽🍝 What’s not to love about that?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: I love using rotini because its twists grab the dressing and corn. You can swap it out for other pastas like penne or elbow macaroni if needed. Just stick with a pasta that holds sauce well!
Corn Kernels: Fresh corn tastes great, but frozen corn works just as well. If you want to change things up, you could use black beans for added protein, or even diced bell peppers for a crunch.
Mayonnaise & Sour Cream: The combo of mayo and sour cream gives creaminess and tang. Greek yogurt is a tasty substitute for a healthier twist. Adjust the quantity based on your preferred creaminess.
Queso Fresco: Queso fresco adds a nice touch, but if you can’t find it, crumbled feta cheese is a good option. You could also use shredded Monterey Jack or even cheddar for a different flavor.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brings a bright pop! If you’re not a fan, parsley is a mild alternative or even chopped green onions for a different twist.
How Do You Make the Perfect Creamy Dressing for Pasta Salad?
Creating a tasty dressing is key for this pasta salad. Here’s how to nail it:
- In a large bowl, mix mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Make sure everything is smooth and well-combined. Adjust the salt and chili powder to match your taste.
- Let this dressing sit for a few minutes. It helps the flavors develop before mixing with the pasta.
For added flair, try experimenting with different spices or a dash of hot sauce for heat! This dressing is what ties all the ingredients together, making sure every bite is delicious.
Easy Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 2 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup crumbled queso fresco (or feta cheese)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tsp chili powder (or tajín)
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pasta salad takes about 20 minutes of preparation time and requires an additional 30 minutes to chill. So in total, set aside about 50 minutes to make and enjoy your refreshing meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once it’s cooked, drain the pasta and let it cool for a few minutes.
2. Make the Creamy Dressing:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything together well until you have a nice creamy dressing ready for the salad.
3. Combine the Ingredients:
Now, add the cooled rotini pasta to the bowl, along with the corn kernels, crumbled queso fresco, and chopped cilantro. Gently toss everything together until it’s well-coated with the creamy dressing.
4. Adjust Seasoning:
Give your pasta salad a taste and see if it needs any adjustments. You can add a bit more lime juice, salt, or chili powder depending on your preference. Mix again to make sure all flavors are just right!
5. Chill and Serve:
Cover the pasta salad with plastic wrap or a lid and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This will help all the wonderful flavors meld together, making it even tastier!
6. Enjoy Your Salad:
When you’re ready to serve, dish out the pasta salad cold. Feel free to garnish it with extra cilantro and crumbled queso fresco on top for that beautiful finishing touch. Enjoy your refreshing Easy Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini pasta works great for this salad, you can substitute it with other pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or even macaroni. Just make sure to cook it until al dente for the best texture in the salad!
What Can I Use Instead of Queso Fresco?
If you can’t find queso fresco, crumbled feta cheese is a fantastic substitute. Alternatively, you could use cotija cheese for an even closer flavor profile. Just keep in mind that different cheeses may have varying saltiness, so adjust seasoning accordingly!
How to Store Leftover Pasta Salad?
Store any leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors may intensify, so taste and adjust any seasoning if necessary before serving. Remember, the salad is best enjoyed cold, so keep it chilled!
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Salad?
Definitely! Feel free to customize your salad by adding diced bell peppers, red onions, or even avocado for extra flavor and texture. Just make sure to chop them finely so they blend well with the pasta and dressing!
