Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad (Print version)

Vibrant pasta salad with sweet corn, zesty lime, and creamy smoky dressing inspired by Mexican street corn flavors.

# What you'll need:

→ Pasta

01 - 12 oz rotini or fusilli pasta

→ Vegetables

02 - 2 cups corn kernels, fresh, grilled or frozen and thawed
03 - 1/2 red onion, finely diced
04 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
05 - 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely diced
06 - 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

→ Cheese

07 - 3/4 cup crumbled cotija or feta cheese

→ Dressing

08 - 1/2 cup mayonnaise
09 - 1/4 cup sour cream
10 - 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
11 - 1 tsp lime zest
12 - 1/2 tsp chili powder
13 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
14 - 1/2 tsp ground cumin
15 - 1 tsp hot sauce
16 - Salt and black pepper to taste

# Method:

01 - Prepare pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and rinse under cold water to stop cooking process. Set aside to cool completely.
02 - If using fresh corn, heat skillet over medium-high heat and cook corn kernels until lightly charred and browned, approximately 5 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, add cooled pasta, charred corn, diced red onion, bell pepper, jalapeño, and chopped cilantro. Toss gently to distribute evenly.
04 - Whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, fresh lime juice, lime zest, chili powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, and hot sauce until completely smooth and well combined. Season with salt and black pepper.
05 - Pour prepared dressing over pasta and vegetable mixture. Toss thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
06 - Gently fold in most of the crumbled cotija or feta cheese, reserving a small portion for garnish. Avoid over-mixing to prevent cheese from breaking down.
07 - Transfer salad to serving platter or bowl. Sprinkle remaining cheese over top and add extra cilantro if desired. Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

# Expert advice:

01 -
  • The smoky tangy dressing coats every bite perfectly and gets even better as it sits
  • It travels beautifully and stays creamy without getting watery or soggy
  • You can prep everything ahead and toss it together in under ten minutes
02 -
  • The flavor develops so much in the fridge so try to make it at least a few hours ahead
  • Rinsing the pasta well is what keeps it from clumping together as it chills
  • Add the cheese right before serving if you want those crumbles to stay distinct and visible
03 -
  • Reserve a handful of corn kernels to sprinkle on top for the prettiest presentation
  • Let the salad sit at room temperature for about ten minutes before serving for the best flavor

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