Looking for a refreshing side dish that combines the bold flavors of Mexican street corn with the comfort of pasta salad? This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is the perfect fusion of creamy, tangy, and smoky flavors. Whether you’re prepping for a summer BBQ or a casual weeknight meal, this salad will steal the show!
Ingredients
To make this flavorful dish, you’ll need:
- Pasta (preferably fusilli or rotini)
- Corn (grilled or roasted for that smoky flavor)
- Cotija cheese
- Sour cream or mayonnaise
- Lime juice
- Chili powder, paprika, cumin
- Cilantro
- Jalapeños (optional for heat)
- Optional: avocado, black beans, red onions
For a more nutritious twist, you could try pairing this salad with a side of low-carb lemon blueberry bread for a complete summer meal.
Step-by-Step Recipe
1. Grill the Corn
Grilling is essential to capturing the charred sweetness that makes Mexican street corn so delicious. You can also roast or boil the corn if grilling isn’t available.
Want to explore a unique twist? Try using some grilled veggies from this one-pot pasta with white beans as a variation in the salad.
2. Cook the Pasta
While the corn is grilling, cook your pasta according to the package directions. Remember to rinse with cold water to cool it down for mixing.
3. Mix the Dressing
Create a creamy dressing by mixing sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, and spices like chili powder and paprika. You can experiment with flavor, just like in this earl grey cookies recipe where creativity in ingredients enhances the final dish.
4. Combine and Chill
Fold the corn and pasta together, coating everything evenly with the dressing. Let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.
Variations
One of the best aspects of this dish is its flexibility. You can:
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
- Swap out cotija for feta for a different taste profile.
- Make it vegan by substituting the dairy products with avocado and vegan mayo.
Serving Suggestions
This salad pairs well with grilled meats or can be served as a standalone dish. You could also try serving it alongside pumpkin banana loaf for a unique flavor contrast at your next gathering.
Storage Tips
This salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If it thickens, simply add a splash of lime juice or a spoonful of sour cream before serving.