Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad (Printable)

Creamy pasta salad with grilled corn, zesty lime, and smoky spices.

# Ingredient List:

→ 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

# Directions:

01 - Boil pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and rinse under cold running water to stop cooking and cool completely.
02 - If using fresh corn, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add corn kernels. Cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly charred and browned, about 5 minutes. Let cool completely.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, add cooled pasta, charred corn, diced red onion, red bell pepper, jalapeño, and chopped cilantro. Toss gently to distribute evenly.
04 - In a separate medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, lime zest, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, hot sauce, salt, and black pepper until completely smooth and creamy.
05 - Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Toss thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
06 - Gently fold in all but 2 tablespoons of the crumbled cotija or feta cheese, being careful not to break up the cheese too much.
07 - Transfer salad to a serving bowl or platter. Sprinkle reserved cheese over the top along with additional fresh cilantro if desired. Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The creamy smoky dressing hits all the right notes without being overwhelming
  • It travels beautifully and actually tastes better after the flavors meld together
02 -
  • Rinse the pasta thoroughly under cold water or it will keep cooking and turn mushy
  • The salad needs that chill time in the refrigerator for the flavors to develop properly
03 -
  • Save a handful of fresh cilantro to scatter on top right before serving
  • The flavors actually improve overnight so this is perfect for making ahead

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