Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

Introduction

Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines the classic taste of elote-style corn with the satisfying texture of pasta. This recipe is a fresh twist on a beloved street food, perfect for potlucks, BBQs, or as a creative side dish for your next dinner party. It’s an irresistible blend of smoky, creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors, making it a must-try for fans of Mexican cuisine.

Detailed Ingredients with Measures

For the Pasta Salad:

– 12 ounces of pasta (rotini, penne, or your preferred choice)
– 4 cups of fresh corn kernels (about 5 ears of corn) or frozen corn (thawed)
– 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
– 1/3 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
– 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta as an alternative)
– 1 jalapeño, finely diced (optional for spice lovers)

For the Dressing:

– 1/3 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tablespoons sour cream
– Juice of 2 limes (about 4 tablespoons)
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika or smoked paprika
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste

Prep Time

The preparation for this dish is quick and simple. With about 10-15 minutes of chopping, measuring, and mixing ingredients, you’ll have everything ready to bring your dish together.

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Cook Time: The pasta takes approximately 8-10 minutes to cook al dente, while the corn can be grilled, boiled, or sautéed in about 5-7 minutes. If you’re using frozen corn, simply warm it for a couple of minutes.

Total Time: Including prep and cook time, you’ll need around 25-30 minutes to make this dish.

Yield: This recipe serves approximately 6 people as a side dish or 4 people as a main course, depending on portion sizes.

This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a delightful dish that captures the essence of a street food favorite with a versatile and shareable presentation you can enjoy any time of year.
“`html

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Cook the Pasta

– Begin by boiling water in a large pot. Add salt to the boiling water to enhance the pasta’s flavor.
– Cook your choice of pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow pasta works well) according to the package instructions. Be sure to cook the pasta until al dente.
– Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set it aside to cool completely.

Prepare the Corn

– Heat a skillet or grill over medium-high heat. If using fresh corn, shuck the corn and lightly brush it with oil.
– Cook the corn on the grill or in the skillet, turning occasionally, until it’s slightly charred on all sides. This gives it smoky, authentic street corn flavor.
– Let the corn cool, then cut the kernels off the cob. If you prefer, you can use canned or frozen corn instead and lightly char it in a skillet.

Mix the Dressing

– In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, freshly squeezed lime juice, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
– Adjust the seasoning according to your taste. Add more lime juice for tanginess or chili powder for a bit of heat.

Combine Pasta and Ingredients

– In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta, charred corn kernels, diced red onions, chopped fresh cilantro, and crumbled cotija cheese.
– Pour the prepared dressing over the mixture and toss everything well to ensure each piece is evenly coated.

Adjust and Garnish

– Taste the pasta salad and adjust salt, lime juice, or chili powder as needed.
– Garnish with additional cotija cheese, freshly chopped cilantro, and a sprinkle of chili powder for extra flavor and presentation.

Chill and Serve

– Refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
– Serve chilled. It’s perfect as a side dish or even as a main course.

Notes

Adjusting Spice Level

– If you prefer a milder salad, reduce the amount of chili powder. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeño.

Using Canned or Frozen Corn

– If fresh corn is not available, canned or frozen corn can be substituted. Simply sauté the corn in a skillet until lightly browned.

Make-Ahead Option

– This pasta salad can be made a day ahead. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Stir well before serving and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Cheese Substitution

– Cotija cheese adds an authentic Mexican flavor, but if unavailable, feta cheese can be used as a substitute.

Serving Suggestions

– Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad pairs well with grilled meats, tacos, or as part of a picnic or potluck menu.

Storing Leftovers

– Store any leftover salad in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Stir before serving and check the freshness of the ingredients.
“`

Cook Techniques

Grilling the Corn

Grill the corn on the cob directly on a high flame to achieve that perfect charred flavor. Rotate the cob regularly to ensure even cooking. Grilling enhances the smoky taste of the dish.

Making the Dressing

Prepare the creamy dressing separately by mixing ingredients like mayonnaise, lime juice, seasoning, and chili powder. This ensures the flavors are well blended before adding them to the pasta.

Cooking the Pasta

Cook your pasta to an al dente texture as per package instructions. After cooking, rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent clumping.

Combining the Ingredients

Mix the grilled corn, creamy dressing, and cooked pasta together in a large bowl to ensure even coating. Gently fold in any additional ingredients to maintain the texture of the pasta and ensure consistency.

Serving and Garnishing

Finish the dish with garnishes such as fresh chopped cilantro, crumbled cheese, and a sprinkle of chili powder. Add lime wedges on the side for extra zest when serving.

FAQ

Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh corn on the cob?

Yes, you can use frozen corn if fresh is unavailable. Thaw and sauté it in a skillet to mimic the charred flavor of grilled corn.

What type of cheese is best for this recipe?

Cotija cheese is the traditional and recommended choice, but feta cheese can be a good substitute for a similar salty, crumbly texture.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dish a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container and add garnishes just before serving.

What pasta shapes work best for this salad?

Short pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or bowtie work well since they hold the dressing and corn kernels effectively.

Is there a way to make this dish spicier?

To make the salad spicier, increase the amount of chili powder or add diced jalapeños for an extra kick.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute dairy-based ingredients with vegan alternatives like plant-based mayonnaise and a dairy-free cheese option.

“`html

Conclusion

The Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a delightful fusion of vibrant flavors and textures, perfect for various occasions. Its creamy base paired with the zesty, spicy, and slightly sweet notes of the street corn creates a dish that is both satisfying and refreshing. Whether as a side dish or a main meal, this recipe stands out as a crowd-pleaser that appeals to different palates. With easy preparation and versatile ingredient combinations, it truly deserves a spot in your recipe collection.

More recipes suggestions and combination

Grilled Mexican Corn with Cheese and Lime

Pair this dish with traditional grilled Mexican corn for an authentic street-food inspired spread that’s bursting with flavor.

Spicy Chipotle Shrimp Tacos

Complement your pasta salad with chipotle shrimp tacos, adding a spicy and savory touch to your meal.

Avocado and Black Bean Salad

Combine with this healthy and refreshing avocado and black bean salad for a wholesome and colorful plate.

Loaded Nachos with Fresh Salsa

Serve alongside loaded nachos topped with melted cheese, beans, and fresh salsa for a festive snacking experience.

Creamy Cilantro Lime Rice

Match the pasta salad with a simple and flavorful cilantro lime rice to balance out the textures and flavors.

Grilled Chicken or Steak

Add a protein component such as grilled chicken or steak, seasoned with Mexican spices, to create a hearty and complete dish.

Homemade Guacamole and Tortilla Chips

Offer a side of homemade guacamole with crisp tortilla chips for a perfect appetizer or accompaniment.

Mexican-Style Elote Soup

Pair the pasta salad with a warm bowl of creamy Mexican elote soup to create a comforting and unique meal combination.
“`