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Step-by-Step Instructions for Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
1. Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Make sure to salt the water generously before adding the pasta to enhance the flavor. Once the pasta is cooked al dente, drain it and set it aside to cool. You can run cold water over the pasta to help it cool quickly, or simply let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes.
2. Grill the Corn
While the pasta is cooling, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the corn kernels (if using fresh corn, you can char it on the grill or use frozen corn) and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the corn to develop some char and color, which brings out a smoky flavor similar to the traditional Mexican street corn.
Once the corn is cooked and lightly charred, remove it from the heat and set it aside to cool. If you’re using fresh corn on the cob, you can char it on the grill before cutting the kernels off and adding them to the salad.
3. Prepare the Dressing
In a separate bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk everything together until smooth and well combined. The dressing should have a creamy consistency, with a nice balance of tang and spice.
4. Combine the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta and charred corn. Add the creamy dressing to the bowl and toss everything together gently, ensuring the pasta and corn are evenly coated.
5. Add Cheese and Cilantro
Once everything is mixed, stir in the cotija cheese (or feta) and fresh cilantro (if using). The cheese will add a lovely creamy texture and a salty kick that complements the sweet corn perfectly.
6. Adjust Seasoning
Taste your pasta salad and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more lime juice for brightness, chili powder for extra spice, or salt and pepper for balance. If you like a bit more heat, add a few dashes of hot sauce or fresh diced jalapeños.
7. Chill and Serve
For the best flavor, refrigerate the salad for about 30 minutes to an hour before serving. This will give the dressing time to fully soak into the pasta and allow the flavors to meld together.
Once chilled, your Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is ready to serve!
Serving Ideas for Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
- Taco Night: Serve this salad as a side dish for your next taco night. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like chicken, beef, or shrimp, or even vegetarian tacos.
- BBQs & Cookouts: This salad is the perfect side for summer barbecues. Whether you’re grilling burgers, hot dogs, or vegetables, the creamy, smoky flavors will complement just about anything coming off the grill.
- Potluck or Picnic: Make it the star of your next potluck or picnic spread. It’s easy to transport and stays delicious at room temperature for a few hours.
- With Grilled Meats: Serve it as a side with grilled chicken, steak, or grilled fish. The creaminess of the salad pairs beautifully with the smoky flavors of grilled dishes.
- For Meal Prep: This pasta salad is great for meal prep. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and enjoy it as a quick lunch or snack throughout the week.
Tips for Making the Best Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
- Use Fresh Corn: If you can, try to use fresh corn on the cob for an even more authentic and flavorful result. The sweetness of the corn pairs so well with the smoky dressing.
- Make It Spicy: If you love heat, feel free to add more chili powder or include diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
- Cheese Options: Cotija cheese gives this salad its signature salty, crumbly texture, but feta or Parmesan can work as substitutes if needed.
- Make Ahead: This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge. It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
- Add Vegetables: If you want to bulk up the salad with more vegetables, you can add diced bell peppers, red onions, or avocado for extra texture and flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a deliciously satisfying dish that blends the best of Mexican street food with the comforting texture of pasta. It’s creamy, tangy, smoky, and just the right amount of spicy, making it the perfect addition to any summer meal, barbecue, or party.
With its easy-to-make ingredients and customizable flavors, this pasta salad is not only a hit with crowds but also a great dish to bring to gatherings where you want something unique and full of flavor. Whether you’re serving it as a side or making it the star of the show, this salad is sure to leave everyone coming back for seconds!
Enjoy your vibrant, creamy Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad! 🌽🥑🌶
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