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Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a delicious fusion of the smoky, tangy flavors of Mexican street corn (elote) and the comforting, creamy nature of pasta salad. This vibrant dish is perfect for summer cookouts, barbecues, or a refreshing weeknight dinner. The creamy dressing, grilled corn, and zesty seasonings make this salad a crowd-pleaser, and it’s ready in just 20 minutes!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

12 oz pasta (fusilli, rotini, or bowtie)
4 ears of corn, grilled and kernels removed (or 3 cups of frozen corn, thawed)
½ cup mayonnaise
½ cup sour cream
½ cup crumbled cotija cheese
3 tbsp lime juice
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp garlic powder
½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
½ cup red onion, finely diced
1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste

Directions

Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside to cool.
Grill the Corn: Grill the corn for about 10-15 minutes until tender and slightly charred. Once cool, remove the kernels from the cob. If using frozen corn, thaw and char it lightly in a skillet.
Make the Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Assemble the Salad: Add the cooked pasta, corn kernels, crumbled cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, diced red onion, and jalapeño (if using) to the bowl with the dressing. Toss everything together until evenly coated.
Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.

Nutrients (per serving)

Calories: 350 kcal
Carbohydrates: 43g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 15mg
Sodium: 400mg
Potassium: 380mg
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 3g

Why Mexican Street Corn Works in a Pasta Salad

The inspiration behind Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad comes from the beloved Mexican street food, elote. Elote is typically grilled corn on the cob slathered with a creamy mixture of mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, and cotija cheese. This version takes those same delicious flavors and combines them with pasta to create a new take on a classic. The pasta provides a hearty base, while the grilled corn brings smokiness and sweetness, and the creamy dressing ties it all together, creating a balanced dish that works well as a side or even a main dish.

Grilled Corn: The Star Ingredient

Grilled corn is the key to this dish’s smoky and slightly charred flavor. Grilling the corn adds a rich depth of flavor that you can’t achieve with raw or boiled corn. When grilled, the kernels become slightly caramelized and take on a smoky sweetness that perfectly complements the creamy dressing. If you’re using fresh corn, simply grill it for 10-15 minutes until it’s tender and slightly charred. The grilling process not only enhances the corn’s natural sweetness but also adds a deliciously smoky undertone that elevates the entire salad.

If fresh corn is not available, frozen corn can be used as a substitute. After thawing, it can be lightly charred in a skillet to mimic the grilled flavor. While fresh corn will offer a more pronounced flavor, frozen corn is an acceptable alternative and can still bring great taste to the salad.

The Creamy Dressing

The dressing for Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a simple but flavorful combination of mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, and salt and pepper. The mayo and sour cream provide a rich and creamy base, while the lime juice adds a tangy brightness that cuts through the richness. Chili powder and garlic powder bring warmth and depth to the dressing, while cotija cheese, which is similar to feta but slightly milder, adds a salty, tangy element that is characteristic of Mexican street corn.

This dressing coats the pasta, corn, and vegetables evenly, creating a luscious texture that ties everything together. The cotija cheese adds a slight crumbly texture that enhances the overall creaminess of the salad, making each bite a satisfying mix of flavors and textures.

Adding Fresh Ingredients for Crunch and Flavor

In addition to the creamy dressing, the salad is loaded with fresh ingredients that add both color and texture. Red onion provides a sharp, crunchy bite that contrasts with the smoothness of the corn and pasta. Fresh cilantro adds a refreshing herby note that brightens the entire dish, while jalapeño (optional for those who like a bit of heat) gives the salad a zesty kick. These fresh ingredients not only balance the richness of the dressing but also enhance the overall flavor profile with their vibrant tastes and textures.

Assembly and Chilling

Once the pasta is cooked and the corn is grilled and sliced off the cob, assembling the salad is a breeze. The cooked pasta is combined with the grilled corn, fresh cilantro, red onion, and jalapeño, then tossed with the creamy dressing until everything is evenly coated. This salad is best served after being chilled in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling allows the flavors to meld together, making the salad even more flavorful. It also helps the ingredients set, so the salad becomes more cohesive, with every bite filled with the perfect balance of creamy, smoky, and tangy flavors.

Serving Suggestions

Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is versatile and can be served in many ways. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats such as chicken, steak, or fish, making it an ideal side dish for barbecues and cookouts. The creamy, smoky flavors of the salad complement the charred taste of grilled meats, and the refreshing ingredients provide a nice contrast to heavier main dishes. It also works well as a standalone dish for a light lunch or dinner, especially on hot days when you’re craving something cool and satisfying.

For a fun twist, try serving it alongside tacos, fajitas, or other Mexican-inspired dishes. Its creamy texture and zesty flavors provide a refreshing counterpoint to spicier dishes, making it the perfect side to any Mexican meal.

Nutritional Profile

Each serving of Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad provides 350 calories, making it a hearty side dish without being overly heavy. The dish contains 43 grams of carbohydrates, 7 grams of protein, and 16 grams of fat. While the fat content is relatively high due to the creamy dressing, it contributes to the richness and satisfaction of the dish. The salad also provides 3 grams of fiber, which aids in digestion, and 3 grams of sugar, primarily from the corn.

The dish is a good source of potassium (380mg) and offers 2 grams of dietary fiber. It also provides some calcium (145mg) and iron (2mg) thanks to the cheese and other ingredients. The lime juice and cilantro contribute a bit of vitamin C, helping to round out the salad’s nutritional benefits. While the sodium content (400mg) is worth considering, it is typical for creamy pasta salads and can be adjusted by reducing the amount of added salt or using a lower-sodium version of the ingredients.

Customization Options

Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is easily customizable to suit your tastes and dietary needs. If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the amount of jalapeño or add some hot sauce to the dressing. For a milder version, simply omit the jalapeño. You can also adjust the amount of chili powder to make it as mild or spicy as you like.

For a lighter version, you can swap the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt or use a combination of Greek yogurt and light mayo. You can also reduce the sour cream or substitute with a low-fat version if you’re looking to cut down on calories. For a dairy-free version, skip the cotija cheese and opt for a plant-based cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

If you’re looking for additional flavor, try adding other ingredients such as roasted red peppers, diced tomatoes, or avocado for extra freshness and texture. The beauty of this salad is its flexibility, allowing you to personalize it to fit your preferences.

Conclusion

Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a flavorful and refreshing dish that brings together the smoky, tangy flavors of Mexican street corn with the creamy, satisfying texture of pasta salad. It’s perfect for any summer gathering, cookout, or casual dinner, and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser with its balance of creamy, smoky, and zesty flavors. With its ease of preparation and customization options, this salad is a versatile and delicious addition to any meal, whether you’re serving it as a side or enjoying it as a main dish.

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