Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a must-try dish!

Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a must-try dish! This delightful salad combines the vibrant flavors of traditional elote with tender pasta, making it perfect for picnics, barbecues, or any festive gathering. Its creamy dressing and zesty spices ensure that each bite bursts with flavor, making it a standout side dish at any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful Fusion: Enjoy the classic taste of elote in a refreshing pasta salad.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes, this recipe saves you time without sacrificing taste.
• Versatile Side Dish: Perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or weeknight dinners.
• Crowd-Pleaser: A guaranteed hit that will impress your guests at any event.
• Customizable Ingredients: Adjust the spice level or add your favorite vegetables for a personal touch.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a must-try dish successfully, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment makes the preparation easier and ensures great results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Refrigerator

Importance of Each Tool

• Large mixing bowl: Provides ample space for combining all ingredients without spills.
• Whisk: Ensures a smooth and well-mixed dressing that coats the pasta evenly.

Ingredients

For this vibrant and creamy Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a must-try dish, gather the following ingredients:

For the Pasta Salad

• 3 cups cooked rotini or penne pasta
• 2 cups corn (grilled, frozen, or canned)

For the Dressing

• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 1/3 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Garnish

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/3 cup crumbled cotija cheese

How to Make Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a must-try dish!

Step 1: Combine Pasta and Corn

In a large bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta with corn. Mix gently to incorporate.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Step 3: Mix Dressing with Pasta

Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture. Toss until fully coated for an even distribution of flavors.

Step 4: Add Final Touches

Fold in chopped cilantro and cotija cheese gently to maintain their texture.

Step 5: Chill Before Serving

Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld beautifully.

Enjoy your delicious Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad as a must-try dish!

How to Serve Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a must-try dish!

Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a must-try dish that brings vibrant flavors and textures to any meal. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or preparing a family dinner, this salad is sure to impress.

As a Side Dish

• Pair it with grilled chicken for a hearty meal.
• Serve alongside tacos for a festive touch.
• Offer it at potlucks as a crowd-pleaser.

In a Wrap

• Use it as a filling in tortilla wraps for an easy lunch.
• Add sliced avocado for extra creaminess.

On Its Own

• Enjoy it chilled as a refreshing lunch option.
• Top with additional cilantro for freshness.

How to Perfect Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a must-try dish!

To make your Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad even better, consider these simple tips:

• Choose the right pasta: Rotini or penne works best for holding the creamy dressing.
• Grill the corn: For added flavor, grill fresh corn until charred before adding it to the salad.
• Chill before serving: Allowing the salad to chill enhances the flavors and makes it more refreshing.
• Customize toppings: Feel free to add diced red onion or jalapeños for extra zest.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust salt and pepper based on your preference.

Best Side Dishes for Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a must-try dish!

When serving Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad, complement it with these delightful side dishes:

1. Grilled Chicken Skewers: Marinate chicken in spices and grill for juicy bites that pair perfectly with the salad.
2. Vegetable Quesadillas: Stuff tortillas with cheese and assorted vegetables, then grill until golden and crispy.
3. Black Bean Salsa: A refreshing mix of black beans, tomatoes, and onions adds protein and flavor contrast.
4. Guacamole with Tortilla Chips: Creamy guacamole served with crunchy chips makes for a satisfying snack alongside the salad.
5. Stuffed Bell Peppers: Fill bell peppers with rice, beans, and spices for colorful, flavorful additions to your meal.
6. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Cinnamon-spiced sweet potatoes roasted until tender provide a sweet balance to the savory salad.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is simple, but there are a few common mistakes that can affect the flavor and texture of your dish.

• Using warm pasta: Make sure to cool your pasta before mixing. Warm pasta can make the dressing too runny and less creamy.
• Skipping the seasoning: Don’t forget to season your salad! A pinch of salt and pepper enhances the overall flavor.
• Overcooking corn: If using fresh or frozen corn, avoid overcooking. Just grill or briefly boil until tender for the best texture.
• Neglecting chilling time: Allowing the salad to chill for at least 30 minutes helps meld the flavors together, making it tastier.
• Forgetting garnishes: Fresh cilantro and cotija cheese add a finishing touch. Don’t skip these essential ingredients for that authentic taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
• Make sure to let it cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation.

Freezing Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a must-try dish!

• It’s best not to freeze this salad due to its creamy ingredients, which may separate upon thawing.
• If you must freeze, consider omitting mayonnaise and sour cream until serving.

Reheating Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a must-try dish!

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10 minutes in an oven-safe dish.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe container, heating in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Heat gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring frequently to avoid burning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad.

How can I customize Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a must-try dish!?

You can add diced bell peppers, jalapeños, or avocado for extra flavor. Experiment with different herbs like parsley or green onions as well!

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! This salad can be prepared a day in advance. Just add fresh herbs right before serving for optimal freshness.

What kind of pasta works best?

Rotini or penne are great choices because they hold onto the dressing well. However, any short pasta will work!

Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?

Yes! This version of Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is vegetarian-friendly since it avoids meat products while still being deliciously satisfying.

Final Thoughts

Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a must-try dish that brings vibrant flavors and textures to any meal. Its creamy dressing combined with sweet corn makes it a delightful side or main dish. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients, ensuring everyone enjoys this festive salad!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Print

Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Lara
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a must-try dish that beautifully marries the classic flavors of elote with tender pasta, creating a vibrant and creamy side perfect for any gathering. This salad is not only quick to prepare but also highly customizable, allowing you to adjust spices and add your favorite vegetables to suit your taste. Whether served at summer barbecues, potlucks, or casual weeknight dinners, this crowd-pleaser will leave everyone wanting more. With its zesty dressing and fresh ingredients, it’s sure to impress guests while keeping meal prep simple and enjoyable.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 cups cooked rotini or penne pasta
• 2 cups corn (grilled, frozen, or canned)
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 1/3 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/3 cup crumbled cotija cheese

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta with corn. Mix gently to incorporate.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until fully coated.
4. Fold in chopped cilantro and cotija cheese gently to maintain texture.
5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance flavors.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 8g
• Cholesterol: 15mg