Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a delightful and refreshing dish that brings the vibrant flavors of traditional elote to your pasta bowl. This versatile salad is perfect for summer cookouts, potlucks, or casual weeknight dinners. With its creamy dressing, fresh ingredients, and a hint of spice, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: This salad takes just 25 minutes from start to finish, making it easy for busy cooks.
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of grilled corn, creamy mayo, and zesty lime creates a delicious taste explosion.
- Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a side at barbecues or as a light main dish. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats and tacos.
- Fresh Ingredients: Packed with wholesome ingredients like corn, cilantro, and feta cheese, it’s not only tasty but nutritious too.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make it ahead of time! It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Tools and Preparation
To prepare this Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad efficiently, gather your tools in advance. Having everything ready will streamline your cooking process and make assembly a breeze.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large bowl
- Grill or grill pan
- Pot for boiling pasta
- Colander
- Mixing spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Large bowl: This is essential for mixing all your ingredients together without spilling.
- Grill or grill pan: Grilling the corn adds that smoky flavor that makes this salad stand out.
- Pot for boiling pasta: A sturdy pot ensures even cooking of the pasta to achieve that perfect al dente texture.
Ingredients
For the Pasta Salad
- 1/2 lb radiatori pasta, cooked al dente
- 6 ears of grilled corn, kernels cut off
- 3/4 cup mayo
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 tablespoons garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/3 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup cotija cheese, crumbled (more if desired)
How to Make Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Boil a pot of water and add a pinch of salt.
- Add the radiatori pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions.
- Once cooked, rinse with cold water to cool down quickly. Drain well.
Step 2: Grill the Corn
- Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium heat.
- Place the corn on the grill and cook until slightly charred on all sides—about 10 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let cool before cutting off the kernels.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
- In a large bowl, combine the corn kernels, mayo, crumbled feta cheese, chopped cilantro, lime juice, minced garlic, chili powder, paprika, kosher salt, black pepper, diced red onion, and cotija cheese.
- Gently stir in the cooled pasta until everything is well mixed.
Step 4: Serve
Serve immediately after mixing. Garnish with additional fresh cilantro, diced red onion, more cotija cheese if desired, and lime wedges on the side for an extra zesty kick!
How to Serve Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Its creamy texture and zesty flavors make it a perfect side dish or a main event at your next gathering.
As a Side Dish
- Pair it with grilled chicken or steak for a hearty meal.
- Serve alongside tacos for a refreshing contrast.
In a Taco Bar
- Include in a taco bar setup, allowing guests to add it to their tacos.
- It adds a unique twist to traditional toppings.
At Potlucks
- Bring it to potlucks as an eye-catching dish that everyone will love.
- Its colorful presentation makes it a standout on the table.
For Meal Prep
- Prepare in advance for easy lunches throughout the week.
- The flavors deepen over time, making it even tastier.
How to Perfect Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
To make your Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad shine, consider these helpful tips. They will enhance the flavor and texture of this delightful dish.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh corn and herbs elevate the dish’s taste significantly.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste as you go; adding more lime juice or salt can enhance flavors.
- Chill before serving: Letting the salad sit in the fridge allows flavors to meld beautifully.
- Experiment with cheese: Try mixing different cheeses like Monterey Jack for added creaminess.
Best Side Dishes for Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad pairs well with various dishes. Here are some excellent options that complement its flavors perfectly.
- Grilled Chicken Tacos: Juicy chicken wrapped in tortillas adds protein and flavor.
- Spicy Black Bean Dip: A creamy dip with spices brings an additional layer of taste.
- Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins provide a comforting contrast.
- Guacamole: Creamy avocado dip enhances the salad’s fresh elements.
- Chips and Salsa: Crunchy chips paired with fresh salsa create the perfect snack combo.
- Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers stuffed with rice and beans offer a colorful addition to your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Skipping the pasta cooling step – Not rinsing the cooked pasta can lead to a soggy salad. Always rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process and keep it firm.
- Overcooking the corn – Grilled corn should have a nice char without being mushy. Grill just until the kernels are tender and flavorful.
- Ignoring seasoning adjustments – Taste your salad before serving! Everyone’s palate is different, so adjust lime juice, salt, and spices as needed for your preferred flavor.
- Using stale or old ingredients – Fresh ingredients make all the difference. Ensure your herbs, cheeses, and produce are fresh for the best taste.
- Forgetting garnishes – Garnishing not only enhances presentation but adds flavor. Don’t skip topping with cilantro, cotija cheese, or lime wedges!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- It will last for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezing Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
- Freezing is not recommended due to texture changes in dairy and vegetables.
- If you must freeze it, use a freezer-safe container and consume within one month.
Reheating Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F and heat covered for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave – Use a microwave-safe dish; heat in short bursts (30 seconds) until warmed through.
- Stovetop – Warm gently over low heat with a splash of water or lime juice to prevent sticking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad.
What makes Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad special?
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad brings together classic elote flavors in a fun pasta dish! Its creamy texture combined with fresh ingredients makes it irresistible.
Can I customize my Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad?
Absolutely! You can add avocado, black beans, or even jalapeños for extra spice. Customizing allows your personal taste to shine through!
How do I serve Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad?
This salad is perfect as a side dish at cookouts or potlucks. Serve it chilled alongside grilled meats or tacos for a complete meal.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
No, this recipe contains pasta made from wheat. However, you can substitute gluten-free pasta to make it suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
Final Thoughts
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is not only delightful but also versatile. You can easily adapt it with various ingredients based on what you have on hand or your taste preferences. This dish is perfect for gatherings and promises satisfaction with every bite!
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: About 6 servings 1x
Description
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that captivates the essence of traditional elote, making it an irresistible addition to any summer gathering. This delightful salad combines perfectly cooked radiatori pasta with smoky grilled corn, creamy dressing, and fresh herbs for a refreshing twist. Ideal for potlucks, cookouts, or casual weeknight dinners, it’s a versatile choice that pairs beautifully with grilled meats and tacos. With just 25 minutes of preparation time, this easy-to-make dish ensures you can spend more time enjoying your company rather than slaving in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb radiatori pasta (cooked al dente)
- 6 ears grilled corn (kernels cut off)
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 3 tablespoons minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/3 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup cotija cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the radiatori pasta according to package directions until al dente. Rinse under cold water and drain.
- Grill corn until slightly charred on all sides; allow to cool before cutting off kernels.
- In a large bowl, combine the corn kernels with mayonnaise, feta cheese, cilantro, lime juice, garlic, spices, red onion, and cotija cheese.
- Gently mix in the cooled pasta until well combined.
- Serve immediately or chill for enhanced flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 305
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Fresh ingredients elevate the taste; consider using seasonal vegetables or herbs. Adjust seasoning to your preference; more lime juice or spices can enhance flavor profiles. Make ahead of time! The salad keeps well in the fridge for up to three days.
