Description
A vibrant and flavorful pasta salad inspired by Mexican street corn, featuring creamy pasta, charred corn, and a spicy, tangy dressing.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz elbow macaroni or fusilli pasta
- 4 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup cotija cheese, crumbled
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add corn kernels and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly charred and cooked through. Let cool.
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, charred corn, diced red bell pepper, red onion, cilantro, and jalapeño (if using).
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently until everything is well coated.
- Fold in crumbled cotija cheese, reserving some for garnish if desired.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, give the salad a good stir and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with extra cilantro and cotija cheese.
Notes
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of jalapeño to your liking.
- Cheese Substitution: Feta cheese works well as a substitute for cotija.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Cold
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Mexican street corn, pasta salad, elote, summer salad, potluck, quick recipe, easy recipe, vegetarian
