Get ready to enjoy a burst of bold, vibrant flavors with this Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad! Inspired by the classic street food favorite, this salad combines tender pasta, sweet corn, creamy dressing, and a zesty mix of spices for a truly irresistible dish. Topped with crumbled cheese, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime, every bite offers a perfect balance of tangy, savory, and sweet. Whether you’re serving it at a BBQ, picnic, or as a side to your favorite meal, this pasta salad is sure to become a crowd-pleasing hit!
Why You’ll Love This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a game-changer for busy days. It comes together in under an hour, making it a perfect choice for those hectic evenings. The combination of sweet corn, zesty lime, and creamy feta creates a flavor explosion that will have your taste buds dancing. Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve as a side dish or a main course, ensuring everyone at the table leaves happy and satisfied!
Ingredients for Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad a hit. Here’s what you’ll need:
Rotini pasta: This spiral-shaped pasta holds onto the dressing beautifully, making every bite flavorful.
Olive oil: A drizzle helps prevent the pasta from sticking together and adds a touch of richness.
Corn kernels: Fresh, frozen, or canned—corn brings sweetness and a pop of color to the salad.
Red bell pepper: Diced for crunch and a hint of sweetness, it brightens up the dish.
Red onion: Finely chopped, it adds a sharp bite that balances the creaminess of the dressing.
Cherry tomatoes: Halved for juiciness, they provide a burst of flavor in every forkful.
Fresh cilantro: Chopped for a fresh, herbaceous note that complements the other ingredients.
Feta cheese: Crumbled for a creamy, tangy element; you can swap it for cotija cheese for a more authentic taste.
Mayonnaise: This creamy base helps bind the salad together, making it rich and satisfying.
Lime juice: Freshly squeezed for a zesty kick that brightens the entire dish.
Chili powder: Adds a warm, smoky flavor that enhances the overall taste.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning, ensuring all the flavors shine through.
For those looking to add a protein boost, consider mixing in grilled chicken or black beans. You can find the exact quantities for each ingredient at the bottom of the article, ready for printing!
How to Make Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into making this delicious Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a vibrant dish that’s sure to impress!
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling a pot of salted water. Once it’s bubbling, add the rotini pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Remember, you want it firm enough to hold up in the salad.
After cooking, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking process and cools it down quickly. Drizzle a tablespoon of olive oil over the pasta to keep it from sticking together. Give it a gentle toss to coat.
Step 2: Sauté the Corn
While the pasta is cooking, grab a skillet and heat it over medium heat. Add the corn kernels to the pan. Sauté them for about 5 minutes until they’re slightly charred. This step adds a lovely depth of flavor to your salad.
Once done, remove the corn from the heat and let it cool. The charred bits will give your salad that authentic street corn taste!
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, sautéed corn, diced red bell pepper, red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped cilantro, and crumbled feta cheese. Each ingredient adds its own unique flavor and texture, making this salad a delightful medley.
Gently toss everything together, ensuring the ingredients are evenly distributed. This is where the magic begins!
Step 4: Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, salt, and pepper. This creamy dressing is what ties all the flavors together. Adjust the seasoning to your taste; a little extra lime juice can brighten it up even more!
Once mixed, pour the dressing over the pasta salad. Toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly. You want every bite to be bursting with flavor!
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully. If you can, let it sit longer; it only gets better!
When you’re ready to serve, give it a quick stir. You can enjoy this salad chilled or at room temperature. Either way, it’s a crowd-pleaser!
Tips for Success
Always salt your pasta water; it enhances the flavor of the pasta.
For extra crunch, add some toasted corn or nuts just before serving.
Let the salad chill longer for deeper flavor; overnight is even better!
Adjust the lime juice and chili powder to suit your taste preferences.
Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor and texture.
Equipment Needed
Large pot: For boiling pasta; a deep saucepan works too.
Skillet: To sauté the corn; a non-stick pan is ideal.
Mixing bowl: A large bowl for combining ingredients; any bowl will do.
Whisk: For mixing the dressing; a fork can work in a pinch.
Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient amounts; use your regular kitchen tools.
Variations
Grilled Chicken: Add diced grilled chicken for a protein-packed meal that’s filling and satisfying.
Black Beans: Mix in black beans for a hearty vegetarian option that boosts fiber and protein.
Spicy Kick: Incorporate diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for those who love a little heat.
Vegan Option: Substitute mayonnaise with a vegan alternative and use tofu or avocado instead of cheese.
Seasonal Veggies: Feel free to add seasonal vegetables like zucchini or asparagus for extra color and nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad with grilled chicken or shrimp for a complete meal.
Serve alongside tortilla chips and salsa for a fun, festive touch.
For drinks, consider a refreshing limeade or a chilled white wine.
Garnish with extra cilantro or lime wedges for a beautiful presentation.
Can I make this Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! This salad tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving to redistribute the flavors.
What can I substitute for feta cheese?
If you’re looking for a different flavor, cotija cheese is a fantastic substitute. It adds an authentic Mexican touch. You can also use goat cheese for a creamier texture.
Is this salad gluten-free?
To make this Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad gluten-free, simply swap the rotini pasta for a gluten-free pasta alternative. There are many great options available now!
How long will leftovers last in the fridge?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Just keep in mind that the pasta may absorb some of the dressing over time.
Can I add more vegetables to this salad?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative. Adding diced cucumbers, avocado, or even roasted red peppers can enhance the flavor and texture of your Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad.
Final Thoughts
Making this Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is more than just preparing a meal; it’s about creating a joyful experience for you and your loved ones. The vibrant colors and bold flavors bring a festive spirit to any table, making it perfect for gatherings or simple family dinners. I love how easy it is to whip up, even on the busiest days. Plus, the smiles on my family’s faces when they take that first bite? Priceless! So, gather your ingredients, and let this delightful dish bring a taste of Mexico into your home. You won’t regret it!
A refreshing and flavorful Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad that combines the taste of street corn with pasta for a delightful dish.
Ingredients
Scale
8 ounces rotini pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
1 red bell pepper, diced
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 teaspoon chili powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Transfer to a large mixing bowl and drizzle with olive oil to prevent sticking.
In a skillet over medium heat, add the corn kernels and sauté for about 5 minutes until slightly charred. Remove from heat and let cool.
Add the cooled corn, diced red bell pepper, red onion, cherry tomatoes, cilantro, and feta cheese to the bowl with the pasta.
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently to combine.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
For added protein, consider mixing in grilled chicken or black beans.
Substitute the feta cheese with cotija cheese for a more authentic Mexican flavor.
