Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a vibrant dish that brings the beloved flavors of traditional elote right to your table in a fun, easy-to-make format. Imagine creamy, tangy dressing enveloping perfectly cooked pasta, paired with the sweetness of fresh corn and the zestiness of lime. It feels familiar and festive, making it ideal for family dinners, summer barbecues, or potlucks with friends. There’s something magical about the way the ingredients come together, creating a delightful symphony of tastes and textures. Each bite bursts with the warmth of Mexican street food, transporting you to a lively outdoor market. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s create this dish that’s sure to become a staple in your recipe book!

Why This Recipe Works

The charm of this Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad lies in its combination of ingredients that mimic the flavors of traditional Mexican street corn, also known as elote. The pasta in this dish serves as the perfect base, absorbing the creamy and tangy dressing beautifully. Each ingredient complements the others, from the sweet corn to the zesty lime, ensuring you’ll experience a delicious explosion of flavors in every spoonful.

Why You’ll Love This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

You will adore this Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad for several reasons! First, it’s quick and easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for weeknight meals or summer cookouts. Who doesn’t love a dish that comes together in a flash? Moreover, its versatility shines through; you can enjoy it as a delightful side or make it the star of the meal. Best of all, this salad highlights the fresh flavors of summer, allowing you to savor seasonal produce in its prime.

Ingredients

• 16 ounces ditalini pasta (or any shape: shells, elbow macaroni, bow-tie)
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 4 medium ears of corn, husked
• 4 tablespoons lime juice (about 2 limes)
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 cup Mexican crema or sour cream
• ¾ teaspoon fine salt, plus more to taste
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro, plus more for topping
• ½ cup crumbled cotija cheese, plus more for topping
• Chile lime seasoning (like Tajiín), for topping

Cook the Pasta to Perfection

First, let’s get that pasta cooking! Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, and then add your ditalini pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. After draining the pasta, toss it with the olive oil in a large bowl. This step is crucial; it’ll keep the pasta from sticking together. Now, let it cool for a bit while you focus on the corn.

Cook the Corn

In the same boiling water, add the husked corn. Cook it for about 5 minutes or until it turns tender and bright yellow. Once done, remove it from the water and let it cool down. Then comes the fun part—cutting the kernels off the cob. A sharp knife will make this so much easier, giving you those perfect juicy bites to add to your pasta salad.

Prepare the Creamy Dressing

Now that we have our pasta and corn ready, it’s time to whip up the creamy dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, mayonnaise, Mexican crema, garlic powder, fine salt, and cayenne pepper until everything is smooth and well-combined. The zesty lime and creamy mayo create a delightful base that ties all the ingredients together.

Combine Ingredients

In the large bowl with the cooled pasta, add the cut corn kernels, chopped cilantro, crumbled cotija cheese, and the creamy dressing you just prepared. Toss everything together gently, ensuring that the dressing evenly coats the pasta and other ingredients. The cilantro and cheese add a refreshing twist, enhancing the flavor profile even more.

Garnish and Serve

To finish it off, add a sprinkle of additional cilantro, a bit more cotija cheese, and a dash of Tajiín for that extra kick if you’d like. While you can serve this refreshing salad right away, letting it chill in the refrigerator for an hour or more allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is incredibly versatile. You can serve it alongside grilled meats, making it a perfect companion for summer barbecues. It’s also fantastic as part of a taco night feast! If you’re heading to a potluck or picnic, this dish will surely be a hit on the table.

Tips for Success

For an even richer flavor, try grilling the corn before adding it to the salad. This little step adds a smoky taste that elevates the overall dish. Additionally, feel free to adjust the cayenne pepper to suit your spice preference, whether you want a gentle warmth or a fiery kick.

Variations

If you’re feeling creative, there are several ways you can switch things up. You can substitute the ditalini pasta with whole wheat or gluten-free options for a healthier twist. Want to kick up the flavor? Diced bell peppers or jalapeños can be great additions, adding both crunch and spice!

Storage Tips

If you happen to have leftovers, don’t worry! This salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just keep in mind that the pasta may absorb more dressing over time, so feel free to add a splash of lime juice or extra dressing before serving again.

Pairing Ideas

Pair your Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad with a light Mexican lager or a refreshing glass of lemonade for the perfect combination. It also goes well with grilled shrimp, chicken, or vegetarian tacos, creating a harmonized meal that everyone will enjoy.

FAQs

1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?

2. Yes! It can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before serving.

3. What can I substitute for cotija cheese?

4. Feta cheese is a great alternative, offering a similar flavor and texture.

5. Is there a vegan version of this recipe?

6. Absolutely! Use vegan mayonnaise and sour cream, and replace cotija cheese with nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor.

7. Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh?

8. Yes, go right ahead! Just thaw and drain it before adding to the salad.

9. How can I make this spicier?

10. You can easily amp up the heat by adding more cayenne pepper or including diced jalapeños.

Try this Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad for a delightful dish that captures the spirit of summer gatherings and celebrates the flavors of Mexican cuisine, all in a convenient pasta form! Perfect for both quick dinners and entertaining guests, this recipe is destined to become a family favorite. Enjoy the vibrancy of colors and flavors as you share the joy of good food with loved ones.

Print