This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a tasty mix of pasta, sweet corn, and vibrant spices. It’s like bringing the flavors of street food straight to your kitchen!
This dish is colorful and crunchy, making it perfect for parties or a simple meal. I love how easy it is to whip up and how everyone wants seconds! 🌽🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Farfalle Pasta: This butterfly-shaped pasta adds fun to the dish. You can use other pasta like rotini, penne, or gluten-free options too. Just follow the cooking time on the package for best results.
Corn Kernels: Fresh corn gives a sweet crunch, but frozen corn works great and is convenient. You can even use canned corn; just drain and rinse it well to remove excess salt.
Mayonnaise and Greek Yogurt: Mayonnaise adds creaminess, while Greek yogurt reduces calories and adds protein. If you prefer a vegan option, use vegan mayonnaise and coconut yogurt for a similar texture.
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice brightens up the salad. Bottled lime juice is fine in a pinch, but fresh has a better taste. You could also try lemon juice for a slightly different zing!
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro gives a burst of flavor. If you’re not a fan, parsley can be a nice alternative, though it won’t give the same taste. You might also consider green onions for an extra crunch!
How Do I Make Sure My Pasta Salad is Well Mixed and Flavorful?
Mixing the ingredients properly is key to a great pasta salad. When you add the cooked pasta to the corn mixture, do it gently to avoid breaking the pasta. Here’s a simple way to ensure good flavor:
- Combine the dressing well before adding the pasta. This gets all those flavors blended nicely.
- After adding the pasta, use a spatula to fold ingredients together instead of stirring vigorously. This keeps your pasta intact.
- Don’t forget to taste! Adjust salt, pepper, or lime juice until it’s just how you like it.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes; this really helps the flavors come together.
How to Make Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta Salad:
- 8 oz farfalle pasta (or any pasta of choice)
- 2 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen, cooked)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
- 1/4 cup lime juice (about 2 limes)
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Cotija cheese, for garnish (optional)
- Lime wedges, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty pasta salad will take about 15 minutes to prepare and then another 30 minutes to chill in the fridge. All in all, you’ll be ready to serve this delicious dish in about 45 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling water in a large pot. Once it’s boiling, add the farfalle pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. After cooking, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop it from cooking further. Set the pasta aside to cool while you prepare the rest of the salad.
2. Make the Dressing:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked corn, mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together until the mixture is well combined and creamy. This will be the dressing for your salad!
3. Combine Pasta and Dressing:
Now it’s time to fold in the cooked pasta! Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the corn and dressing. Gently stir everything together, making sure each piece of pasta gets coated with the delicious dressing.
4. Add Flavorful Ingredients:
Next, fold in the sliced green onions and chopped cilantro until they’re evenly mixed throughout the salad. Give it another gentle stir to combine all the flavors.
5. Adjust Seasonings:
Give the pasta salad a taste! If you feel it needs a bit more seasoning, you can add more salt, pepper, or lime juice according to your preference. If you like, sprinkle some crumbled cotija cheese on top for added flavor.
6. Chill Before Serving:
Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the salad to a large serving dish, then refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows all the yummy flavors to blend together beautifully.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once chilled, your Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is ready to enjoy! Serve it cold, garnished with extra cilantro and lime wedges on the side for a fresh touch. Dig in and enjoy the vibrant flavors!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While farfalle works great, you can substitute with any pasta you prefer, such as penne, rotini, or even gluten-free pasta. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for your chosen pasta.
How Can I Make This Salad Dairy-Free?
If you want a dairy-free version, you can use a dairy-free mayonnaise and skip the cotija cheese. Alternatively, replace the Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt or extra avocado for creaminess without dairy!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, where they’ll keep well for up to 3 days. If the pasta absorbs too much dressing, you can add a little more lime juice or a splash of water to refresh it when you’re ready to serve!
Can I Add Other Ingredients to This Salad?
Definitely! This pasta salad is versatile. Feel free to add diced tomatoes, bell peppers, or black beans for extra flavor and nutrition. Just ensure to roughly chop any additional ingredients to maintain a balanced texture throughout the salad.
