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Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
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Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a vibrant, flavorful side dish combining smoky grilled corn, creamy dressing, zesty lime, fresh herbs, and tender pasta for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing summer recipe with authentic Mexican flair.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni or small shell pasta

Grilled Corn & Vegetables

  • 3 ears fresh corn on the cob
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Dressing & Seasonings

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder, plus extra for garnish
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste

Cheese

  • 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling your chosen pasta until perfectly al dente according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta for the salad.
  2. Grill the Corn: While the pasta is cooking, grill the fresh corn on the cob until the kernels are slightly charred and smoky, developing the salad’s signature flavor.
  3. Prepare the Dressing: In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, freshly squeezed lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and a handful of chopped cilantro to create a creamy, tangy, and spicy dressing.
  4. Combine Ingredients: Cut the grilled corn kernels off the cob and add them to the cooled pasta. Pour the dressing over the mixture, toss well to coat evenly, then sprinkle with crumbled cotija cheese and extra chili powder as garnish.
  5. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully before serving.

Notes

  • Grilling the corn is essential for smoky undertones that elevate the dish.
  • Use freshly squeezed lime juice for the brightest flavor.
  • Chill the salad before serving to enhance flavor blending and refresh the palate.
  • Adjust chili powder incrementally to suit your desired spice level.
  • Small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni hold dressing well without overwhelming other ingredients.
  • When substituting canned corn, drain well and add smoked paprika for smoky flavor.
  • For vegan versions, use vegan mayonnaise and omit or replace cotija cheese with a vegan alternative.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mexican street corn, pasta salad, summer salad, smoky corn salad, cotija cheese, Mexican flavors, barbecue side dish, cilantro lime salad

Find it online: https://marybaking.com/mexican-street-corn-pasta-salad/