Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a vibrant and refreshing twist on the classic elote salad. This dish combines the flavors of grilled corn, creamy dressing, and fresh herbs, making it a perfect side for cookouts, potlucks, or family gatherings. It’s not just delicious; this pasta salad is also versatile and easy to prepare, ensuring it stands out at any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just 25 minutes needed, you can whip up this dish in no time.
• Bursting with Flavor: The combination of lime juice, feta cheese, and spices creates a delightful taste.
• Versatile Side Dish: Perfect for barbecues, picnics, and even as a meal prep option.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Serves up to 12 people, making it ideal for gatherings.
• Fresh Ingredients: Packed with fresh corn and herbs, it’s a healthy choice.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Tools and Preparation

To make your Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad efficiently, gather the right tools. These will ensure your cooking process is smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Cooking pot for pasta
• Grill or grill pan
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large mixing bowl: Provides ample space to combine all ingredients without spilling.
• Cooking pot for pasta: Essential for cooking the radiatori pasta to perfection.
• Grill or grill pan: Allows you to achieve that charred flavor on the corn.
• Knife: A sharp knife is crucial for cutting the corn off the cob easily.

Ingredients

Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a delicious and easy spin on your classic elote salad! Perfect for your next cookout!

For the Pasta Salad

• 1/2 lb radiatori pasta, cooked al dente
• 6 ears of grilled corn, kernels cut off
• 3/4 cup mayo
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 2 tablespoons garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/3 cup red onion, diced
• 1/4 cup cotija cheese, crumbled (more if desired)

How to Make Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Cook the radiatori pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
2. Rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
3. Drain well and place in a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Prepare the Corn

1. Grill your corn on high heat until slightly charred.
2. Remove kernels from grilled corn using a sharp knife.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

1. Add the corn kernels to the bowl with pasta.
2. Mix in mayo, feta cheese, cilantro, lime juice, garlic, chili powder, paprika, salt, pepper, red onion, and cotija cheese.

Step 4: Final Touches

1. Stir everything together until well combined.
2. Taste and adjust lime juice or seasoning as desired.
3. Serve immediately and garnish with additional cilantro, red onion, cotija cheese, and lime wedges if desired.

How to Serve Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is versatile and can be served in various ways. This dish not only brings vibrant flavors but also adds a festive touch to your meal. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

As a Standalone Dish

• Enjoy it chilled as a refreshing main course for lunch or dinner.
• Perfect for summer picnics or potlucks, as it can be made ahead of time.

With Grilled Meats

• Pair with grilled chicken or steak for a hearty meal.
• The salad complements the smoky flavors of barbecued meats beautifully.

As Part of a Taco Bar

• Include it as a side option in your taco bar setup.
• Guests can create their own tacos while enjoying the salad on the side.

Garnished with Fresh Herbs

• Top with extra cilantro and lime wedges for added freshness.
• This enhances both presentation and flavor, making each bite more enjoyable.

How to Perfect Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

To make the best Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad, consider these helpful tips. They will ensure that your dish is packed with flavor and texture.

• Use fresh ingredients: Opt for fresh corn when in season; it provides a sweet crunch that frozen corn cannot match.
• Chill before serving: Let the salad cool in the refrigerator for at least an hour to allow flavors to meld together.
• Adjust spices: Feel free to tweak chili powder and paprika levels according to your heat preference.
• Add more cheese: For extra creaminess, increase the amount of cotija cheese—it’s a delicious addition!
• Experiment with pasta shapes: While radiatori works beautifully, you can try other pasta shapes like fusilli or penne for variety.

Best Side Dishes for Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad makes a delightful addition to any meal. To complement this dish, consider these tasty side options that pair well with its flavors.

1. Guacamole: Creamy avocado dip that adds richness; serve with tortilla chips.
2. Black Bean Salsa: A zesty combination of black beans, tomatoes, and lime; perfect for scooping.
3. Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal veggies like zucchini and bell peppers tossed in olive oil; adds smokiness.
4. Corn Tortilla Chips: Crispy chips that are great for dipping into guacamole or salsa.
5. Pico de Gallo: Fresh tomato salsa that brightens up any plate; made with diced tomatoes, onions, and cilantro.
6. Stuffed Jalapeños: Spicy jalapeños filled with cream cheese; they add a kick that’s fun to enjoy alongside the salad.
7. Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice cooked with spices and tomatoes; serves as a filling base alongside the pasta salad.
8. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits; balances out the savory notes of the salad perfectly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad, it’s easy to make some common errors that can affect the flavor and texture. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for:

• Using Overcooked Pasta: Overcooked pasta can lead to a mushy salad. Make sure to cook the radiatori pasta al dente for the best texture.

• Ignoring Fresh Ingredients: Using stale or frozen corn instead of fresh grilled corn can diminish the dish’s flavor. Always opt for fresh ingredients when possible.

• Not Tasting Before Serving: Failing to taste your salad before serving can result in an unbalanced flavor. Adjust lime juice, salt, and spices according to your preference.

• Skipping the Garnish: Garnishes like fresh cilantro and cotija cheese enhance both appearance and flavor. Don’t skip this step for a more appealing presentation.

• Making it Too Early: Preparing this salad too far in advance may lead to sogginess. Aim to make it just a few hours before serving for optimal freshness.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• • Duration: Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• • Containers: Use airtight containers to maintain freshness.

Freezing Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

• • Duration: Not recommended for freezing due to potential texture changes.
• • Containers: If you must freeze, use freezer-safe bags but note that it may lose quality.

Reheating Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm in an oven-safe dish for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals (30 seconds), stirring in between until warm.
• Stovetop: Warm gently on low heat, adding a splash of water or lime juice if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad:

What is Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad?

Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a delicious fusion of pasta and traditional elote flavors, featuring grilled corn, creamy dressing, and spices.

Can I customize my Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad?

Absolutely! You can add ingredients like black beans, avocado, or jalapeños for extra flavor and texture.

How do I make this salad spicier?

To spice it up, increase the amount of chili powder or add diced jalapeños or hot sauce.

Is Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad gluten-free?

If you use gluten-free pasta, this salad can be enjoyed by those avoiding gluten.

Final Thoughts

Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is not only flavorful but also incredibly versatile. It’s perfect for cookouts, potlucks, or just a cozy dinner at home. Feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies or proteins. Enjoy this delightful dish that captures the essence of summer!