This Easy Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad brings a burst of flavor to your table! With sweet corn, creamy dressing, and a kick from lime and chili, it’s both tasty and colorful.
This dish is perfect for summer cookouts or quick lunches. Plus, who can resist that crunchy topping? I often make extra just to snack on while cooking! 🌽🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bowtie Pasta: I love bowtie pasta for its fun shape that holds onto the dressing well. If you don’t have it, any small pasta like penne or rotini works great, too!
Corn: Fresh sweet corn gives the best taste, but frozen corn is just as convenient. Just make sure to thaw it before using, and you can char it for extra flavor.
Cotija Cheese: Cotija is the star cheese in this recipe, providing a crumbly texture. You can substitute feta cheese, which is similar in taste, or use shredded mozzarella for a milder option.
Greek Yogurt: If you’re not a fan of Greek yogurt, feel free to stick with sour cream. Both add creaminess, but yogurt gives a nice tang!
How Can I Get the Corn Perfectly Charred?
Charred corn adds a depth of flavor that’s hard to beat! Here’s how to get it just right:
- Use medium heat and melt your butter in the skillet.
- Add corn and let it cook without stirring too much—this helps it get a nice char.
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes, waiting for some kernels to turn golden.
- Once done, set aside to cool slightly before mixing into your salad.
This step is key—don’t rush it! Enjoy the sizzle and smell of the corn cooking; it’s worth it!
Easy Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 3 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta as substitute)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 lime, juiced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful pasta salad can be prepared in about 15-20 minutes. After that, it benefits from a 30-minute chill in the fridge to let all those yummy flavors mingle. Total time is around 50 minutes if you count the chilling, making it a quick yet impressive dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Begin by cooking the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until it’s al dente (that means it should still have a little bite to it!). Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside to cool off a bit.
2. Sauté the Corn:
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Toss in the corn kernels and sauté them for about 5-7 minutes until they are golden and slightly charred. This step adds a delicious sweet flavor! Once finished, take it off the heat and let it cool slightly.
3. Mix the Dressing:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt (or sour cream), lime juice, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until it’s nice and smooth.
4. Combine Ingredients:
Add the cooled pasta, sautéed corn, sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, and half of the cotija cheese into the bowl with the dressing. Toss everything gently until all the ingredients are evenly coated.
5. Adjust Seasoning:
Give the salad a taste! Feel free to adjust the flavors by adding more chili powder, lime juice, salt, or pepper according to your preferences.
6. Chill and Garnish:
To let the flavors develop, cover the salad and chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Just before serving, sprinkle the remaining cotija cheese and extra cilantro on top for a pretty finish.
7. Serve and Enjoy!
Once chilled, your Easy Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is ready to be served! It’s delicious cold or at room temperature, making it perfect for gatherings or quick lunches.
FAQ About Easy Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
Can I Use Canned Corn Instead of Fresh or Frozen?
Absolutely! Canned corn works perfectly in this dish. Just drain and rinse it before adding to the salad. If you want that charred flavor, you can sauté it in the skillet for a few minutes as well!
What If I Don’t Have Cotija Cheese?
No problem at all! Feta cheese is a great substitute as it has a similar crumbly texture and salty flavor. If you’re looking for a milder option, shredded mozzarella will work too.
Can I Make This Pasta Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, this salad is great for meal prep! You can make it up to a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It may thicken slightly, so feel free to stir in a little extra Greek yogurt or lime juice before serving to freshen it up!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving again, as the dressing may settle. Enjoy your delicious leftovers!
