This colorful pasta salad brings the flavors of Mexican street corn right to your table! With sweet corn, creamy dressing, cheese, and spices, it’s bursting with taste.
This salad is perfect for sunny days or a backyard BBQ. I love how easy it is to whip up! Just mix everything together and you’re ready to impress your friends. 🌽✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: This spiral pasta is great for holding onto the creamy dressing. If you don’t have rotini, you can use fusilli, penne, or even macaroni – just adjust the cooking time as needed!
Corn: Fresh corn adds a wonderful sweetness, especially when grilled. If you can’t find fresh, frozen corn works fine too. Just make sure it’s thawed and drained. I find that grilled corn gives a lovely smoky flavor that elevates the salad.
Cotija Cheese: This crumbly Mexican cheese adds depth. If you can’t find cotija, feta or ricotta salata are good substitutes. They give a slightly different taste but still work well in this dish.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brings brightness. If you’re not a fan, parsley is a nice alternative, although it won’t have the same flavor. I’ve also used green onions when I run out, which add a nice crunch!
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice brightens up the flavors. If limes are out of season, bottled lime juice will work, but fresh is always better. You can also use lemon juice if that’s what you have on hand.
How Do I Grill Corn for This Salad?
Grilling corn adds a charred, smoky flavor that’s hard to beat. Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- If using fresh corn, husk it and remove the silk threads. You can soak the ears in water for about 30 minutes to prevent burning, but it’s not necessary.
- Place the corn directly on the grill and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, turning until all sides are nicely charred.
- Once charred, remove the corn from the grill and let it cool. Then, slice the kernels off the cob into a bowl. You’ll love the flavor it adds!
How to Make Easy Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta Salad:
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 2 cups corn (fresh or frozen, preferably grilled)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup cotija cheese, crumbled (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 green onion, sliced
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp chili powder (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pasta salad takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 10 minutes to cook the pasta. You can chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors come together, making it a fantastic dish for any gathering.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook it according to the package instructions. Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down. Set it aside while you prepare the other ingredients.
2. Prepare the Corn:
If using fresh corn, grill the ears until they are nicely charred, then let them cool. Cut the kernels off the cob. If you’re using frozen corn, just thaw it and make sure to drain any extra water. Both options will add great flavor!
3. Make the Dressing:
In a large mixing bowl, add the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until you have a smooth and creamy dressing.
4. Combine the Ingredients:
Gently fold the cooked pasta, corn, cotija cheese, cilantro, and green onion into the dressing bowl. Mix carefully so that the pasta and corn are well coated in the delicious dressing without breaking up the pasta too much.
5. Final Adjustments and Chill:
Give the mixture a taste! If it needs more flavor, feel free to add extra salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lime juice. Once you’re satisfied, you can serve it right away or cover it and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors combine beautifully.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, sprinkle additional cotija cheese, fresh cilantro, and a touch of chili powder on top for a nice finish. Enjoy your refreshing and tasty Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta for This Salad?
Absolutely! While rotini works well to hold onto the dressing, you can substitute it with other pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or even farfalle. Just keep an eye on the cooking time to ensure it’s al dente.
What If I Can’t Find Cotija Cheese?
If cotija cheese isn’t available, you can use feta cheese or queso fresco as a substitute. Both will add a similar creamy, salty flavor to your salad. Just crumble it over the top before serving.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors might intensify, so give it a good stir before serving again. If it seems dry, add a splash of lime juice or a bit more mayonnaise to refresh it!
