If you’re looking for a dish that’s creamy, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying, look no further than Street Corn Pasta Salad! This delightful recipe brings together the best of summer – fresh corn, zesty lime, and a decadent creamy sauce – all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a family favorite in our home; I remember the first time I served it at a backyard barbecue. Friends and family couldn’t get enough! It’s not just easy to make, but it’s also a showstopper that impresses everyone at the table. So, if you love classic summer flavors, you’re in for a treat! If you enjoyed our Easy Broccoli Salad, you’re going to fall head over heels for this one too. Let’s dive in and make some magic in the kitchen!
What is Street Corn Pasta Salad?
Street Corn Pasta Salad is a vibrant twist on the beloved Mexican street corn, known as elote, combined with everyone’s favorite pasta. But why the fancy name? Well, imagine the tantalizing flavors of grilled corn slathered in creamy goodness, but served in a bowl with pasta! It’s a party in your mouth, and the perfect dish for those summer days. As I always say, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” so why not win over your loved ones with this mouthwatering meal? Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This
This Street Corn Pasta Salad is more than just a pretty dish; it’s a trifecta of deliciousness that you can’t resist! First off, the main highlight is the creamy, zesty dressing that envelops every bite of pasta and corn, making it a flavor bomb on your plate. Secondly, making it at home is a budget-friendly choice; why pay for expensive takeout when you can whip this up quickly in your kitchen? Finally, the special toppings like crumbled cotija cheese and fresh cilantro elevate the dish and add unique flavor layers. If you’re a fan of our Creamy Avocado Pasta, you’ll love the vibrant twist in this recipe. So gather your ingredients and let’s give this delightful salad a whirl!
How to Make
Quick Overview
Making Street Corn Pasta Salad is a breeze! You’ll enjoy the creamy texture and zesty flavor that comes together in under 45 minutes. Best of all, each component combines to create a satisfying dish that pairs beautifully with summer BBQs!
Ingredients
- 8 oz (225g) pasta (elbow, bowtie, or rotini)
- 2 cups corn (grilled, roasted, or canned)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1/3 cup crumbled cotija or feta cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Optional: dash of hot sauce or jalapeños
Step-by-Step
- Cook the Pasta: Start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside to cool while you prepare the other ingredients.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), chili powder, lime juice, salt, and pepper until creamy and well combined.
- Combine the Ingredients: Add the cooked and cooled pasta, corn, diced red onion, crumbled cotija cheese, and chopped cilantro to the bowl with the dressing.
- Toss to Coat: Gently toss everything together until the pasta and corn are well-coated in the creamy dressing.
- Chill Out: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully!
- Serve: Before serving, give it a quick toss and add extra cotija cheese or lime if desired. Enjoy your Street Corn Pasta Salad!
What to Serve Street Corn Pasta Salad With
Pair this vibrant pasta salad with grilled chicken, shrimp, or vegetarian burgers for a well-rounded meal. For sides, consider serving it with a fresh garden salad or simple garlic bread to complement the flavors. A light, citrusy drink, like lemonade or iced tea, will complete the meal beautifully!
Top Tips for Perfecting
- Pasta Choices: Use whatever pasta shape you prefer! Bowtie, elbows, or rotini all work just fine.
- Creamy Alternatives: For a lighter version, consider substituting Greek yogurt for sour cream. You can also experiment with low-fat mayonnaise.
- Extra Flavor: Don’t skip the lime juice; it brightens up all the flavors and adds a refreshing twist.
- Add Spice: If you enjoy heat, throw in some diced jalapeños or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the mix.
- Common Mistakes: Avoid overcooking the pasta. You want it al dente, so it holds up well when mixed!
Storing and Reheating Tips
This Street Corn Pasta Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve. If you’d like to freeze it, I recommend freezing the pasta and corn separately from the dressing, as the creaminess may change in texture. To reheat, simply toss it back in a bowl and let it come to room temperature before serving!
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time? Absolutely! It’s perfect for meal prep and can be made a day in advance for easy entertaining.
What kind of corn should I use? Fresh corn is best, but canned or frozen corn will work just fine in a pinch.
Is this salad suitable for vegetarians? Yes, all ingredients are vegetarian-friendly!
How can I make this salad spicy? Add some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for a kick!
Conclusion
Street Corn Pasta Salad is a delightful fusion of flavors that’s sure to become a staple in your home. With minimal effort and maximum taste, it’s perfect for gatherings, picnics, or simply enjoying at home. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to impress your family and friends with this creamy, zesty dish! Happy cooking!
Ingredients
- 8 oz (225g) pasta (elbow, bowtie, or rotini)
- 2 cups corn (grilled, roasted, or canned)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1/3 cup crumbled cotija or feta cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Optional: dash of hot sauce or diced jalapeños
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside to cool.
- In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream or yogurt, chili powder, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
- Add cooled pasta, corn, red onion, cotija cheese, and cilantro. Toss to coat evenly.
- Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld.
- Before serving, toss again and garnish with extra cheese, cilantro, or lime juice if desired.
Notes
Use grilled or roasted corn for maximum flavor. Feel free to substitute feta if cotija is unavailable. Add hot sauce or jalapeños for extra spice. Best enjoyed chilled.
