Mexican Corn Pasta Salad

User Reviews

5

105 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    5 mins

  • Cook Time

    10 mins

  • Total Time

    15 mins

  • Servings

    4

  • Calories

    366 kcal

  • Course

    Side Dish

  • Cuisine

    Mexican

Mexican Corn Pasta Salad

This Mexican Corn Pasta Salad blends al dente orecchiette pasta with tender grilled corn, finely chopped jalapeño, red onion, and a creamy dressing of mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, and spices. Cotija cheese and fresh cilantro add tang and herbaceous brightness, making it both creamy and zesty with a slight smoky note from the grilled corn. Served at room temperature, it balances fresh and rich flavors ideal for side dishes or light meals.

Description

Mexican Corn Pasta Salad combines cooked orecchiette pasta with corn cut from grilled ears, lending a smoky sweetness to each bite. The creamy dressing of mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice and zest is spiced with chili powder and garlic powder, bringing gentle heat and depth without overwhelming the fresh ingredients.

The salad's finely sliced red onion and seeded jalapeño offer a crisp, piquant crunch contrasting the pasta and creamy sauce. Chopped cilantro dispersed throughout adds brightness and a fresh herbaceous note. Cotija cheese, sprinkled both inside and atop the salad, enriches the flavor with its crumbly texture and subtle tang.

This salad works well served at room temperature, making it a convenient dish for gatherings or casual meals. Its combination of creamy, spicy, tangy, and smoky elements creates a balanced side that pairs well with grilled meats or can stand alone as a light, flavorful salad.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • kosher salt
  • 8 ounces orecchiette pasta
  • 4 ears corn , or about 3 cups
  • 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 3 tablespoons sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 lime , zested (about 1 teaspoon)
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ red onion , thinly sliced
  • 1 jalapeño , seeded and finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons cilantro , chopped
  • ½ cup cotija cheese divided, crumbled

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, season generously with kosher salt, and cook the pasta according to package directions or until al denté.
  2. Meanwhile, grill the corn in its husks for 4-5 minutes or until tender and fragrant. Cut the corn from the cob and discard the cobs. You should have about 3 cups of corn. Add the corn to a large mixing bowl. If using frozen corn, thaw, then drain any water from the kernels.
  3. Once the pasta has finished cooking, drain and add to the bowl with the corn. Mix the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice and zest, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, onion, and jalapeño, in a small bowl then toss with the pasta to combine. Gently toss with the cilantro and ¼ cup of cotija cheese. Taste and add more salt or lime juice if desired. To serve, top with the remaining ¼ cup of cotija cheese and more chives and cilantro. This can be eaten at room temperature.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Calories 366kcal (18%) Carbohydrates 48g (16%) Protein 11g (22%) Fat 15g (23%) Saturated Fat 5g (25%) Polyunsaturated Fat 5g (29%) Monounsaturated Fat 3g (15%) Trans Fat 1g (50%) Cholesterol 26mg (9%) Sodium 587mg (24%) Potassium 224mg (5%) Fiber 3g (12%) Sugar 3g (6%) Vitamin A 420IU (8%) Vitamin C 12mg (13%) Calcium 128mg (13%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 366 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories 366kcal 18%
Carbohydrates 48g 16%
Protein 11g 22%
Fat 15g 23%
Saturated Fat 5g 25%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5g 29%
Monounsaturated Fat 3g 15%
Trans Fat 1g 50%
Cholesterol 26mg 9%
Sodium 587mg 24%
Potassium 224mg 5%
Fiber 3g 12%
Sugar 3g 6%
Vitamin A 420IU 8%
Vitamin C 12mg 13%
Calcium 128mg 13%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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Overall Rating

5

105 reviews
Excellent

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