5 from 105 votes
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.
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
15 mins
Servings:
4
Calories:
366 kcal
Course:
Side Dish
Cuisine:
Mexican
Ingredients
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Cup of Yum
Nutrition Information
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: 4 Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 366
% 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.