Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
User Reviews
5
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
Description
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad brings together al dente small shell pasta tossed with charred corn kernels that have been cooked to develop a slight smokiness. Diced red onion and jalapeños contribute freshness and heat, while crumbled cotija cheese adds a salty, crumbly element. The dressing combines mayonnaise, sour cream or Greek yogurt, lime juice, and zest, creating a creamy, tangy coating that binds the salad.
Seasonings like chili powder, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper are folded in to complement the corn’s natural sweetness and provide lively spice without overwhelming the dish. Fresh cilantro adds herbal brightness before serving. This salad can be served alongside grilled meats or enjoyed with tortilla chips and lime wedges, enhancing its street-food inspiration.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups small shell pasta dry
- 10 oz corn frozen, fresh or canned
- 1/2 cup cotija cheese crumbled
- 1 red onion diced, small
- 2 jalapeños seeds removed and chopped
- 1/3 cup cilantro chopped, fresh
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt or to taste, sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper or to taste, ground
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Lime Dressing:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream or greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
Cook the pasta:
- First, boil pasta according to the package directions aiming for al dente.
- Drain and set aside in a large bowl. Drizzle with a bit of oil and gently stir.
Cook corn:
- If using frozen corn, first thaw it. If using canned corn, first drain it very well.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the corn. Just place a non-stick skillet over medium heat and cook the corn stirring for 6-8 minutes.
- The corn is ready when it's lightly charred. You can also add a bit of spice to it: paprika, cumin, and garlic powder.
Make the dressing:
- Mix all the dressing ingredients in a small bowl and set it aside.
Assemble the pasta salad:
- Add the rest of the ingredients to the large bowl with cooled pasta and gently stir to combine.
- Next, add the creamy salad dressing and stir until everything is well coated.
- Finally, serve with tortilla chips and lime wedges on the side.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 529 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 529kcal | 26% |
| Carbohydrates | 46g | 15% |
| Protein | 10g | 20% |
| Fat | 34g | 52% |
| Saturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 17g | 100% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Trans Fat | 0.1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 34mg | 11% |
| Sodium | 502mg | 21% |
| Potassium | 317mg | 7% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 5g | 10% |
| Vitamin A | 497IU | 10% |
| Vitamin C | 13mg | 14% |
| Calcium | 110mg | 11% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.