Description
This Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad is inspired by Mexican street corn, blending creamy, tangy, and smoky flavors into a cool, comforting dish perfect for potlucks and summer gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz pasta (elbow, rotini, or bowtie)
- 2 cups corn kernels (grilled or charred preferred)
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ⅓ cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- ¼ cup chopped red onion (optional)
- Optional: jalapeño slices or diced avocado for extra kick or creaminess
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside to cool.
- Grill fresh corn cobs until lightly charred, then slice off the kernels. Alternatively, sauté frozen corn in a dry skillet over medium-high heat until golden and slightly charred.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Add the cooled pasta and charred corn to the bowl. Toss until evenly coated. Stir in the cilantro, red onion (if using), and cotija cheese.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. Garnish with extra cheese, cilantro, or jalapeño slices if desired.
Notes
- Swap cotija cheese with feta or vegan alternatives if needed.
- Add diced avocado right before serving to avoid browning.
- This salad is best served cold or at room temperature.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop, Mixing
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: per serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: Not specified
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: Not specified
- Unsaturated Fat: Not specified
- Trans Fat: Not specified
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: Not specified