This refreshing pasta salad brings the fun flavors of Mexican street corn right to your table! With sweet corn, creamy dressing, spices, and cheese, it’s full of joy!
I love how quick and easy this salad is to make. It’s perfect for picnics or just a sunny day meal. And let’s be real, it tastes amazing—even leftovers are delicious! 🌽🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: This pasta shape holds the creamy dressing well. If you don’t have rotini, consider using fusilli, farfalle, or any short pasta you prefer. Just make sure to adjust cooking time as needed!
Corn: Fresh corn gives a sweet crunch, but canned corn is a quick alternative. If using canned, drain it well. Frozen corn is also great; just cook and cool it before adding.
Mayonnaise and Sour Cream: These two create a creamy base. For a lighter option, consider Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. It adds healthy protein and a tangy flavor!
Cotija Cheese: This crumbly cheese enhances the salad. If you can’t find cotija, queso fresco or feta are good substitutes. Both can add a nice salty kick!
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brightens the dish. If cilantro isn’t your thing, parsley can be a milder substitute. Or skip it altogether for a different flavor profile.
Jalapeño: Use it for a spicy kick! If you want it milder, use just half, or omit it and add a dash of hot sauce for heat instead.
How Do You Make Sure the Pasta Salad Has Great Flavor?
Let’s talk about creating a flavorful pasta salad! Combining ingredients is key, but waiting before serving makes a big difference. Here are steps to make sure your salad pops with flavor:
- Cook pasta al dente; it’ll soak up flavors as it cools.
- Once combined, give the salad a taste test. Adjust the seasonings, adding more lime juice, salt, or chili powder as needed.
- Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes. This time helps flavors meld together beautifully.
- Before serving, consider a final sprinkle of cotija or cilantro for fresh flavor.
How to Make Easy Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 2 cups corn (fresh or canned, drained)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup cotija cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 jalapeño, minced (optional for heat)
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Additional cotija cheese
- Addional chopped cilantro
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful pasta salad takes about 15 minutes for preparation and an additional 30 minutes to chill in the refrigerator. Altogether, you’re looking at about 45 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
Start by boiling water in a pot, then cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions. Once it’s cooked al dente, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down. This helps stop the cooking process and makes the pasta nice and fresh for your salad.
2. Mixing the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, corn, mayonnaise, sour cream, crumbled cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, and minced jalapeño (if you like a little heat). This mix will make your salad creamy and delicious!
3. Adding Flavor:
Sprinkle in the chili powder and pour in the lime juice. Then, season with salt and pepper according to your taste. Mix everything together thoroughly until all the ingredients are well combined.
4. Final Touches:
Give your salad a taste. If it needs more seasoning, feel free to add a bit more salt, pepper, or lime juice. Transfer the salad into a serving bowl, and garnish the top with some extra cotija cheese and cilantro for a beautiful presentation.
5. Chilling and Serving:
Cover your salad with plastic wrap or a lid, and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time is key to allowing all the flavors to meld together beautifully. When you’re ready to serve, you can enjoy your Easy Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad cold or at room temperature. Enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Corn Instead of Fresh or Canned?
Absolutely! Just thaw the frozen corn before adding it to your salad. You can quickly thaw it by placing it in a bowl of warm water for about 10 minutes or by microwaving it for 1-2 minutes. Drain any excess water before mixing it in.
What Can I Substitute for Cotija Cheese?
If you don’t have cotija cheese, feta cheese is a great alternative due to its similar crumbly texture and salty flavor. You could also use Parmesan cheese, but be aware that it has a stronger taste, so adjust the quantity according to your preference!
Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This salad can be enjoyed cold, but you may want to add a little extra lime juice or a splash of water when serving, as the pasta may absorb some of the dressing as it sits.
