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Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad: A Zesty Summer Delight

A vibrant and zesty Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad, perfect for summer gatherings.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 oz Rotini Pasta Any pasta can work, but rotini helps sauce adhere beautifully.
For the Salad
  • 30 oz Golden Kernel Corn 2 cans, adds flavor and texture.
  • 1 cup Cotija Cheese Substitute feta if cotija isn’t available.
  • cup Chopped Cilantro Use parsley for a milder option.
  • 1 small Red Onion Diced, contributes crunch and sweetness.
  • 1.5 large Fresh Jalapenos Deseeded, diced; substitute with bell peppers for milder dish.
For the Dressing
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil Can use any cooking oil or butter.
  • 1 cup Sour Cream Greek yogurt is a lower-fat alternative.
  • ½ cup Real Mayonnaise Opt for vegan mayo for a dairy-free option.
  • 3-4 tbsp Lime Juice Lemon juice can be used for a different zing.
  • 2 tsp Chili Powder Smoked paprika can be a nice twist.
  • 1 tsp Minced Garlic Garlic powder works well as an alternative.
  • ½ tsp Cumin Brings earthy notes; ground coriander is a good substitute.
  • ½ tsp Salt Adjust to your personal taste.
  • ¼ tsp Cayenne Pepper Provides a touch of heat.
  • ¼ tsp Coarse Ground Black Pepper Use regular black pepper if needed.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • colander
  • Large skillet
  • mixing bowl
  • whisk

Method
 

Cooking Steps
  1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions, about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain the pasta in a colander, then rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.
  2. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Drain the canned corn and add it to the skillet, stirring occasionally for about 5-7 minutes until the corn is slightly browned. Remove from heat and let cool.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled rotini pasta and the sautéed corn. Add the chopped cilantro, diced red onion, diced jalapenos, and crumbled cotija cheese to the bowl. Toss gently until evenly mixed.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, minced garlic, cumin, salt, cayenne pepper, and black pepper until smooth.
  5. Drizzle about half to two-thirds of the dressing over the pasta salad. Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly. Add more dressing to taste if needed.
  6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to chill.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 10gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 12mgIron: 8mg

Notes

Combine salad ingredients only when fully cooled to maintain freshness. Save extra dressing for leftovers. Be mindful not to overcook the pasta for optimum texture.

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