Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a delightful twist on the traditional elote salad, perfect for your next gathering! This dish is not only colorful and vibrant, but it also combines fresh flavors that everyone will love. Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout, a potluck, or just looking for a unique side dish, this pasta salad will impress your guests. The combination of grilled corn, creamy dressing, and zesty spices makes it a standout option at any meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: This salad comes together in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings.
- Bursting with Flavor: The blend of spices and creamy ingredients creates an irresistible taste that keeps everyone coming back for more.
- Versatile Dish: Serve it as a side or main dish; it’s suitable for any occasion, from casual picnics to festive celebrations.
- Fresh Ingredients: Packed with fresh corn and herbs, this salad is vibrant and healthy, adding color to your table.
- Crowd-Pleaser: With its unique flavor profile and appealing presentation, it’s sure to be a hit among guests of all ages.
Tools and Preparation
To make your Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad successfully, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need:
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Pot for boiling pasta
- Grill or grill pan
- Cutting board
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Large mixing bowl: Provides enough space to mix all ingredients thoroughly without spilling.
- Pot for boiling pasta: Ensures even cooking of the radiatori pasta for the best texture.
- Grill or grill pan: Adds a smoky flavor to the corn that enhances the overall taste of the salad.
Ingredients
For the Pasta Salad
- 1/2 lb radiatori pasta, cooked al dente
- 6 ears of grilled corn, kernels cut off
- 3/4 cup mayo
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 tablespoons garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/3 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup cotija cheese, crumbled (more if desired)
How to Make Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Cook the radiatori pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Rinse it under cold water to cool down and drain well. Place it in a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Prepare the Corn
While the pasta is cooking, grill your corn until charred. Once done, carefully cut off the kernels and add them to the bowl with the pasta.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Add mayo, feta cheese, cilantro, lime juice, garlic, chili powder, paprika, salt, pepper, red onion, and cotija cheese into the same bowl. Stir everything together until well mixed.
Step 4: Adjust Seasoning and Serve
Taste your salad and adjust seasoning as needed by adding more lime juice or salt. Serve immediately with extra cilantro, red onion, cotija cheese on top, and lime wedges on the side. Enjoy your delicious Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad!
How to Serve Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that can elevate any meal. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.
As a Side Dish
- Pair with grilled meats like chicken, steak, or shrimp for a delicious contrast.
- Serve alongside tacos for a delightful and colorful plate.
At Potlucks
- This salad is a crowd-pleaser, making it perfect for potlucks or family gatherings.
- Present in a large bowl with a garnish of fresh cilantro for an appealing look.
As a Main Course
- Enjoy it on its own as a light lunch or dinner option, especially during warm weather.
- Add grilled chicken or black beans to boost protein content for a hearty meal.
With Dipping Chips
- Use tortilla chips as dippers for a fun and interactive appetizer.
- Offer it in small cups for easy serving at parties or gatherings.
How to Perfect Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
To create the best Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad, follow these helpful tips. They will ensure each bite is full of flavor and freshness.
- Use fresh corn – Grilling fresh corn enhances the smoky flavor and adds sweetness.
- Adjust the spice level – Modify chili powder according to your taste preference; add more for extra heat.
- Chill before serving – Allowing the salad to rest in the refrigerator helps flavors meld together beautifully.
- Add more lime juice – A splash of lime juice just before serving brightens up the flavors significantly.
Best Side Dishes for Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad pairs well with various side dishes. Here are some great options to consider.
- Grilled Chicken Skewers – Juicy chicken marinated in spices complements the salad nicely.
- Black Bean Tacos – Flavorful tacos filled with seasoned black beans provide a satisfying pairing.
- Guacamole – Creamy avocado dip adds richness and balances out the pasta salad’s acidity.
- Chips and Salsa – A classic combination that offers crunch and zest alongside your meal.
- Fruit Salsa – A sweet salsa made from fresh fruits gives a refreshing contrast to savory dishes.
- Cornbread Muffins – Soft muffins bring a comforting element that matches well with the flavors of Mexican cuisine.
- Coleslaw – A tangy slaw can enhance your meal with its crunch and contrasting flavors.
- Roasted Vegetables – Seasoned roasted veggies provide additional nutrients and texture to your plate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad, it’s easy to overlook some key steps that can enhance the dish. Here are common mistakes to watch for.
- Skipping the Cooling Step: Not rinsing your pasta after cooking can lead to a mushy salad. Always cool it under cold water before mixing.
- Overcooking the Corn: Grilled corn should be slightly charred but still crisp. Overcooking will make it tough and lose its sweetness.
- Neglecting Seasoning Adjustments: Failing to taste and adjust seasoning can result in bland flavors. Always sample and add more lime juice or salt as needed.
- Using Dry Herbs Instead of Fresh: Substituting dry cilantro for fresh can dull the vibrant flavor. Always use fresh herbs for the best results.
- Ignoring Presentation: A well-presented salad is more appealing. Garnish with extra cilantro, red onion, and cotija cheese for a beautiful finish.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Keep the salad chilled until you’re ready to serve.
Freezing Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
- This salad does not freeze well due to the mayonnaise and fresh ingredients. It’s best enjoyed fresh.
Reheating Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F. Cover the salad with foil and heat until warm, about 15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through, stirring between sessions.
- Stovetop: Gently warm on low heat, stirring frequently to avoid sticking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions regarding Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad.
What is Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad?
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a twist on classic elote, combining pasta with grilled corn, creamy dressing, and spices for a delicious side dish.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it a few hours ahead of serving. Just keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to enjoy.
What can I substitute for feta cheese?
If you prefer, you can use queso fresco or ricotta as alternatives to feta cheese in Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad.
How do I spice up my Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad?
To add heat, consider including diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper in your recipe.
Final Thoughts
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a delightful blend of flavors that’s perfect for any occasion. Its versatility allows you to customize ingredients based on your preferences—add more vegetables or spices as you wish. Give this recipe a try at your next gathering!
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that puts a delightful twist on traditional elote. Perfect for summer cookouts or potlucks, this salad features tender radiatori pasta tossed with sweet grilled corn, creamy dressing, zesty spices, and fresh herbs.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb radiatori pasta
- 6 ears grilled corn (kernels cut off)
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup feta cheese (crumbled)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 tablespoons garlic (minced)
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/3 cup red onion (diced)
- 1/4 cup cotija cheese (crumbled)
Instructions
- Cook the radiatori pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Rinse under cold water and drain well.
- While the pasta cooks, grill the corn until charred. Cut off the kernels once cooked and add them to the mixing bowl with the pasta.
- In the same bowl, combine mayonnaise, feta cheese, cilantro, lime juice, garlic, chili powder, paprika, salt, pepper, red onion, and cotija cheese. Mix thoroughly.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary with more lime juice or salt before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Grilling/Mixing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 240g)
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: For added heat, consider mixing in diced jalapeños. Chill the salad for about an hour before serving to allow flavors to meld beautifully. Substitute feta cheese with queso fresco or ricotta if desired.
