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Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad That's Bursting with Flavor

This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a colorful, flavorful side dish perfect for summer gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 2 cups cooked pasta (elbow macaroni, rotini, or penne) holds the dressing well
For the Corn
  • 2 cups corn grilled, frozen, or canned; fresh is ideal
For the Creamy Base
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise rich creaminess; Greek yogurt as a lighter alternative
  • 1/3 cup sour cream enhances creaminess; substitute for plant-based options
For the Zest
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice adjust for tanginess
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder adjust to desired heat
For Flavor Depth
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika optional but enhances taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder can substitute with fresh minced garlic
  • salt and pepper adjust to taste
For Freshness
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped
For the Finish
  • 1/3 cup cotija cheese crumbled, consider vegan alternatives

Equipment

  • large pot
  • large skillet
  • Mixing Bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and cool.
  2. Prepare the corn by cutting fresh kernels or thawing frozen/canned corn; sauté briefly if using fresh.
  3. Make the creamy dressing by mixing mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  4. Combine cooled pasta, corn, halved cherry tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, and cotija cheese in a bowl.
  5. Dress the salad with the creamy dressing and toss until evenly coated.
  6. Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes to meld flavors before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 8gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 1mg

Notes

This salad is customizable; feel free to add jalapeños or black beans for variation.

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