Name: Perfect Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 8 oz elbow macaroni or penne; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 3 cups sweet corn kernels (fresh or frozen); 3 tbsp butter; 1/2 tsp chili powder; 1/4 tsp smoked paprika; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; Juice from 1 lime; 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese; 1/4 cup chopped cilantro leaves; 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced (optional); Salt and black pepper, to taste

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Introduction

This Perfect Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a vibrant and smoky dish that combines tender pasta with charred sweet corn and zesty flavors. It’s a refreshing twist on classic Mexican street corn, perfect as a side or a light meal.

A close-up of a bowl filled with a creamy pasta salad made of spiral rotini noodles. The base layer is light yellow creamy pasta mixed evenly with bright yellow corn kernels. Scattered throughout are chunks of green avocado, bits of red bacon, and small specks of white cheese. The pasta is garnished with fresh green cilantro leaves and a sprinkle of black pepper on top. The bowl is white with a subtle black pattern along the rim, sitting on a white marbled texture surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

8 oz elbow macaroni or penne
3 cups sweet corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced (optional)
3 tbsp butter
1/4 cup chopped cilantro leaves
1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese
1/2 cup mayonnaise
Juice from 1 lime
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/4 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni or penne and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it thoroughly under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down completely. Set aside.
Step 2: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sweet corn kernels and cook, stirring occasionally, until the corn becomes charred and golden, about 8-10 minutes. This will give the salad a nice smoky flavor.
Step 3: With the skillet off the heat, stir in the chili powder and smoked paprika to the charred corn. Mix well so the spices coat the corn evenly, then let the mixture cool slightly before combining with other ingredients.
Step 4: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta, the seasoned charred corn, mayonnaise, lime juice, crumbled cotija cheese, chopped cilantro leaves, and minced jalapeño if using. Gently toss everything together until well combined. Add extra lime juice if desired for more brightness.
Step 5: Season the salad with salt and black pepper to taste. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh corn when in season for the best flavor, but frozen corn works well too.
Add a pinch of smoked chipotle powder to deepen the smoky taste.
For a creamy twist, stir in some sour cream or Greek yogurt with the mayonnaise.
Include diced red bell peppers or cherry tomatoes for extra color and texture.
Omit jalapeño for a milder salad or replace with a mild green chili.

Storage

Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving. It tastes best chilled but if needed, you can serve it at room temperature. Avoid freezing as it may affect the texture of the mayonnaise and cheese.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a bowl filled with creamy rotini pasta salad. The rotini pasta is light yellow and twisted, forming the base layer. Mixed throughout are bright yellow corn kernels and chunks of green avocado, adding vibrant color. Small pieces of reddish bacon are scattered evenly across the salad. Fresh green cilantro leaves are sprinkled on top, and there are small dollops of white cheese. The bowl itself is white with a dark textured interior, placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute elbow macaroni or penne with shells, rotini, or other short pasta shapes that hold sauce well.

Is it necessary to char the corn?

Charring the corn adds a distinctive smoky flavor reminiscent of Mexican street corn, but if you prefer, you can lightly sauté or boil the corn instead for a milder taste.