Oh, let me tell you about my latest culinary obsession: Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad! This dish is a vibrant explosion of flavor, combining the comforts of pasta with the fresh, zesty notes of Mexican street corn—also known as elote. I remember the first time I tried elote at a street fair, slathered in butter, lime, and sprinkled with cotija cheese. It was love at first bite! I thought, why not combine that magical experience with a pasta salad? And thus, this recipe was born!
Every time I make this pasta salad, it brings back joyful summer memories of picnics and barbecues with friends and family. It’s not just a dish; it’s a celebration! The best part? It’s super easy to whip up and perfect for potlucks, summer get-togethers, or just a cozy night in. Trust me; your taste buds are in for a treat!
What’s in Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad?
Bowtie Pasta: I love using bowtie pasta for its fun shape, but feel free to use any pasta you like! A colorful twist might be using tri-color pasta to make the dish even more festive.
Frozen Corn: Corn adds that signature sweetness right out of the gate! I suggest using frozen corn for convenience—just pop it in the microwave to thaw.
Cherry Tomatoes: These little bursts of flavor bring sweetness and a lovely pop of color. I prefer grape tomatoes for their firmer texture, but any cherry tomato will work well.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro is essential. Its bright, herbaceous flavor elevates this salad to a whole new level. If you’re not a fan, you can substitute with parsley, but let’s keep it real—cilantro is where it’s at!
Red Onion: A bit of finely diced red onion adds a sharpness that complements the sweetness of the corn. You can soak it in cold water for a bit to tone down the bite, if desired.
Mayonnaise: Creamy mayo ties everything together and provides richness without overwhelming the dish. I use a light version to keep it a tad healthier.
Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice is my secret ingredient! It brings a zesty acidity that makes the flavors pop.
Chili Powder: For that beautiful spice! You can adjust the amount based on your heat tolerance. I like it a bit spicy but not overpowering.
Cotija Cheese: This crumbly cheese adds a salty creaminess that’s just unbeatable. If you can’t find cotija, feta makes for a great substitute.
Is Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Good for You?
Absolutely! This salad is packed with vibrant veggies and whole grains (if you use whole wheat pasta). Here’s the scoop on why it’s good for you:
Corn: It’s rich in fiber and antioxidants, plus it adds a natural sweetness to the dish.
Pasta: If you’re using whole wheat pasta, you’ll get extra fiber and nutrients. Even regular pasta is a great source of carbohydrates to fuel your day.
Cilantro: It’s not just for decoration—cilantro has numerous health benefits, including antioxidants and may help detoxify your body.
Lime Juice: Full of vitamin C, lime juice also aids in digestion and adds brightness to the dish.
However, moderation is key with the mayonnaise and cheese; they can be calorie-dense. But hey, enjoy it guilt-free! Balance is what cooking is all about.
Ingredients List
– 2 cups bowtie pasta
– 2 cups frozen corn, thawed
– 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
– ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
– ½ cup finely diced red onion
– ½ cup mayonnaise
– Juice of 2 limes
– 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
– 1 cup crumbled cotija cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
*Serves 6-8 people*
How to Make Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad?
1. Start by cooking your bowtie pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and cool under cold water to stop the cooking process.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed corn, cherry tomatoes, cilantro, and red onion.
3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Add the cooled pasta to the corn mixture, then pour the dressing over it and toss gently until everything is well-coated.
5. Finally, fold in the crumbled cotija cheese, reserving some for garnish.
6. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to let those flavors meld.
Bring the Fiesta to Your Table!
Here are a few tips to spice things up even more! You can drizzle some hot sauce on top for an extra kick or toss in some diced jalapeños if you love heat. This salad holds up well, so it’s perfect for meal prep! It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen. Serve it alongside grilled meats or as part of a taco night feast!
So what are you waiting for? Dive into this Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad and let your taste buds dance! I would love to hear how it turns out for you, so don’t forget to share your experience. Enjoy!
