This Easy Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is bursting with flavor! Tender pasta mixes with sweet corn, spicy jalapeños, and a creamy dressing that’ll make your taste buds dance!
This salad is perfect for warm days. I love serving it chilled at barbecues— it’s a real crowd-pleaser! Just watch it disappear faster than you can say “más por favor!” 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: This twisty pasta holds onto the dressing well! If you’re in the mood for something different, you can swap rotini for fusilli or penne. Gluten-free pasta is also a great choice if you need a gluten-free option.
Corn: Fresh corn kernels give the salad a sweet crunch, but frozen or canned corn work just fine. If you’re using canned, remember to rinse and drain it well to reduce sodium. For a unique twist, try using grilled corn for a smoky flavor!
Mayonnaise and Sour Cream: These two create a creamy base. If you’re looking for a healthier version, Greek yogurt can replace both. It adds a tangy flavor and lower calories, too! You could also use dairy-free yogurt for a vegan option.
Cotija Cheese: Traditionally used, cotija has a nice crumbly texture. If you can’t find it, feta cheese makes an easy substitute. For a non-dairy option, look for vegan cheese crumbles that fit your taste.
Cilantro: This herb adds freshness to your salad. If you’re not a fan, parsley is a good alternative. You can also skip the herbs entirely if you prefer a simpler taste.
How Do I Make Sure My Pasta Salad is Creamy and Flavorful?
The key to a creamy and flavorful pasta salad is in the dressing! Start by mixing your mayonnaise and sour cream (or their substitutes) with the spices and lime juice. This combo brings all the flavors together.
- Make sure to season your dressing with salt and pepper before tossing in the pasta. It should taste bright and zesty!
- Once you add your pasta to the dressing, mix gently but thoroughly, so every piece gets coated.
- Letting the salad chill in the fridge allows the flavors to blend beautifully, enhancing the overall creaminess.
How to Make Easy Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 tsp cumin
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1/2 cup cotija cheese, crumbled (or feta cheese as a substitute)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Extra chili powder or pepper flakes for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful pasta salad takes about 20 minutes to prepare and needs at least 30 minutes to chill in the fridge. In total, you will need about 50 minutes to make and enjoy this tasty dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
Start off by cooking the rotini pasta! Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add the rotini. Cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down. Set your pasta aside for later.
2. Making the Dressing:
In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, chili powder, cumin, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well mixed. This will be the flavorful dressing for your pasta salad!
3. Mixing the Salad:
Add the cooked and cooled pasta to the bowl with the dressing. Toss it all together gently so that the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy dressing. Next, fold in the corn, crumbled cotija cheese, cilantro, and finely chopped red onion. Mix until everything is well combined and looking delicious.
4. Chilling and Serving:
Give your salad a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or lime juice according to your preference. Once you’re happy with the flavors, cover the bowl and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This rest time helps all the flavors come together! When ready to serve, dish it out chilled and sprinkle with extra cotija cheese and chili powder for a little kick, if you like. Enjoy your refreshing Mexican street corn pasta salad!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini is recommended for its ability to hold onto the dressing, you can use other pasta shapes like elbow macaroni, farfalle, or penne. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for your chosen pasta.
How Can I Make This Salad Dairy-Free?
To make this salad dairy-free, you can substitute the mayonnaise with a vegan version and use a non-dairy yogurt in place of sour cream. For the cheese, nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese alternative can add a similar flavor without the dairy!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop. To freshen it up, you may want to add a little more lime juice or a splash of water before serving again.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Salad?
Definitely! Feel free to add diced bell peppers, diced avocado, or chopped tomatoes for extra flavor and crunch. Just remember that adding moist veggies like tomatoes may require you to adjust the dressing to prevent it from getting too watery.
