Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy days.

• Versatile: Can be enjoyed as a main course or a side dish, and it's easily customizable with your favorite proteins or additional veggies.

• Make-Ahead Friendly: Tastes even better after the flavors meld, making it a great option for meal prep.

• Crowd-Pleaser: Its vibrant colors and bold flavors are sure to impress at any gathering.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Pasta: Fusilli (spiral pasta) works well, but bow tie (farfalle) or other short pasta can be used.

• Corn: Fresh corn on the cob is preferred; however, canned or frozen corn can be used for convenience.

• Red Bell Pepper: Adds sweetness and a pop of color.

• Black Beans: Provide protein and a hearty texture.

• Green Onions: Offer a mild, fresh onion flavor.

• Cilantro: Adds freshness and a hint of citrus.

• Cotija Cheese: A salty, crumbly cheese traditional in Mexican cuisine; feta cheese can be substituted if unavailable.

• Dressing Ingredients: Mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lime juice, chili powder, and cayenne pepper create a creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy dressing.

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Prepare the Corn: For the best flavor, grill the corn on the cob until lightly charred, then slice the kernels off the cob. Alternatively, boil the corn or use canned corn (drained) if short on time.

3. Mix the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lime juice, chili powder, and cayenne pepper until well combined.

4. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, corn kernels, diced red bell pepper, black beans, sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, and crumbled Cotija cheese.

5. Toss the Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss until everything is evenly coated.

6. Serve: The salad can be served immediately or refrigerated for a few hours to allow the flavors to meld.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes

• Cooking Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Add Protein:bacon for a heartier dish.bacon for a heartier Incorporate grilled chicken, shrimp, or bacon for a heartier dish.

• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the heat, or add diced jalapeños for extra spice.

• Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like cherry tomatoes, avocado, or red onion to enhance the salad.

• Cheese Substitute: If Cotija cheese is unavailable, feta cheese makes a suitable alternative.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If you prefer it warm, gently heat it in the microwave until just warmed through.

FAQs

What is Cotija cheese, and where can I find it?

Cotija cheese is a hard, crumbly Mexican cheese known for its salty and tangy flavor. It's commonly used in Mexican cuisine to top dishes like tacos, elote, and salads. You can find it in the dairy or specialty cheese section of most supermarkets, especially those that carry international or Latin American products.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, while fusilli or bow tie pasta works well due to their ability to hold onto the dressing, you can use other short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or farfalle. Choose a pasta that will capture the dressing and mix well with the other ingredients.

Is it possible to make this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, making the salad a few hours in advance allows the flavors to meld together more thoroughly. Prepare the salad as directed, cover it, and refrigerate. Give it a good stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.

How can I make this salad spicier?

To add more heat, increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the dressing or add diced fresh jalapeños to the salad. You can also sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes or use a spicier chili powder variety.

Can I use canned corn instead of fresh corn?

Yes, canned corn can be a convenient substitute for fresh corn. Drain and rinse the canned corn before adding it to the salad. While fresh grilled corn provides a smoky flavor, canned corn will still contribute sweetness and texture.

What can I use instead of Greek yogurt in the dressing?

If you don't have Greek yogurt, you can substitute it with sour cream or a plain regular yogurt. Keep in mind that the consistency and tanginess might vary slightly, but it will still result in a creamy and flavorful dressing.

How long will leftovers last in the refrigerator?

Leftovers will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to store the salad in an airtight container to preserve its freshness.

Can I add other vegetables to this salad?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like cherry tomatoes, avocado, or red onions to enhance the texture and flavor. Just be sure to chop them into bite-sized pieces to maintain the salad's overall balance.

Is this salad vegetarian?

Yes, this salad is vegetarian. It's a great option for meatless meals, and you can add extra protein like grilled chicken, shrimp, or beans if desired.

Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Yes, the dressing can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be sure to give it a good stir before using.

Conclusion

Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a flavorful, vibrant dish that's perfect for any occasion. With its combination of creamy dressing, sweet corn, and tangy Cotija cheese, this salad is sure to be a hit. Whether served as a side or a main dish, it's a great addition to any meal, and its versatility allows you to customize it to your liking. Make it ahead of time for easy entertaining or meal prep—either way, you’ll be enjoying a delicious and satisfying dish.