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Creamy Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

Creamy Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad: A Summer Flavor Hit

This Creamy Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a delightful twist on elote, combining smoky corn and pasta in a rich dressing—perfect for summer gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta Salad
  • 8 ounces Short Pasta (elbow or rotini) Base of the salad
  • 2 cups Corn Kernels (grilled or roasted) Adds sweetness and smokiness
  • 1 cup Mayonnaise Can substitute with Greek yogurt for a lighter version
  • 1/2 cup Sour Cream For tanginess; can substitute with more mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup Cotija Cheese (crumbled) Can substitute with feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup Cilantro (chopped) Enhances flavor; parsley can be used instead
  • 1 tablespoon Lime Juice (fresh) Essential for brightening the salad
  • 1 teaspoon Lime Zest Recommended for added depth
  • 1 teaspoon Chili Powder Adjust to taste preference
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika Can be omitted if unavailable
  • 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder Fresh minced garlic can be an option
For Serving
  • 1 lime Extra Lime Wedges Serve alongside for personalizing flavor

Equipment

  • large pot
  • large mixing bowl
  • Grill or Oven

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cook the pasta by boiling salted water and adding short pasta. Cook until al dente, typically 7-10 minutes.
  2. Prepare the corn by grilling or roasting until lightly charred, about 10 minutes grilling or 15-20 minutes roasting.
  3. Make the dressing by combining mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, lime zest, chili powder, smoked paprika, and garlic powder in a large bowl.
  4. Combine cooled pasta with the dressing and charred corn, then fold in cotija cheese and cilantro carefully.
  5. Chill the salad in a covered container for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  6. Serve cold, adjusting seasoning with lime juice or mayonnaise as needed.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 10gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

For best results, grill the corn and use fresh ingredients. Chilling the salad enhances its flavor significantly.

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