Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

Introduction:
This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad combines the creamy, tangy flavors of elote (Mexican street corn) with the satisfying texture of pasta. It’s a perfect side dish or light meal for summer cookouts, family dinners, or potlucks. The salad features fresh charred corn, a zesty chili-lime dressing, and vibrant toppings like cotija cheese and cilantro, ensuring a crowd-pleasing experience.

Ingredients:

• For the Pasta:
  • 12 oz rotini or penne pasta
  • Salt for boiling water
• For the Corn:
  • 3 cups corn kernels (grilled, fresh, frozen, or canned)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for grilling or sautéing)
• For the Dressing:
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ½ cup sour cream (or Mexican crema)
  • 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • ½ tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp lime zest (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• For the Salad:
  • ½ cup cotija cheese (or feta), crumbled
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 2-3 green onions, sliced
  • 1 jalapeño, finely chopped (optional)
  • Lime wedges for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:
   Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
2. Prepare the Corn:
   • If grilling, brush fresh corn with olive oil and grill over medium-high heat until lightly charred. Let cool and cut the kernels from the cob.
   • For frozen or canned corn, sauté in a hot skillet with olive oil until lightly browned.
3. Make the Dressing:
   In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.
4. Assemble the Salad:
   In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, corn, cotija cheese, cilantro, green onions, and jalapeño (if using). Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss until well-coated.
5. Chill and Serve:
   Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Garnish with lime wedges and additional cilantro before serving.

Conclusion:
This vibrant pasta salad is a delightful fusion of Mexican street corn’s bold flavors and the hearty appeal of pasta. Perfect for any occasion, it can be served as a side or a main dish. Customize the spice level to your liking, and enjoy a refreshing, zesty treat!

For more details, visit the full recipe

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