This Summer Street Corn Pasta Salad is a refreshing and flavorful twist on traditional pasta salad, inspired by the bold and vibrant flavors of Mexican street corn. The dish combines grilled or roasted corn, tender pasta, creamy dressing, and fresh ingredients like cilantro and lime for a deliciously tangy, slightly spicy, and creamy salad. It’s perfect for summer barbecues, picnics, or as a side dish for any occasion.
The creamy dressing ties everything together, giving the salad a rich yet zesty flavor, while the grilled corn adds sweetness and a subtle smokiness. This street corn pasta salad is sure to be a hit at any gathering!
Why You’ll Love This Summer Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe
- Bold & Flavorful: The combination of grilled corn, fresh cilantro, lime, and chili powder adds bold, tangy, and slightly smoky flavors.
- Perfect for Summer: It’s a great make-ahead dish for barbecues, picnics, or potlucks.
- Creamy & Tangy Dressing: The creamy dressing, made with mayonnaise and sour cream, adds richness while the lime juice keeps it fresh and zesty.
- Customizable: You can add extra toppings or ingredients like avocado, jalapeños, or even black beans for added flavor and texture.
Key Ingredients for Summer Street Corn Pasta Salad
1. Pasta
- Use a small pasta like rotini, penne, or elbow macaroni. These shapes hold the dressing well and are perfect for pasta salads.
2. Corn
- Grilled or roasted corn is the star of the salad, giving it a sweet, smoky flavor. You can use fresh corn on the cob, or canned or frozen corn if fresh isn’t available.
3. Mayonnaise & Sour Cream
- These two ingredients form the base of the creamy dressing, giving the salad a rich, smooth texture while balancing the tanginess of the lime juice.
4. Cotija Cheese
- Cotija cheese adds a salty, crumbly texture to the salad and is a staple in Mexican street corn. If you can’t find cotija, feta is a good substitute.
5. Cilantro
- Fresh cilantro adds a pop of color and bright, herbaceous flavor that complements the corn and lime.
6. Lime Juice
- Fresh lime juice adds a tangy zing to the dressing and helps cut through the richness of the mayonnaise and sour cream.
7. Chili Powder
- Chili powder gives the salad a bit of heat and smoky flavor. You can adjust the amount to your desired level of spice.
8. Red Onion
- Red onion adds a little crunch and sharpness to balance out the creamy dressing.
How to Make Summer Street Corn Pasta Salad
This Summer Street Corn Pasta Salad is quick and easy to prepare, making it a perfect side dish for any occasion. Here’s how to make it:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook 12 oz of pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, rinse under cold water, and set aside to cool.
Step 2: Grill or Roast the Corn
- Grill 3 ears of corn over medium heat, turning occasionally, until lightly charred, about 8-10 minutes. If using canned or frozen corn, you can roast it in a skillet with a little oil until slightly charred.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup sour cream, the juice of 2 limes, 1 teaspoon chili powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 4: Combine the Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, grilled corn (cut off the cob), 1/4 cup chopped red onion, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, and 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is well coated.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
- Refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve chilled, garnished with extra cilantro, cotija cheese, and a sprinkle of chili powder if desired.
Tips for Making the Best Summer Street Corn Pasta Salad
1. Grill the Corn
- Grilling the corn adds a smoky flavor and caramelized sweetness that elevates the entire salad. If you don’t have access to a grill, you can also roast the corn in a skillet.
2. Use Fresh Lime Juice
- Freshly squeezed lime juice gives the salad a bright, tangy flavor that perfectly balances the creamy dressing.
3. Don’t Overcook the Pasta
- Cook the pasta until al dente so it holds its shape and texture in the salad. Overcooked pasta can become mushy once mixed with the dressing.
4. Make It Ahead
- This pasta salad tastes even better after it sits for a bit, so feel free to make it a few hours ahead or even the day before serving.
5. Add Extra Toppings
- For extra flavor and texture, you can add diced avocado, jalapeños, or black beans to the salad.
Recipe Variations
1. Spicy Street Corn Pasta Salad
- Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing for a spicy kick.
2. Avocado Street Corn Pasta Salad
- Add diced avocado for a creamy, rich addition that pairs beautifully with the tangy dressing.
3. Vegan Street Corn Pasta Salad
- Use vegan mayonnaise and omit the cheese or substitute with a vegan cheese alternative to make this salad vegan-friendly.
4. Black Bean Street Corn Pasta Salad
- Add a can of drained and rinsed black beans for added protein and texture.
FAQs: Summer Street Corn Pasta Salad
1. Can I Use Frozen or Canned Corn?
- Yes! If you don’t have fresh corn, you can use canned or frozen corn. Just be sure to drain and rinse canned corn, and thaw frozen corn before roasting it in a skillet for extra flavor.
2. Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
- Yes, this salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will develop as it sits, making it even tastier the next day.
3. What Should I Serve with Street Corn Pasta Salad?
- This pasta salad pairs well with grilled meats like chicken, steak, or burgers, and it’s also a great side dish for barbecues or potlucks.
4. How Do I Store Leftovers?
- Store leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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