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Creamy Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad with Charred Corn

Close-up of a creamy street corn pasta salad with cotija cheese, red onion, and chili powder.
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You will make this vibrant, crowd-pleasing pasta salad that combines the smoky flavor of Mexican street corn (Elote) with a creamy, tangy dressing. It is simple to prepare and perfect for BBQs or summer potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound rotini or small shell pasta
  • 2 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup crumbled Cotija cheese, plus more for garnish
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the corn kernels and cook, stirring occasionally, until the corn is lightly charred, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  3. While the corn cools, prepare the dressing. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream (or yogurt), lime juice, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  4. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, charred corn, red onion, cilantro, and minced jalapeño (if using).
  5. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture. Add the 1/4 cup of Cotija cheese. Toss everything gently until the pasta and vegetables are evenly coated.
  6. Taste the salad and adjust salt, pepper, or lime juice as needed.
  7. Cover the bowl and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This salad is great for make ahead meal planning.
  8. Before serving, garnish with extra crumbled Cotija cheese and a sprinkle of chili powder.

Notes

  • For an extra smoky flavor, you can grill the corn on the cob instead of pan-charring.
  • If you skip the optional bacon, this recipe fits a vegetarian diet.
  • This salad tastes best when made ahead, similar to how you might plan meals with best meal delivery services, allowing flavors to deepen.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.unfoldrecipes.com/street-corn-pasta-salad-recipe/