Zesty Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
A vibrant pasta salad combining cooked pasta with the smoky, creamy, and zesty flavors of Mexican street corn (Elote).
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 15 min
- Total Time: 30 min
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mexican Fusion
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound rotini or small shell pasta
- 3 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Mexican crema
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 cup crumbled cotija cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse briefly with cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.
- If using fresh corn, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the corn and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly charred in spots, about 5 to 7 minutes. If using frozen corn, thaw it first and then char it in the skillet. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream or crema, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper until smooth. This is your dressing.
- Add the cooled pasta, charred corn, red onion, and half of the cotija cheese to the dressing bowl.
- Toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Stir in the fresh cilantro. Season with salt and pepper to your taste.
- Cover the salad and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- Before serving, sprinkle the remaining cotija cheese over the top.
Notes
- For best flavor, char the corn in a dry cast-iron skillet without the oil first, then add the oil for the final minute of cooking.
- You can prepare the dressing and chop the vegetables a day ahead of time.
- If you cannot find cotija cheese, substitute with finely crumbled feta cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Unsaturated Fat: 15
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 50
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 14
- Cholesterol: 30