Description
Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad is a flavorful and vibrant Mexican-inspired side dish combining tender rotini pasta, smoky grilled corn, crunchy vegetables, and a zesty, creamy dressing made from mayonnaise, sour cream, and spices. Perfect for summer barbecues or as a refreshing accompaniment, this salad is elevated with tangy cotija cheese and fresh cilantro, offering a delicious twist on traditional street corn flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 12 ounces rotini pasta
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Vegetables & Herbs
- 2 cups corn kernels (fresh, grilled, or thawed frozen)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1 small jalapeño finely diced (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Dressing & Cheese
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 1/3 cup crumbled cotija cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the rotini pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and rinse thoroughly under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta completely.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, fresh lime juice, lime zest, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooled pasta, corn kernels, finely chopped red onion, diced red bell pepper, diced jalapeño if using, chopped cilantro, and crumbled cotija cheese to the bowl with the dressing. Toss gently but thoroughly until all pasta and vegetables are evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the salad and add additional salt, pepper, or chili powder if desired to enhance the flavors.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and develop. Before serving, optionally garnish with extra cotija cheese, chili powder, and fresh cilantro for a vibrant presentation.
Notes
- Grilled corn adds the best flavor and gives the salad a smoky street corn taste.
- Feta cheese can be substituted for cotija if it is easier to find.
- For extra heat, add more jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- The salad can be made up to one day ahead and stored in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to deepen.
