Street corn pasta salad is a delightful dish that combines the flavors of summer with the comfort of a hearty pasta meal. This recipe features tender noodles, roasted corn, and fresh herbs all enveloped in a tangy, smoky lime sauce. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or casual family dinners, this dish stands out with its vibrant colors and bold flavors. Whether you’re looking for an easy lunch or a side for barbecues, street corn pasta salad is sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and quick cooking time, this salad comes together in just 30 minutes.
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of roasted corn, fresh herbs, and zesty lime creates a mouthwatering taste experience.
- Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a side or main course; it’s perfect for any occasion from summer gatherings to weeknight dinners.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with vegetables and protein from cotija cheese, it’s a nutritious choice everyone will love.
- Customizable: Feel free to adjust the spice level or add other veggies to suit your taste!
Tools and Preparation
Before you start making street corn pasta salad, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Frying pan
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta quickly and efficiently.
- Frying pan: Ideal for roasting corn evenly while enhancing its flavor with minimal effort.
- Mixing bowl: Provides ample space to combine all ingredients without making a mess.
Ingredients
For the Pasta Salad
- about 400g of pasta
- 2 roasted corn cobs
- 3 green onions
- 1 shallot
- 2 jalapeno
- 1/2 cup cilantro
- 1 cup cotija cheese
For the Dressing
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayo
- 3 cloves garlic
- juice and zest of 1 lime
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp salt & pepper
How to Make Street Corn Pasta Salad
Step 1: Roast the Corn
Start by husking your corn and roasting it. You can fry it in a pan with olive oil for about 10–15 minutes. Rotate every couple of minutes until cooked. Once done, use a knife or peeler to separate the kernels from the cob.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add in your pasta and cook until al dente. Strain the pasta and set aside. Tip: Drizzle some olive oil on the pasta and toss it to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Prep Your Ingredients
Thinly slice the green onions. Finely mince the shallot, garlic, jalapeno, and cilantro. Crumble or grate the cotija cheese. Zest and juice one lime.
Step 4: Make the Dressing
In a mixing bowl, combine sour cream, mayo, minced garlic, lime zest, lime juice, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 5: Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, add your cooked pasta along with roasted corn, green onions, shallots, jalapenos, cilantro, and cotija cheese. Pour the dressing over everything and mix well. Top with additional cotija cheese and fresh herbs if desired before enjoying!
How to Serve Street Corn Pasta Salad
Street corn pasta salad is a delightful dish that brings vibrant flavors and textures to your table. Here are some creative ways to serve this delicious salad.
Pairing with Grilled Proteins
- Grilled Chicken: Juicy grilled chicken complements the smokiness of the pasta salad beautifully.
- Shrimp Skewers: Tender shrimp on skewers add a seafood twist, enhancing the summer vibes.
- Steak: A well-seasoned grilled steak pairs perfectly, making for a hearty meal.
Serving as a Side Dish
- BBQ Ribs: This pasta salad makes an excellent side for smoky BBQ ribs, balancing the richness with its tangy flavor.
- Tacos: Serve alongside soft or hard-shell tacos for a festive touch to your meal.
- Burgers: It adds a refreshing side to any burger, whether beef, turkey, or veggie.
Garnishing Ideas
- Fresh Herbs: Top with additional cilantro or parsley for color and freshness.
- Lime Wedges: Serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra citrus kick.
- Chili Flakes: A sprinkle of red chili flakes can enhance the heat for spice lovers.
How to Perfect Street Corn Pasta Salad
To make sure your street corn pasta salad is at its best, consider these helpful tips.
- flavors: Don’t skimp on seasoning! Adjust salt and spices to suit your taste preferences.
- Fresh ingredients: Use fresh herbs and produce for maximum flavor and nutrition in your salad.
- Chill before serving: Allowing the salad to chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes lets the flavors meld beautifully.
- Cook pasta al dente: This prevents overcooked noodles that can become mushy when mixed with dressing.
Best Side Dishes for Street Corn Pasta Salad
Street corn pasta salad pairs well with various side dishes. Here are some great options to consider.
- Grilled Vegetables: Charred veggies like zucchini and bell peppers add vibrant colors and flavors.
- Cornbread: Sweet cornbread is a comforting addition that complements the dish’s flavors nicely.
- Black Bean Tacos: These protein-packed tacos provide a satisfying vegetarian option alongside your salad.
- Avocado Salsa: A fresh avocado salsa offers creamy textures that pair well with the pasta salad.
- Cilantro Lime Rice: Lightly seasoned rice enhances the Mexican theme while adding bulk to your meal.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad can cleanse the palate and add sweetness to your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making street corn pasta salad is easy, but there are a few common mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here’s how to avoid them.
- Using uncooked corn: Always roast your corn first for a smoky flavor. Fresh or frozen corn will not provide the same depth.
- Overcooking the pasta: Ensure your pasta is cooked al dente. This helps maintain its texture in the salad.
- Skipping the herbs: Fresh herbs like cilantro add vibrant flavor. Don’t skip them; they are essential for a fresh taste.
- Not adjusting seasoning: Taste the dressing before mixing it in. You may need more lime juice or salt for balance.
- Storing improperly: Avoid letting the salad sit out too long. Keep it chilled to maintain freshness and flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Keep it chilled at all times to preserve freshness.
Freezing Street Corn Pasta Salad
- Freezing is not recommended as it may alter the texture of the ingredients.
- If necessary, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Reheating Street Corn Pasta Salad
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), cover with foil, and heat until warm.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in short intervals, stirring until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Add a splash of water or oil in a pan over low heat, stirring gently until heated.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Street Corn Pasta Salad?
Street corn pasta salad is a delightful dish that combines pasta with roasted corn, fresh veggies, and a creamy dressing inspired by Mexican street corn.
Can I customize my Street Corn Pasta Salad?
Yes! Feel free to add other ingredients like avocado, bell peppers, or even proteins like grilled chicken for added nutrition.
How do I make Street Corn Pasta Salad spicier?
Add more jalapeños or include diced red pepper flakes in your dressing for an extra kick.
How should I serve Street Corn Pasta Salad?
This salad can be served cold as a side dish at barbecues or picnics. It also works well as a light main course.
Final Thoughts
Street corn pasta salad is perfect for summer gatherings or casual weeknight dinners. Its fresh flavors and creamy dressing make it comforting yet light. You can easily customize this recipe by adding your favorite ingredients, making it versatile for any occasion. Try this delicious dish today!
Street Corn Pasta Salad
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
Street Corn Pasta Salad is a vibrant and delicious dish that brings the flavors of summer right to your table. This easy-to-make salad features tender pasta mixed with roasted corn, fresh herbs, and a creamy, zesty lime dressing that will tantalize your taste buds. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or casual family dinners, this salad is not only visually appealing with its bright colors but also packed with flavor. With the addition of cotija cheese for richness and jalapeños for a hint of spice, this dish can be enjoyed as a side or a satisfying main course. Quick to prepare in just 30 minutes, it’s an ideal choice for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 400g pasta
- 2 roasted corn cobs
- 3 green onions
- 1 shallot
- 2 jalapeños
- 1/2 cup cilantro
- 1 cup cotija cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayo
- 3 cloves garlic
- juice and zest of 1 lime
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Roast corn in olive oil for 10-15 minutes until cooked. Cut kernels off.
- Boil salted water and cook pasta until al dente. Drain and toss with olive oil.
- Slice green onions and mince shallot, garlic, jalapeño, and cilantro.
- In a bowl, mix sour cream, mayo, garlic, lime juice/zest, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt & pepper.
- Combine all ingredients in a large bowl with the dressing; mix thoroughly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting/Boiling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Customize by adding veggies like bell peppers or avocado. Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance flavors.
