Street Corn Pasta Salad: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

If you’re craving a vibrant dish that’s bursting with flavor and easy enough for any day of the week, then look no further than this Street Corn Pasta Salad: A Delicious & Easy Recipe. It combines the smoky, tangy charm of classic street corn with the satisfying bite of pasta, creating a colorful, fresh salad that’s equally perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a flavorful family dinner. The blend of creamy cotija cheese, zesty lime, a hint of heat, and sweet corn makes every bite a celebration of textures and tastes you’ll want to share with everyone close to you.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is wonderfully straightforward, calling for simple, fresh ingredients that come together to create a vibrant dish. Each element plays its part to ensure the perfect balance of creamy, smoky, tangy, and spicy flavors — plus a fantastic mix of textures that make this pasta salad so satisfying.

• 1 pound pasta (rotini, shells, or elbow macaroni): Choose your favorite shape for the best texture and to catch that luscious dressing.
• 4 ears of corn, husked: Fresh corn brings natural sweetness and crunch, essential for authenticity.
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise: Adds creaminess without overpowering other flavors.
• 1/4 cup sour cream: Offers a tangy creaminess that lightens the mayo richness beautifully.
• 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese plus more for garnish: This salty, crumbly cheese adds a perfect burst of flavor and texture.
• 2 tablespoons lime juice, freshly squeezed: Provides a zesty brightness that wakes up every bite.
• 1 tablespoon chili powder: Brings smoky warmth that ties together the corn and spices.
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Enhances smoky depth with a subtle sweetness.
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds cozy savory notes to the dressing.
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): For those who love a kick, this gently elevates the heat.
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, plus more for garnish: Its fresh herbal bite brightens every forkful.
• 1/4 cup finely diced red onion: Adds crunch and a mild sharpness that balances creaminess.
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional): Another chance to dial up the heat if you wish.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste: Essential to enhance all the flavors.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used to lightly coat the corn before cooking, enhancing flavor and helping it char beautifully.

How to Make Street Corn Pasta Salad: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook it until al dente — tender but still with a bite — according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. This simple step ensures your pasta won’t feel mushy and will hold its texture perfectly in the salad.

Step 2: Grill the Corn

Grilling the corn infuses it with a wonderful smoky char that really sets the tone for the salad. Preheat your grill to medium-high, then brush each ear with olive oil to prevent sticking and encourage a nice char. Place the corn on the grill, turning occasionally until tender and charred in spots — usually about 8 to 12 minutes. If grilling isn’t your thing, don’t worry; we have other method options ahead.

Step 3: Boil the Corn (Alternative Method)

If you prefer a tender and juicy kernel over smoky charring, simply boil the husked corn in a large pot of boiling water for 5 to 7 minutes. This method is quick and easy, producing sweet, crisp-tender corn that blends beautifully with the rest of the salad.

Step 4: Roast the Corn (Another Alternative)

For a hands-off approach with a hint of roasted flavor, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush the corn with olive oil, wrap each ear well in aluminum foil, and roast for 20 to 25 minutes until tender. This method locks in moisture and brings out the natural sweetness with a subtle roasting aroma.

Step 5: Cut the Corn Kernels

Once your corn has cooled enough to handle, stand each ear upright on a cutting board and carefully slice downward to remove the kernels. This is the heart of your salad’s texture — sweet, crunchy bursts of corn in every bite.

Step 6: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper if you’re using it. This creamy, spicy dressing forms the delicious coating for the pasta and corn, sharply balanced by zesty lime and smoky spices.

Step 7: Add Cheese and Herbs

Next, fold in the crumbled cotija cheese and chopped cilantro, saving a little of each for garnishing later. The cheese lends a salty contrast while cilantro injects freshness, creating a flavor combo you won’t forget.

Step 8: Combine Pasta and Corn

Add the cooked pasta and the freshly cut corn kernels to the bowl with the dressing. Toss everything gently but thoroughly, making sure each piece gets coated with that enticing dressing.

Step 9: Add Remaining Ingredients

For an extra pop of flavor and crunch, stir in the finely diced red onion and minced jalapeño if you’re craving that heat. These small additions elevate the salad’s complexity and texture.

Step 10: Season to Taste

Finish by seasoning the entire salad with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Taste as you go — the right amount will let all the vibrant flavors shine through beautifully.

Step 11: Chill

Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to mingle, marry, and become even more irresistible. Chilling also helps the salad hold its structure when served.

Step 12: Serve

Before serving, give the salad a good stir and garnish with extra cotija cheese and cilantro for an inviting presentation that looks as delightful as it tastes.

How to Serve Street Corn Pasta Salad: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Garnishes

Simple garnishes like a sprinkle of cotija cheese and fresh cilantro leaves not only add a beautiful pop of color but also bring an extra layer of flavor. A light dusting of chili powder or a wedge of lime on the side invites guests to customize their bites with extra zing or heat.

Side Dishes

This Street Corn Pasta Salad: A Delicious & Easy Recipe pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, tacos, or as part of a barbecue spread. Its fresh and creamy profile complements smoky ribs or crispy chicken, and it also works brilliantly alongside crunchy tortilla chips for a casual meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the salad in hollowed-out mini bell peppers or individual mason jars for a picnic-ready presentation. You could also layer it in a trifle bowl with grilled veggies or avocado slices for a visually stunning summer centerpiece that’s both impressive and delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Street Corn Pasta Salad keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors develop even more as it sits, making it a perfect make-ahead dish.

Freezing

Because of the fresh ingredients like sour cream and mayo, freezing this salad isn’t recommended. The texture and flavor can change after thawing, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.

Reheating

This salad is best served chilled or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. If you prefer, take it out of the fridge 15 minutes prior to serving to soften the chill and let those incredible flavors shine.

FAQs

Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh?

Absolutely, frozen corn works in a pinch and still tastes great. Just thaw it and drain well before mixing it into the salad to avoid extra moisture.

What kind of pasta is best for this salad?

Pasta shapes like rotini, shells, or elbow macaroni work best because they hold onto the dressing and corn bits perfectly. Choose your favorite for the best eating experience!

Can I make this salad vegan?

Yes! Substitute the mayo and sour cream with vegan alternatives, and swap cotija cheese for a plant-based crumble or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

How spicy is this salad?

The base recipe has mild to medium spice due to chili powder and optional jalapeño and cayenne. You can adjust the heat by omitting or increasing these ingredients based on your preference.

Can I prepare the corn ahead of time?

Definitely. You can grill, boil, or roast the corn up to a day before and store the kernels in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble the salad.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you discover this Street Corn Pasta Salad: A Delicious & Easy Recipe, it’ll quickly become a go-to favorite. The combination of smoky, tangy, creamy, and spicy flavors is irresistibly satisfying, and the fact that it’s so easy to make means you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again. So go ahead, give this recipe a try — your taste buds will thank you!

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