Craving a vibrant and flavorful salad that's bursting with fresh, summery tastes? Look no further than this Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad! This recipe captures all the deliciousness of elotes – the beloved Mexican street corn – and transforms it into a satisfying and easy-to-make pasta salad perfect for barbecues, potlucks, or a light weeknight dinner. Imagine sweet corn kernels, creamy cotija cheese, a zesty lime dressing, and a sprinkle of chili powder all tossed together with your favorite pasta. It’s a fiesta in every bite!
This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is surprisingly simple to prepare, requiring minimal ingredients and cooking time. The bold flavors perfectly complement the tender pasta, creating a culinary experience that’s both refreshing and unforgettable. Ready to bring the vibrant tastes of Mexico to your table? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions below and create this delicious salad together.
Tools Needed
- Frying pan
- Pot
- Large bowl
Ingredients
- Bacon: 6-8 slices
- Pasta
- Avocado: 1
- Green onion
- Cotija cheese
- Cilantro
- Jalapeno: 1
- Corn: 3 cups
- Mayonnaise: 1/2 cup
- Chili powder
- Cumin
- Paprika
- Sriracha: 1 teaspoon
- Lime juice: 1 lime
- Salt
- Pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Ingredients and Cook the Pasta
- Fry the bacon. (Use 6-8 slices)
- Cook the pasta according to package directions.
- Dice the avocado, green onion, and jalapeno (remove seeds if you don't like it spicy).
Step 2. Combine the Salad Base
- Place the cooked pasta in a large bowl.
- Add the diced avocado, green onion, cotija cheese, cilantro, diced bacon, and corn to the bowl with the pasta.
Step 3. Make the Dressing
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, chili powder, cumin, paprika, sriracha, lime juice, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
Step 4. Dress and Serve
- Mix all ingredients in the bowl.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss to combine.
Read more: Easy Mexican Macaroni Salad Recipe (Cold Salad)
Tips
- Adjust the amount of jalapeno to your desired spice level.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes! This salad tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Make it up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
2. What kind of pasta works best?
Use any short pasta you like – rotini, farfalle, or even small shells work well. Avoid long pasta as it can be harder to coat evenly with the dressing.
3. Can I adjust the spice level?
Absolutely! Start with less chili powder and add more to taste. If you prefer a milder salad, you can omit it altogether. For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, offering a delightful blend of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. Its ease of preparation makes it ideal for any occasion, from casual weeknight meals to festive gatherings. So gather your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy this vibrant and delicious taste of Mexico!