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Street Corn Pasta Salad

Street Corn Pasta Salad
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Street Corn Pasta Salad is a vibrant, creamy dish that combines smoky grilled corn, tender pasta, and a tangy, cheesy dressing. Perfect for summer BBQs, potlucks, or simple weeknight meals, this salad offers a fresh, flavorful twist on traditional pasta salad with Mexican street food-inspired flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 cups fresh corn kernels (grilled or roasted)
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni or small pasta shells (cooked al dente)
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1/3 cup sliced green onions
  • 1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco or feta cheese

Dressing

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1 small garlic clove, finely minced
  • 1 teaspoon coarse chili powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the corn: Grill the fresh corn on the cob until lightly charred on all sides to bring out the smoky sweetness, then slice the kernels off the cob into a bowl.
  2. Cook the pasta: Boil elbow macaroni or small pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
  3. Mix the dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, fresh lime juice, finely minced garlic, chili powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
  4. Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, toss the grilled corn kernels, pasta, chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, and crumbled cheese with the dressing until everything is evenly coated.
  5. Chill and serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld, then give a final toss before serving.

Notes

  • Use fresh corn when in season for the sweetest flavor.
  • Do not overcook pasta; keep it slightly firm to avoid mushiness.
  • Adjust salt and lime juice after chilling for best balance.
  • The salad tastes better after resting a few hours or overnight.
  • Toast chili powder briefly before mixing for enhanced aroma and depth.

Nutrition

Keywords: street corn pasta salad, grilled corn salad, Mexican pasta salad, summer pasta salad, BBQ side dish, creamy pasta salad, gluten-free pasta salad

Find it online: https://gourmetglazing.com/street-corn-pasta-salad/