Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
This quick Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is loaded with delicious corn, queso fresco, and a deliciously smokey, and refreshing dressing. It’s quick and easy to throw together and is made up of a combination of both pantry and fresh ingredients, most of which you probably already have, and the ones you don’t are easy to find at any grocery store!
Summer is a great time for pasta salads; this has become a favorite with the Smith Family. A Tex-Mex play on two amazing sides… Mexican Street Corn and Pasta Salad! This recipe brings me back to some great memories of my childhood. The recipe is simple and quick to make. I know you’re gonna love it!
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Quick Overview
About some of the ingredients
orzo
Orzo, or risoni, is a pasta shaped like a large grain of rice. I chose this pasta specifically for this reason. I wanted a pasta that would let the corn shine and dressing shine. And I loved that it looks like rice.
sweet corn kernels
Specifically, for this street corn pasta salad recipe, I chose to use frozen mainly because then you can make this salad any time! As always, I want this to be as easy as possible! So use fresh corn or canned!
jalapeño
The jalapeño pepper obviously adds heat, but it also adds a fresh, crisp, green bell pepper taste. Of course, if the heat is too much, omit it. Want more heat? Use a habanero pepper.
cilantro
Cilantro adds a freshness and specific flavor to the salad. I know for some this flavor gives off a soap taste, if that’s you, use parsley.
mayonnaise
This is the base of the dressing, but also a key ingredient in elote. It’s slathered with either mayo or crema. So if you decide you don’t want to use mayo, crema and a tablespoon of olive oil would also work for this.
lime juice
Not only is this another key ingredient in elote, but the lime juice adds brightness to this dish.
grape tomatoes
The grape tomatoes add color, sweetness, and earthiness to the dish.
chipotle powder
The chipotle powder gives the street corn pasta salad heat and a smoky-sweet flavor.
chili powder
Chili powder offers an aromatic and savory taste. It’s commonly used in elote (sprinkles on top of the mayo) and I wanted it present in this salad to add those notes.
smoked paprika
Smoked paprika offers additional smoky, sweet, and peppery flavor with a subtle earthiness that I love and really wanted to add to the dressing in this street corn salad.
ground cumin
The ground cumin adds warmth, a familiarity to many who enjoy and eat Mexican and Tex-Mex foods. I wanted to add that warmness to this dressing.
oregano
If you can find it, Mexican Oregano is preferred. It gives a brighter with floral and citrus notes. But if you can not find Mexican Oregano, you can use typical dried oregano and it will work in this recipe.
queso fresco cheese
Queso Fresco is a soft, moist, fresh cheese with a salty and slightly tangy flavor. I chose this over traditional cotija cheese because I love the softer larger chunks and the slight saltiness it adds.
how to make your street corn pasta salad
Cook the pasta according to the packet directions until al dente. Drain. Set aside to cool. ( I run a little cold water over the pasta to stop the cooking and help prevent it from sticking.)
Sauté the corn: Meanwhile, heat the oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Cook the corn for about 7 minutes until you see some golden brown spots.
Jenn’s Notes:
Be careful when cooking the corn. the heat does cause the corn to pop, much like popcorn.
Make the dressing: in a medium-sized mixing bowl: mix the mayonnaise, lime juice, chipotle chili and chili powder, paprika, cumin, oregano, about 8oz (or about ¾) of the Queso Fresco, half of the tomatoes, and half of the cilantro (or parsley) until combined
Add the corn and pasta. Mix until coated.
Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Top with the remaining cheese, cilantro, and tomatoes, and ENJOY!
Storage Details
This pasta salad will last up to 4 days stored in a food-safe container or silicone bag in the fridge.
Cooking with Kids
DISCLOSURE: These tips are generalized, and meant to be suggestive. Everything I’m sharing I do with my kids, and they are all different even within my own five. So please take these as suggestions or ideas and if you think your child needs more or less help, then go with what you and your child are comfortable with. Ultimately, you know your kids, do what YOU think is best.
*This one involves some cooking so unless you’re comfortable with them at a stove, here are a few things all kids can help with:
I love eating this Street Corn Pasta Salad by itself and with tacos or my Lemon Chicken Taco Dinner!
Need more salad inspo? Try these:
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
Description
This delicious Mexican street corn pasta salad is a MUST-make for all your picnics, lunches, and even dinner! With charred corn, jalapeños, cilantro, and Queso fresco, you’re gonna love this pasta salad with a kick!
Ingredients
Nutritional Facts:
These numbers are based on the serving size stated. All are estimates and you should not rely on this information as a substitute for, nor does it replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, you should always consult with a physician or other healthcare professional.
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Photo, Prop Styling, and Food Styling by Jenn Smith © 2023 Always Jenn Smith; Jenn Smith, LLC
