Why Make This Recipe
Street Corn Pasta Salad is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. Combining the sweetness of roasted corn with the creamy dressing creates a dish that is refreshing and satisfying. It’s perfect for picnics, barbecues, or even a quick weeknight dinner. This recipe brings the taste of street corn right to your table in a fun and unique way!
How to Make Street Corn Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- About 400g of pasta
- 2 roasted corn cobs
- 3 green onions
- 1 shallot
- 2 jalapenos
- 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 & pepper
Directions
- Start by husking your corn and roasting it. You can fry it in a pan with olive oil for about 10-15 minutes, making sure to rotate the corn every couple of minutes. Once cooked, use a knife or peeler to separate the kernels from the cob.
- Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add in your pasta. Cook until al dente, then strain and set aside. (Tip: Drizzle some olive oil and toss to prevent the pasta from sticking.)
- Prep your other ingredients: thinly slice the green onions, finely mince the shallot, garlic, jalapeno, and cilantro, and crumble or grate the cotija cheese. Don’t forget to zest and juice 1 lime.
- Make the dressing by combining sour cream, mayo, minced garlic, lime zest, lime juice, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- All that’s left to do is assemble! Start by adding your cooked pasta to a large bowl along with the roasted corn, green onions, shallot, jalapeno, cilantro, and cotija cheese. Pour the dressing over the top and mix well. You can top with more cotija and fresh herbs if desired and enjoy!
How to Serve Street Corn Pasta Salad
Street Corn Pasta Salad is a great dish to serve chilled or at room temperature. It works well as a side dish for grilled meats or can be enjoyed as a light main course. You might also consider serving it in individual bowls for a fun presentation.
How to Store Street Corn Pasta Salad
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for about 3-4 days. If the pasta salad seems a bit dry when serving leftovers, you can add a splash of lime juice or a little more dressing before serving.
Tips to Make Street Corn Pasta Salad
- Use fresh ingredients whenever possible for the best flavor.
- Adjust the heat level by adding more or fewer jalapenos according to your taste.
- If you want a little crunch, consider adding some diced bell peppers or radishes.
- For a vegan version, substitute the sour cream and mayo with plant-based alternatives and replace cotija cheese with a vegan cheese option.
Variation
You can easily customize this recipe by adding other vegetables, such as diced tomatoes or avocado. Chopped black beans can also be a tasty addition for extra protein and fiber.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen corn. Just thaw and drain it before adding to the salad.
2. Is there a gluten-free option for the pasta?
Absolutely! You can use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for gluten-free diets.
3. How spicy is this salad with jalapenos?
The spice level can vary based on the jalapenos you use. For a milder flavor, remove the seeds and membranes before adding them to the salad.