Oh wow, let me tell you—this Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is like a fiesta in a bowl! Imagine the vibrant flavors of elote, but with a twist that will make your taste buds dance and maybe even do a little cha-cha. I first whipped this up for a summer barbecue, and let’s just say, it was gone faster than you can say “más, por favor!
Steps
- Prepare the dressing by mixing cream cheese, sour cream, olive oil, chives, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Add crumbled cotija or feta cheese to create a creamy base.
- Cook your choice of short pasta according to the package instructions. Drain, then combine the hot pasta with the prepared dressing to ensure it absorbs the flavors well.
- Incorporate the salad ingredients by adding romaine lettuce, grilled or roasted corn, basil, cilantro, spicy cheddar cheese cubes, and avocado into the pasta mixture. Gently toss everything together to blend the flavors.
- Create the chili butter by melting butter in a pan and stirring in chili powder, smoked paprika, cayenne, and a touch of salt. Also, mix mayo or yogurt with lime juice and a bit of salt for a tangy topping.
- Serve the pasta salad either warm or chilled, generously topped with the chili butter and lime mayo. Garnish with fresh herbs like basil, cilantro, and green onions for added flavor and color.
Ingredients
- Cream cheese
- Sour cream
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Garlic
- Fresh chives, chopped
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper
- Crumbled cotija or fresh cheese
- Short cut pasta
- Romaine lettuce
- Grilled or roasted corn
- Fresh basil leaves
- Fresh cilantro
- Spicy cheddar cheese, cubed
- Avocado
- Salted butter
- Smoked paprika
- Chili powder
- Cayenne pepper
- Mayonnaise or yogurt
- Lime juice
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of cheese in this pasta salad?
- Absolutely! While crumbled cotija cheese is recommended for its salty, tangy flavor, you can substitute it with feta or any fresh cheese you prefer.
- Is it necessary to use grilled or roasted corn, or can I use canned corn?
- Grilled or roasted corn adds a smoky flavor that enhances the salad, but you can use canned or frozen corn if you’re short on time.
- How can I adjust the level of spiciness in this dish?
- To adjust the spiciness, simply modify the amount of chili powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper to suit your taste. You can also omit them for a milder version.
- Can I prepare this salad in advance?
- Yes, this pasta salad can be made ahead of time. Preparing it a few hours in advance allows the flavors to meld, but be sure to add the fresh herbs just before serving.
- What is a good alternative to the lime mayo/yogurt topping?
- If you’re looking for an alternative, you can drizzle a simple vinaigrette or use plain Greek yogurt mixed with a bit of lemon juice and zest for a different tangy twist.
Tips
- Toss the Pasta While Hot: To achieve a creamy consistency, mix the hot pasta with the dressing. The heat will help melt the cream cheese and other ingredients, coating the pasta perfectly.
- Customize the Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper according to your preference for spiciness. Start with less and add more if desired for a perfect balance.
- Prepare the Chili Butter: Don’t skip the step of making chili butter. Melting butter with spices before adding it to the salad enhances the flavor significantly and adds a delicious smoky taste.
- Add Fresh Herbs Last: Incorporate fresh herbs like basil, cilantro, and green onions at the end to retain their vibrant flavor and color. This step will give your salad a refreshing finish.
Equipment
- Large Salad Bowl
- Pot for Boiling Pasta
- Skillet for Melting Butter and Mixing Spices
- Mixing Spoons or Salad Tongs
