Introduction
This Street Corn Pasta Salad brings the bold, smoky flavors of Mexican street corn (elote) to a delightful, creamy pasta salad. Perfect for barbecues, picnics, or casual get-togethers, it combines the sweetness of corn with tangy, creamy dressing, spicy heat, and a touch of cheese for extra richness. It’s a dish that blends comfort and adventure in every bite, offering a satisfying fusion of textures and flavors.
Origin and Cultural Significance
Street corn, or elote, is a popular Mexican street food, traditionally served on the cob, slathered with mayonnaise, cotija cheese, chili powder, lime, and a sprinkle of salt. It’s a beloved snack found at street corners, food trucks, and festivals all across Mexico. The creamy, tangy, and spicy combination has made its way into various cuisines, with this pasta salad being a creative twist on the classic. The salad incorporates the essential components of elote, adapting them into a pasta dish for a more shareable and filling option.
Ingredients and Quantities
For the Salad:
8 oz pasta (rotini or bowtie work best)
2 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
1 red bell pepper, diced
1/2 red onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta if unavailable)
1 avocado, diced
For the Dressing:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sour cream or Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon lime juice (fresh)
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (for a smoky flavor)
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Additions
Jalapeño, finely diced (for an extra kick)
Grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein
Black beans or chickpeas for a heartier version
Extra lime wedges for serving
A sprinkle of chili flakes for more heat
Hot sauce, such as Cholula, for extra tang
Tips for Success
Corn: If using fresh corn, grill it for an extra smoky flavor. Otherwise, frozen corn works perfectly if thawed, or canned corn can be drained and rinsed for convenience.
Pasta: Undercook your pasta by a minute to prevent it from becoming too soft when mixed with the dressing.
Dressing: Make sure the dressing is well-mixed before tossing it with the pasta. Adjust the spice level according to your preference by adding more chili powder or cayenne.
Chill Time: Let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Serving: This salad can be served at room temperature or chilled, but make sure to give it a good stir before serving to re-coat the pasta with the dressing.
Instructions
Prepare the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions, drain, and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.
Cook the Corn: If using fresh corn, grill or sauté it in a pan with a bit of butter or oil until lightly charred. If using frozen or canned corn, simply thaw or drain the corn and sauté it in a hot pan for a few minutes to bring out its sweetness.
Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper until smooth.
Combine the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, corn, red bell pepper, onion, cilantro, and avocado. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
Add Cheese: Gently fold in the cotija cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed (more lime or chili powder for extra flavor).
Chill and Serve: Let the salad chill in the fridge for 30 minutes or longer before serving to allow the flavors to combine. Garnish with extra cilantro, a sprinkle of chili powder, or additional cheese as desired.
Description
This Street Corn Pasta Salad is a creamy, smoky, and flavorful side dish that’s perfect for summer barbecues, family gatherings, or any time you want to serve something fun and delicious. The combination of tender pasta, sweet and charred corn, fresh vegetables, and tangy dressing creates a vibrant dish that is both satisfying and refreshing. The addition of cotija cheese adds a rich, salty note that complements the creaminess of the dressing, while the smoked paprika gives it an irresistible depth of flavor.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving, based on 6 servings)
Calories: 350
Protein: 6g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 4g
Fat: 18g
Saturated fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 25mg
Sodium: 400mg
Sugar: 5g
Vitamin A: 15% DV
Vitamin C: 25% DV
Calcium: 10% DV
Iron: 6% DV
Conclusion
This Street Corn Pasta Salad is an excellent way to introduce the flavors of elote into a pasta dish, offering a refreshing and creamy twist on a classic. Its balance of smoky, spicy, and tangy elements makes it a crowd-pleaser at any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a group at a BBQ or preparing a side dish for a family meal, this salad delivers on flavor and texture.
Recommendation
For an extra punch of flavor, try grilling the corn before adding it to the salad. The charred edges bring out the sweetness and smoky depth of the corn, making the dish even more irresistible. You can also customize this salad with your favorite proteins or add-ins, like grilled chicken, shrimp, or black beans, to make it more filling for a complete meal.