![- 8 oz fusilli pasta - 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen) - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1/2 red onion, finely chopped - 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced - 1/2 cup cotija cheese, crumbled - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped - 1/4 cup mayonnaise - 2 tablespoons sour cream - 2 tablespoons lime juice - 1 teaspoon chili powder - Salt and pepper to taste When making Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad, I focus on fresh and vibrant flavors. The fusilli pasta serves as a great base. Its shape holds onto the dressing and other ingredients well. I often cook the pasta until it’s al dente for the best texture. Next, the corn kernels add sweetness and crunch. Whether you use fresh or frozen corn, it shines in this dish. I usually sauté the corn until it’s lightly charred. This step enhances its natural sweetness and adds depth to the salad. The red bell pepper brings color and a fresh, crisp bite. I dice it finely so it mixes well with the pasta. The red onion adds a sharp flavor. I chop it finely too, as this helps balance the dish. For the extra flavor, I always include jalapeño. It gives a warm kick without overwhelming the other tastes. Cotija cheese is another star here. Its salty and crumbly texture makes each bite exciting. Fresh cilantro adds a burst of freshness. I chop it just before mixing to keep its bright taste. Finally, I create a creamy dressing. The mayonnaise and sour cream blend with lime juice and chili powder. This combination gives the salad a zesty and creamy finish. You can adjust the salt and pepper to fit your taste. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. To cook fusilli pasta, boil water in a large pot. Add salt to the water for flavor. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until it is al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard. Drain the pasta in a colander. Rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. This step helps keep the pasta from becoming mushy. For the corn, use fresh or frozen kernels. I prefer fresh for that sweet taste. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the corn and sauté for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want it to be slightly charred for more flavor. Once done, remove it from the heat and let it cool. This cooling step is key to keep the corn crunchy. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, charred corn, diced red bell pepper, chopped red onion, and minced jalapeño. Stir gently to mix these ingredients without breaking the pasta. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure the dressing is smooth and well blended. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture. Toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly. Next, fold in the crumbled cotija cheese and chopped cilantro. Be careful to mix just until combined, so you don’t break the pasta. Taste the salad and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lime juice if needed. Refrigerating the pasta salad is very important. This step allows all the flavors to blend nicely. Cover the bowl and chill it for at least 30 minutes. Serve it cold for the best taste. For the full recipe, check out the complete guide. To avoid mushy pasta, cook your fusilli just until al dente. Follow the package instructions closely. Rinsing the pasta under cold water halts the cooking process and keeps it firm. Balancing ingredients is key to achieving the best taste. Use fresh corn for sweetness and flavor. The red bell pepper adds crunch and vibrant color. Jalapeños bring heat, so adjust to your spice level. Mixing cotija cheese adds a creamy, salty touch. You can serve Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad in many fun ways. Try using a large bowl for family-style sharing. Individual cups can make for a great picnic or potluck idea. Pair this salad with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. It also works well with tacos or quesadillas for a fun taco night. Garnishing your salad makes a big difference. A sprinkle of extra cotija cheese on top adds texture. Add a few cilantro leaves for a fresh pop of green. Colorful ingredients are not just pretty; they also bring different flavors. The bright yellow corn, red bell pepper, and green cilantro create a feast for the eyes. Remember, a beautiful dish makes the meal even more enjoyable. For the full recipe and more tips, check out the [Full Recipe]. {{image_2}} To make this salad vegetarian, use vegetable broth to cook the pasta. You can also swap out the cotija cheese for a creamy feta or a vegan cheese option. These substitutes keep the dish rich and tasty. For extra veggies, add diced zucchini or cherry tomatoes. These colorful options add texture and nutrients without changing the flavor. If you love heat, try adding different peppers. Consider using serrano or habanero for a kick. You can also sprinkle some red pepper flakes for extra spice. For those who want a milder version, use bell peppers instead. Remember, you can always adjust the heat to match your taste. To make this pasta salad gluten-free, choose gluten-free pasta, like brown rice or chickpea pasta. These alternatives work well and hold their shape. Always check labels to ensure there are no hidden gluten ingredients. This way, everyone can enjoy the salad without worry. You can find the Full Recipe for more details on how to create this delightful dish. To keep your Mexican street corn pasta salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure it’s sealed tightly. This helps maintain its flavors and prevents odors from other foods. The salad will stay fresh for about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. If you notice any changes in smell or appearance, it’s best to toss it. If you want to warm up your pasta salad, do it gently. Use a microwave on low power to avoid mushy pasta. Stir it every 30 seconds until it's warm. If you prefer it cold, serve it straight from the fridge. The flavors are bright and refreshing when chilled. Making this salad ahead of time is a great idea! You can cook the pasta and corn a day before. Chop the veggies and store them separately to keep them fresh. When you’re ready to eat, mix everything together with the dressing. This saves time and gives you a quick meal option for busy days. If you can’t find cotija cheese, try feta or queso fresco. Both add saltiness and creaminess. You can also use grated Parmesan for a different twist. Each option gives a unique flavor to the salad. This pasta salad stays fresh in the fridge for about three days. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container. The flavors will continue to blend, making it even tastier over time. Yes, you can make this salad a day in advance. Just mix all the ingredients and refrigerate them. This lets the flavors meld together beautifully. When it's time to serve, just give it a quick stir. To make this salad vegan, swap the mayonnaise and sour cream for plant-based alternatives. Use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor instead of cotija cheese. This keeps the salad delicious and satisfying. Fusilli is great for this recipe because it holds the dressing well. However, you can also use rotini or penne. These shapes add a fun texture and help capture all the flavors. Try adding diced avocado, black beans, or even chopped tomatoes. A dash of hot sauce can spice things up, too. Fresh lime zest adds brightness, making each bite exciting and fresh. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. This blog post covered a tasty Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad. We explored key ingredients like fusilli pasta, corn, red bell pepper, and special dressings. Each step showed you how to cook and mix the salad for the best taste and texture. In my final thoughts, remember to adjust flavors and try variations that suit your taste. Enjoy this vibrant dish that can bring joy to any meal!](https://grilledflavors.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/03121f18-3d3d-4b4e-a2f3-69c6e9a315a8-300x300.webp)
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
Elevate your summer gatherings with this refreshing Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad! Bursting with flavor from sweet corn, zesty lime, and creamy cotija cheese, this dish is perfect for picnics or potlucks. Plus, it’s quick and easy to make in just 45 minutes. Ready for a delicious twist on classic pasta salad? Click through to discover the full recipe and impress your guests with this vibrant culinary creation!