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Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad that Dances on Your Taste Buds

This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a refreshing dish that captures the essence of elote with smoky corn, creamy dressing, and zesty flavors.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6 cups
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni or penne gluten-free pasta works as well
For the Corn
  • 2 cups sweet corn kernels fresh or frozen
For the Dressing
  • 1 cup mayonnaise vegan mayonnaise can be used
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice adjust to taste
For the Flavor
  • 1 piece jalapeño pepper optional for heat
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder adjust based on spice preference
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
For the Mix-ins
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro leaves can substitute parsley
  • 1 cup crumbled cotija cheese feta can be used
Final Seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt to taste
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons butter for charring corn; olive oil can substitute

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Skillet
  • Mixing Bowl

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the elbow macaroni or penne until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. In a skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the sweet corn kernels and cook until golden and charred, about 8-10 minutes.
  3. Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle in chili powder and smoked paprika, stirring to coat the corn evenly. Allow to cool slightly.
  4. In a mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, charred corn, mayonnaise, lime juice, cotija cheese, cilantro, salt, and pepper. Toss gently.
  5. Transfer the salad to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to meld flavors.
  6. Before serving, stir the salad, adjusting lime juice and seasoning to taste. Serve chilled, garnished with additional cilantro or cheese.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 10gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 4gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

This salad can be made a day in advance and tastes even better chilled after the flavors meld together.

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