Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is simple and healthy, yet so tasty. It’s the perfect side or main dish for a big gathering or just a quick meal during the week with a Mexican twist!
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is what is happening today. There’s just something about corn in the summertime, am I right? I know summer is coming to an end which makes me sad since I LIVE for summer.
So, I’m dishing out one more summer recipe just in time for Labor Day picnics and end-of-summer picnics. Corn on the cob and corn in general always makes me think of barbecuing, basking in the sun, and those carefree summer vibes.
We just got back from an amazing week in Nashville, Tennessee. It was my first time there and I fell in love! The nightlife was a little crazy for me which tells me that I’m officially ancient, but I just loved the vibe of the city.
I have always been a country music fan and I just felt a sense of belonging when I was there. Live country music playing on every corner and in every bar is just what I had pictured. There are so many talented musicians there!
Even though I’m not normally a huge fan of traditional BBQ food, I love the concept of BBQs. I love a group of friends getting together on a hot summer day simply just to enjoy good food and drinks. I’m weird and don’t like BBQ sauce…anyone else?
Tip: In the interest of speed or if you’re in a pinch, you can feel free to use canned sweet yellow corn. If you have the time, fresh grilled corn would take this salad to a whole other delicious level. Trust me on that one!
This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad makes an awesome side or a hearty main course for a lighter fare. There’s very little cooking involved, and this beautiful, delicious meal can be prepared quickly on busy days.
If you are ever invited to a BBQ or get-together and are asked to bring a side salad to share, this Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is what to make. It is seriously amazing!
This has happened to me on countless occasions. For some reason I always get stumped and start perusing Pinterest frantically. Those days are gone! It was loved by the entire family and was gone as quick as it was put out. It will definitely be a new family favorite.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- What will I need to prepare this Mexican street corn pasta salad?
- You will need the following ingredients:
- Cooked Elbow Pasta
- Corn on the Cob
- You will need the following ingredients:
- Red Onion
- Bell Pepper
- Cooked Bacon
- Fresh Cilantro
- Cotija Cheese
- Sour Cream
- Mayonnaise
- Paprika
- Lime
- You will need the following Kitchen Tools:
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Small Mixing Bowl
- Spoon
- Sharp Knife
- Cutting Board
- How do I store leftover Mexican street corn pasta salad?
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 24-48 hours.
- Can I substitute the corn cobs for canned corn?
- I prefer to use fresh corn for this recipe. However, canned whole kernel sweet corn can be used if needed. Just be sure to drain the corn well prior to mixing into the pasta salad.
- If fresh corn is not in season, check your grocery store’s frozen vegetable aisle. You can often find frozen corn on the cob there all year round! Just defrost and cook the corn as usual then cool prior to cutting from the cobs. This would be a better substitute, in my opinion, than canned corn.
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 2 cups Elbow Pasta, cooked
- 4 Cobs Corn, cooked
- 1/2 Medium Red Onion, diced
- 1 Red Bell Pepper, diced
- 8-10 Slices of Bacon, diced
- 1 Small bunch of Cilantro
- 1 cup Cotija Cheese
- 1/2 cup Sour Cream
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Paprika
- Juice from 1 Lime
Instructions
- If pasta, bacon, or corn have recently been cooked; allow to cool prior to mixing ingredients together.
- Cut the corn from the cobs using a sharp knife.
- In a large mixing bowl mix together pasta, corn, red onion, bell pepper, bacon, cilantro, and cotija cheese.
- In a small bowl mix together sour cream, mayonnaise, paprika, and lime juice.
- Pour sour cream mixture into large bowl and mix well.
- Garnish with a little extra cotija cheese and cilantro, if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute feta cheese with the cotija cheese, if desired.
- This recipe is great if you want to use up leftover corn! The corn can be grilled, baked or steamed. It just needs to cool prior to cutting off the cob.
Love Mexican street corn! Such terrific flavor. I’ve used it in salad, but never with pasta — brilliant idea! This looks excellent — thanks.