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Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad: A Zesty Summer Delight

This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a vibrant twist on the classic elote, perfect for summer gatherings.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Elbow Macaroni Can be swapped for gluten-free pasta.
For the Salad
  • 2 cups Corn Choose grilled, frozen, or canned, well-drained.
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Halved.
  • 1 small Red Onion Finely chopped; adjust to taste.
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Cilantro Optional.
  • 1 cup Cotija Cheese Can substitute with feta cheese.
For the Dressing
  • 1/2 cup Mayonnaise Can swap with Greek yogurt.
  • 1/2 cup Sour Cream Can substitute with a vegan alternative.
  • 2 Tbsp Lime Juice Fresh lime preferred.
  • 1 tsp Chili Powder Adjust spice level as per taste.
  • 1 tsp Smoked Paprika Omit if unavailable.
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder Can use fresh minced garlic.
  • to taste Salt and Pepper For seasoning.

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Spatula
  • Sharp knife

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Cook the elbow macaroni in salted boiling water for 7-9 minutes until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. Prepare the corn by cutting kernels off fresh corn or thawing frozen corn, ensuring it’s well-drained.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  4. In a large bowl, combine the cooled macaroni, corn, halved tomatoes, chopped onion, cilantro, and cotija cheese.
  5. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently fold until everything is mixed and coated.
  6. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
  7. Toss the salad again before serving and garnish with extra cilantro and cotija cheese.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 12gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 1mg

Notes

This pasta salad is adaptable. Feel free to add proteins like shrimp or bean varieties for an extra boost.

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