Corn pasta salad is more than just a side dish; it’s a vibrant, flavorful experience that brings the zesty taste of summer to your table any time of year. This recipe takes the beloved flavors of Mexican street corn, also known as elote, and transforms them into a creamy, satisfying pasta salad that’s perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or as a simple weeknight dinner. Each ingredient plays a crucial role: sweet corn provides a burst of freshness and is a great source of fiber and vitamin C; creamy cotija cheese adds a salty, tangy kick and provides calcium; and the light, lime-infused dressing ties everything together for a truly unforgettable meal.
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Why I Started Empi Recipes
A Personal Wake-Up Call About What We Eat at Work
When I began working at my company, eating at the on-site restaurant was a daily habit. It was convenient, cheap, and the food tasted okay—so I never questioned it. But after getting promoted, I had to inspect various parts of the company, including the kitchen.
What I discovered shocked me.
The space was filthy. There were rats at night, unwashed vegetables, and poor working conditions for the staff. Some of my colleagues even found worms in their salads. I realized we had been eating food prepared in conditions that were far from safe or sanitary.
From Disgust to Determination
That day, I made a decision: I would never eat there again. I started bringing my own lunches to work. At first, I kept things simple—just to stay safe. But soon, something changed.
I discovered how fast and easy it was to make healthy, delicious meals at home. Over time, I built a routine and learned dozens of simple lunch recipes. I started feeling better, saving money, and actually looking forward to lunch. This experience inspired me to create Easy Work Lunches—a space where I could help others in the same situation. Maybe you’re tired of unhealthy cafeteria food, trying to eat better without spending hours cooking, or looking for budget-friendly lunch ideas. If that’s you, you’re in the right place. Here, you’ll find easy-to-make recipes, tips, and everything you need to feel confident about what you’re eating.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This corn pasta salad will quickly become your new favorite dish because it’s incredibly versatile and packed with flavor. It’s a fantastic make-ahead recipe, which means you can prepare it a day in advance, making it perfect for busy schedules and easy entertaining. The combination of sweet, charred corn, creamy dressing, and fresh herbs creates a balanced and refreshing taste that’s both comforting and exciting. It’s a crowd-pleaser that satisfies cravings for something both hearty and light. For a different but equally delicious side, you might also enjoy these Alexia sweet potato fries.
Ingredients and Quantity
- 1 pound short pasta (rotini or fusilli)
- 4 cups corn (fresh or thawed frozen)
- ½ cup crumbled cotija cheese
- 1 handful fresh cilantro, chopped
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- Juice of 1 lime
- ½ teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
Corn Pasta Salad
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A vibrant, creamy, and zesty pasta salad inspired by Mexican street corn, perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or easy dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 pound short pasta (rotini or fusilli)
- 4 cups corn (fresh or thawed frozen)
- ½ cup crumbled cotija cheese
- 1 handful fresh cilantro, chopped
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- Juice of 1 lime
- ½ teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- Char the corn in a skillet over high heat until slightly blackened.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, charred corn, cotija cheese, and chopped cilantro.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lime juice, and chili powder.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until well coated.
Notes
For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise. Feta or goat cheese can be used instead of cotija. Add black beans or avocado for extra texture and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Essential Utensils for Corn Pasta Salad
To make this corn pasta salad, you won’t need any fancy equipment, just a few kitchen basics. Start with a large pot for boiling the pasta to a perfect al dente. A colander is essential for draining the pasta properly. You’ll also need a large mixing bowl to combine all the ingredients and a smaller bowl for whisking together the creamy dressing. A good knife for chopping the cilantro and a spatula for mixing everything will complete your toolkit. This simple setup makes cleanup a breeze, leaving you more time to enjoy your delicious creation, perhaps alongside a chicken fajita wrap.
How to Prepare Corn Pasta Salad
Preparing this corn pasta salad is a straightforward process that delivers big on flavor. First, cook your pasta according to the package directions, then drain and rinse with cold water to cool it down. While the pasta cooks, char the corn in a skillet over high heat until it’s slightly blackened, which deepens its sweet flavor. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, charred corn, crumbled cotija cheese, and chopped cilantro. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lime juice, and chili powder to create the dressing. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until everything is well-coated.
Substitutions and Exchanges
This corn pasta salad is incredibly adaptable to your tastes or what you have on hand. If you can’t find cotija cheese, feta or even a mild goat cheese are great substitutes that provide a similar tangy, salty flavor. For the dressing, Greek yogurt can be used in place of mayonnaise for a lighter, tangier version. Don’t have cilantro? Fresh parsley or even a bit of dill will add a fresh, herbaceous note. For a gluten-free version, simply swap the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety. The key is to maintain the balance of sweet, creamy, and zesty flavors that make this salad so special.
What to Serve with Corn Pasta Salad
This corn pasta salad is a versatile side dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of main courses, especially grilled meats. It’s a perfect companion for barbecue chicken, grilled steak, or juicy burgers. For a lighter meal, serve it alongside some grilled fish or shrimp skewers. It also works well as a standalone vegetarian main course, perhaps with a side of black beans or a fresh green salad. For a fun, casual meal, you could even serve it with some delicious Alexia sweet potato fries air fryer and a dipping sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the five mistakes to avoid pasta salad?
The five common mistakes to avoid are: overcooking the pasta, not seasoning the pasta water, dressing the pasta while it’s still warm (which makes it absorb too much dressing), not using enough dressing, and forgetting to add fresh ingredients for texture and flavor.
What is Mexican street corn salad?
Mexican street corn salad, or esquites, is a dish made from corn kernels, mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, and cheese (typically cotija). It captures all the flavors of traditional grilled Mexican street corn (elote) but served off the cob in a salad form.
How does Gordon Ramsay make pasta salad?
Gordon Ramsay often emphasizes using fresh, high-quality ingredients. For pasta salad, he typically recommends cooking the pasta al dente, using a light vinaigrette to avoid sogginess, and incorporating plenty of fresh herbs, vegetables, and a good quality cheese or protein.
What goes well with corn in a salad?
Corn pairs well with a variety of ingredients. In a salad, it’s complemented by black beans, red onion, bell peppers, avocado, tomatoes, and herbs like cilantro or parsley. Cheeses like cotija, feta, or even cheddar also work wonderfully with its sweetness.
Should I rinse pasta for cold pasta salad?
Yes, for a cold pasta salad, you should rinse the pasta with cold water after draining. This serves two purposes: it stops the cooking process immediately, preventing mushy pasta, and it cools the pasta down so it doesn’t wilt the other fresh ingredients or make the dressing separate.
How to enhance pasta salad?
To enhance a pasta salad, focus on layers of flavor and texture. Add a variety of fresh, crunchy vegetables, a flavorful homemade dressing, fresh herbs, and a good quality cheese. Toasting nuts or seeds can also add a nice crunch and depth of flavor.
This corn pasta salad recipe is a fantastic way to bring a burst of fresh, vibrant flavor to any meal. It’s easy to prepare, highly customizable, and perfect for any occasion, from a simple family dinner to a large summer gathering. By following these steps, you can create a dish that’s not only delicious but also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. For more amazing meal ideas, don’t forget to explore our other recipes, like this copycat Freddy’s fry sauce that can elevate any side dish, including some crispy sweet potato waffle fries. Remember to store any leftovers properly, as detailed by the USDA’s food safety guidelines.
