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.

Ultimate Corn Pasta Salad Recipe | Easy and Refreshing

Description

A vibrant, creamy, and zesty pasta salad inspired by Mexican street corn, perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or easy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

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)

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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