Description
A refreshing and flavorful vegetarian pasta salad inspired by street corn, perfect for summer gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz uncooked whole wheat pasta (elbows, rotini, or cavatappi)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cans corn, drained
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 8 oz queso fresco, cotija, or feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1/2 jalapeño, finely diced
- 3 tablespoons finely diced red onion
- 1/41/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/21/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch of red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
- Salt to taste
- Fresh lime juice or extra mayonnaise to refresh if the salad dries out
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling some salted water and cooking the pasta until it is al dente. You will know it is ready when it is still firm to the bite. This keeps the pasta from becoming mushy when mixed with the other ingredients. Do not forget to rinse it under cold water to prevent sticking.
- Sauté the Corn: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the fresh corn to it. You will want to see golden charred spots forming on the kernels, which gives that smoky flavor. If it seems to be cooking too slowly, just leave it a bit longer for more color.
- Mix Ingredients Together: In a large bowl, toss the cooled pasta with the sautéed corn, diced jalapeño, diced red onion, and chopped cilantro. It should start to smell amazing. This step is the base for the salad’s flavor, so make sure everything is well mixed. Be careful not to mash the pasta while stirring gently.
- Add Dressing & Cheese: Drizzle your homemade lime dressing over the pasta mix and sprinkle in the crumbled queso fresco. You will notice a tangy aroma— that is the lime doing its thing. Just remember: too much cheese can overwhelm the flavors, so add a little at a time.
- Chill Before Serving: Cover the salad and let it chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This helps all those flavors meld together beautifully. If you skip this step, the salad might taste a bit flat. Serve it fresh with an extra sprinkle of lime juice or Tajín for a zesty finish.
Notes
- Storage Tips: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Stir in lime juice or mayo to refresh if it dries out.
- Expert Tips: If the pasta salad seems dry after chilling, a splash of fresh lime juice or an extra dollop of mayo can refresh it nicely.
- For a salad that shines with flavor, letting it chill for at least 30 minutes before serving makes a noticeable difference.
- If the corn has not charred enough for your taste, try cooking it a little longer over medium heat until it achieves that desired char.
- If you find the dish a bit salty from the cheese, a squeeze of lime juice or a hint of honey can help balance it out.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg