Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad (Print View)
Charred corn, limey creamy dressing, cotija and pasta combine into a vibrant, picnic-ready summer salad.
# What You Need:
→ Pasta
01 - 12 ounces short pasta such as rotini, penne, or fusilli
→ Vegetables
02 - Kernels from 3 ears fresh corn or 2 cups frozen corn
03 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
04 - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
05 - 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced (optional)
06 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
→ Dressing
07 - 1/2 cup mayonnaise
08 - 1/3 cup sour cream
09 - 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
10 - 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
11 - 1/2 teaspoon paprika
12 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
13 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
14 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
→ Cheese
15 - 1/2 cup cotija cheese, crumbled, or feta cheese as substitute
# How-To Steps:
01 - In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to halt cooking. Set aside.
02 - Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add corn kernels and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly charred, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from heat to cool.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until fully combined.
04 - Add cooled pasta, charred corn, diced red bell pepper, chopped red onion, minced jalapeño if using, and half the chopped cilantro to the dressing. Toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.
05 - Fold in most of the cotija cheese, reserving a small amount for garnish.
06 - Transfer salad to a serving dish, topping with remaining cotija cheese and cilantro. Serve chilled or at room temperature as desired.
# Expert Hints:
01 -
- It secretly tastes even better the next day (if you miraculously have leftovers).
- The blend of charred corn and tangy dressing gives picnic salads some much-needed excitement.
02 -
- One summer, I forgot to cool the pasta before adding the dressing—instant dressing meltdown.
- Charring the corn longer than you think makes everything more irresistible.
03 -
- Letting the salad chill for an hour enhances every flavor.
- Saving a little cheese and cilantro for the top instantly upgrades the presentation.