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Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

This creamy and tangy Mexican street corn pasta salad has all the flavors of Mexican elote but in a quick and easy pasta salad.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 8 servings
Calories 410 kcal

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • medium bowl
  • Small bowl
  • Large bowl
  • strainer

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Vegetables

  • 16 ounces ditalini pasta or any shape like shells, elbow macaroni, or bow-tie
  • 4 medium ears of corn husked

Sauce

  • 4 tablespoons lime juice about 2 limes
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 cup Mexican crema or sour cream
  • ¾ teaspoon fine salt plus more to taste
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Toppings

  • 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro plus more for topping
  • ½ cup crumbled cotija cheese plus more for topping
  • Chile lime seasoning like Tajiín, for topping

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Cook the pasta to al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and immediately toss with olive oil in a large bowl to prevent the pasta from sticking together. Allow the pasta to cool on the counter or in the fridge while you prepare the corn.
  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add the corn and cook for 5 minutes or until tender and bright yellow. Transfer to a plate and allow the corn to cool for several minutes until cool to the touch.
  • Cut the corn kernels off the cob and into a medium bowl.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, mayonnaise, Mexican crema, garlic powder, salt, and cayenne pepper.
  • Add the mayonnaise sauce, cooked corn, cilantro, and cotija cheese to the bowl of pasta and toss together to combine.
  • Top with additional cilantro, cotija cheese, and Tajín if desired. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to eat.

Notes

I recommend using fresh corn, but you can also use 2 cups of canned or frozen and thawed sweet corn kernels instead. Grilling the corn adds a smoky flavor. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 410kcalCarbohydrates: 57gProtein: 11gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.02gCholesterol: 28mgSodium: 690mgPotassium: 291mgFiber: 3gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 324IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 110mgIron: 1mg
Keyword corn salad, creamy salad, elote, Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad, Pasta Salad, Quick Salad
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