If you’re looking for a vibrant and satisfying dish that combines the flavors of Mexican street corn with the hearty goodness of pasta, look no further than this Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad! Bursting with fresh ingredients, creamy dressing, and a kick of spice, this salad is perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or a delightful weeknight dinner. Let’s explore the ingredients, instructions, and some variations to make this dish your own!
Ingredients
To make this delicious Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad, you will need:
For the Pasta Salad:
- 2 cups (6 ounces) radiatori noodles (or your noodle of choice)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 can (15 ounces) corn kernels, drained
- 1 large avocado, diced
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- ½ bunch cilantro, finely chopped
- 1 medium jalapeño pepper, seeded and diced
- 6 strips thick-cut bacon, cooked and roughly chopped
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
For the Dressing:
- ½ cup full-fat mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice (approximately 2-3 limes)
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad:
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the radiatori noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lime juice, ground cumin, paprika, chili powder, and hot sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, corn kernels, diced avocado, green onions, cilantro, jalapeño, bacon, feta cheese, and black beans.
- Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and gently toss until everything is well coated.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Cook Notes
- Pasta Choices: While radiatori noodles are great for catching the dressing and flavors, you can substitute with any pasta of your choice, such as penne or rotini.
- Avocado: To prevent browning, add the diced avocado just before serving or toss it with lime juice.
- Bacon: For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon or use a plant-based bacon alternative.
Variations
This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is versatile, so feel free to get creative with these variations:
- Spicy Version: Add more jalapeño or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Add More Veggies: Incorporate chopped bell peppers, diced tomatoes, or even roasted corn for added texture and flavor.
- Cheese Options: Swap feta for cotija cheese for an authentic Mexican flavor.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions
For those following a keto or low-carb lifestyle, consider these modifications:
- Pasta Alternative: Replace traditional pasta with spiralized zucchini or shirataki noodles to cut carbs significantly.
- Increase Veggies: Use more vegetables like cauliflower or broccoli instead of pasta for a filling, low-carb salad.
- Dressing Adjustments: Ensure your mayonnaise is sugar-free to keep the carb count low.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this salad ahead of time? Yes! This salad can be made a day in advance. Just be sure to add the avocado right before serving to prevent browning.
2. How long does this salad last in the fridge? Stored in an airtight container, this pasta salad will last about 3 days in the refrigerator. However, the avocado may brown after a couple of days.
3. Can I freeze this pasta salad? It’s not recommended to freeze this salad, as the texture of the pasta and vegetables may change upon thawing.
4. What can I serve with this salad? This pasta salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats, tacos, or as a standalone dish for a light lunch.
5. How can I make this salad vegan? To make it vegan, substitute mayonnaise with a vegan alternative, omit the bacon, and replace feta with a plant-based cheese or skip it entirely.
This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that will elevate any meal. Whether you’re preparing for a summer barbecue,
