why make this recipe
This salad is quick, fresh, and full of bold flavors. It mixes creamy dressing, sweet corn, and bright lime. It cooks fast and works for picnics, potlucks, or weeknight dinners.
introduction
Easy Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad brings the taste of street corn into a simple pasta dish. The salad uses cream cheese and mayo for a smooth dressing and lime and chili powder for a tangy kick. If you like corn snacks, try our Spicy Mexican Corn Bites recipe for another quick side.
how to make Easy Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
Make the pasta, mix the dressing, and fold in the corn and herbs. Chill so flavors blend. Use plain cooked pasta and keep the dressing smooth before you add the pasta. Mix gently so the pasta and corn stay whole and fresh.
Ingredients :
8 oz pasta (elbow or rotini), 2 cups sweet corn (fresh or canned), 1 cup cream cheese, 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup lime juice, 1/2 cup diced red onion, 1/2 cup chopped cilantro, 1 tsp chili powder, Salt and pepper to taste
Directions :
Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and let it cool. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth. Stir in the cooked pasta, corn, red onion, and cilantro. Mix well until everything is coated in the dressing. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
how to serve Easy Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
Serve cold or at room temperature. Spoon onto plates or put in a big bowl for sharing. Add extra lime wedges on the side. Top with a little extra chili powder or chopped cilantro before serving.
how to store Easy Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
Put the salad in an airtight container. Chill in the fridge for up to 3 days. Stir before serving. Do not freeze the salad because the dressing and corn change texture when frozen.
tips to make Easy Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
- Cook the pasta until just tender. Do not overcook.
- Cool the pasta so the dressing stays creamy.
- Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor.
- Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or chili powder before chilling.
- If cream cheese is hard, soften it first so the dressing is smooth.
variation (if any)
- Add diced avocado right before serving for creaminess.
- Use grilled corn for a smoky flavor.
- Stir in cooked chicken or black beans to make it a full meal.
- Swap cilantro for parsley if you prefer a milder herb.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen corn?
A: Yes. Thaw and drain frozen corn, or sauté it briefly before adding.
Q: Is this salad spicy?
A: It has a mild kick from chili powder. Add more or less to match your taste.
Q: Can I use low-fat mayo or cream cheese?
A: Yes. The texture will change slightly but the salad will still taste good.
Q: How long should I chill the salad?
A: At least 30 minutes so flavors blend. Chilling longer is fine.
Easy Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This salad is quick, fresh, and full of bold flavors, mixing creamy dressing, sweet corn, and bright lime for a delightful dish.
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (elbow or rotini)
- 2 cups sweet corn (fresh or canned)
- 1 cup cream cheese
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and let it cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
- Stir in the cooked pasta, corn, red onion, and cilantro. Mix well until everything is coated in the dressing.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
Serve cold or at room temperature. Add lime wedges and extra chili powder or cilantro before serving. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
