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Street Corn Pasta Salad

Mexican-American · Side · Easy

Street Corn Pasta Salad

Total
45 min
Prep
25 min
Serves
6
Calories
345
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Charred corn, tender pasta and a lime-chili dressing meet salty Cotija and fresh cilantro. The kernels stay sweet and crisp against the creamy coating.

A hot skillet gives Street Corn Pasta Salad the toasted corn flavor that keeps it from tasting like plain creamy pasta. Let the kernels sit briefly between stirs so they brown rather than simply warm through.

Cool the pasta before adding the dressing and drain the corn well. Cotija brings salt as well as texture, so taste after folding it in before reaching for extra seasoning.

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Method

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook rotini for , or the package time, until tender. Drain, rinse briefly under cool water and drain thoroughly.

  2. Meanwhile, heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook corn for , stirring occasionally, until browned in spots. Spread on a plate to cool for .

  3. Whisk mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika and salt in a large bowl.

  4. Fold in the cooled pasta and corn, then add Cotija cheese, cilantro and scallions. Toss until the dressing reaches the grooves of the pasta and serve cool.

Forkue tips

  • For the strongest browning, cook the corn in two batches if your skillet is smaller than 12 inches.

Storing and reheating

Refrigerate in a covered container for up to 3 days. Stir before serving and loosen with a squeeze of lime if the pasta has absorbed the dressing; add a little fresh cilantro at the table.

Kitchen gear

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Nutrition per serving, estimated

345Calories
9gProtein
44gCarbs
15gFat

Image: AI-generated picture of the finished dish, made by Forkue. Yours will look like home cooking.

Street Corn Pasta Salad: FAQ

Can I use canned corn?

Yes. Drain it thoroughly and pat it dry before it goes into the hot skillet. Wet kernels steam and stay pale instead of browning.

What can I substitute for Cotija?

Crumbled feta provides a similar salty contrast, though it is softer and tangier. Add it gently at the end so it stays in small pieces.

How do I store and reheat Street Corn Pasta Salad?

Refrigerate in a covered container for up to 3 days. Stir before serving and loosen with a squeeze of lime if the pasta has absorbed the dressing; add a little fresh cilantro at the table.

How long does Street Corn Pasta Salad take?

About 45 min in total: 25 min prep and 20 min cooking.

What do I need to make Street Corn Pasta Salad?

The key ingredients are rotini, corn, mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice and chili powder, plus pantry basics.

Any tips for Street Corn Pasta Salad?

For the strongest browning, cook the corn in two batches if your skillet is smaller than 12 inches.

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