18 Mexican Street Corn Pasta Recipe Dive Into Deliciousness!
Published on: Mar 8, 2024
Mexican street corn pasta is a fusion of two beloved dishes - Mexican street corn and pasta. This delicious recipe combines the flavors of sweet corn, tangy lime, and creamy cheese with the comforting texture of pasta. It's a perfect dish for any occasion, from a casual weeknight dinner to a summer BBQ. Plus, it's easy to make and can be customized to fit different dietary restrictions. Let's take a closer look at this mouth-watering recipe.
If you're looking for a dish that is bursting with flavor and perfect for summer barbecues, then look no further than this delicious Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad. This fusion recipe combines the bold flavors of Mexican street corn with the classic pasta salad, creating a unique and mouth-watering dish that will have your guests coming back for seconds.
What makes this recipe stand out is the combination of fresh and colorful ingredients. The sweetness of the corn, the spiciness of the jalapeños, and the creaminess of the avocado all work together to create a harmonious blend of flavors. And let's not forget about the crunch of the tortilla chips and the tanginess of the lime dressing that tie everything together.
To make this dish, you'll start by cooking your pasta of choice. While it's cooking, you can prepare the other ingredients. Fresh corn is charred on the grill or stovetop until it's slightly blackened, giving it a smoky flavor. Then it's mixed with red onion, bell pepper, and jalapeño for some extra heat. And of course, no Mexican street corn would be complete without crumbled cotija cheese and a sprinkle of cilantro.
Once your pasta is cooked and your vegetables are prepped, you'll toss everything together in a large bowl. The dressing is a simple combination of mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, and spices to give it that authentic Mexican flavor. And to add some texture, you'll top the salad with crushed tortilla chips for that extra crunch factor.
This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is not only delicious, but it's also easy to make and can be prepared in advance for parties or gatherings. It's a great side dish to serve with grilled meats or can even stand alone as a main course for vegetarians. And with its eye-catching colors and flavors, it's sure to be a hit at any event.
So next time you're in charge of bringing a dish to a potluck or hosting a barbecue, impress your friends and family with this creative and mouth-watering Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
The Ingredients
Gather these essential ingredients to make your Mexican street corn pasta:
Corn: The star of this dish is fresh corn. Look for sweet white or yellow corn on the cob for the best flavor.
Pasta: Any pasta shape will work, but I recommend using a short pasta like penne or fusilli to hold the sauce and toppings well.
Cotija cheese: This crumbly, salty cheese is a staple in Mexican cuisine and adds a delicious tang to the dish.
Mayonnaise: This is the base for the creamy sauce. If you're dairy-free, you can use vegan mayo or plain Greek yogurt instead.
Lime juice: Fresh lime juice adds a bright, tangy flavor to the dish. You can also use lemon juice as a substitute.
Spices: Chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika give the dish a spicy kick and smoky flavor.
Garlic: A clove of minced garlic adds depth of flavor to the sauce.
Cilantro: This herb is a must for any Mexican dish. It adds a fresh, herbaceous flavor to the pasta.
Green onions: These add a mild onion flavor and a pop of color to the dish.
The Recipe
Follow these simple steps to make your own Mexican street corn pasta:
1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. While the pasta is cooking, heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Husk the corn and grill for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the corn is lightly charred on all sides. Alternatively, you can boil the corn for 5 minutes if grilling is not an option.
3. Once the corn is cool enough to handle, cut the kernels off the cob and set aside.
4. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the garlic and toss to combine.
6. In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Pour the sauce over the pasta and toss to coat.
7. If the sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
8. Add the corn kernels to the pasta and toss to combine.
9. Serve the pasta hot, topped with crumbled cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, and sliced green onions.
Customizations and Tips
Make this Mexican street corn pasta your own with these easy tips and modifications:
- Add protein: You can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or black beans to make this dish more filling and add protein.
- Make it vegan: Use vegan mayo or Greek yogurt and omit the cotija cheese to make this dish vegan-friendly.
- Add more veggies: You can add diced bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or avocado to add more veggies to the dish.
- Make it spicy: If you like a spicier dish, add some diced jalapenos or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
- Use frozen corn: If fresh corn is not available, you can use frozen corn kernels. Just thaw them before adding to the pasta.
In Conclusion
Mexican street corn pasta is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a flavorful and satisfying meal that will leave everyone wanting more. So, next time you're craving Mexican street corn or pasta, why not combine the two and try this recipe? Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.
