Totally Addictive Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad 🤤

Okay, so can we just agree that pasta salad is like the ultimate summer side dish? Like, it’s cold, it’s creamy, and it’s just begging to be at every BBQ. But let’s spice it up a little, yeah? Enter: Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad! I mean, who doesn’t love the flavors of street corn? 🌽✨

Okay, Let’s Talk Ingredients

Alright, so picture this: you’re cruising through the grocery store, and you need a game plan. You’ll need:
– 16 oz of rotini pasta (that twisty goodness!)
– 2 cans of golden kernel corn (the sweeter, the better)
– 1 cup of cotija cheese (but honestly, feta works in a pinch!)
– A good handful of cilantro (like, a cup chopped)
– A small red onion (or medium, depending on your vibe)
– 1.5 fresh jalapeños (don’t forget to deseed those bad boys!)
– Olive oil (a splash)
– 1 cup of sour cream (because, yes)
– 1/2 cup of mayo (don’t judge!)
– Lime juice (3-4 tablespoons—that zing!)
– Chili powder, minced garlic, cumin, salt, cayenne pepper, and black pepper (the spice squad!)

Got it? Now, let’s make some magic.

So Here’s Why I Make This Constantly

Okay, real talk. This recipe is a staple for me because it reminds me of this epic summer road trip I took with my buddies. We stopped at this little taco stand, and they had street corn that was just *chef’s kiss*. I tried to recreate that flavor bomb in a pasta salad, and y’all, it worked! Now, every time I whip this up, it’s like a mini vacation in a bowl. Plus, who can resist a dish that practically screams “party!”? 🎉

The One Trick That Changes Everything

Listen closely. The key is to sear the corn before adding it to the salad. It sounds fancy, but just heat up some olive oil in a skillet and toss in the drained corn until it gets those nice little brown bits. Trust me, it adds a flavor punch that’ll have everyone asking for the recipe!

Don’t Mess This Up (My Top Tips)

1. Don’t overcook the pasta! Seriously, nobody wants mushy pasta. Al dente is the way to go.
2. Let everything cool down before mixing it all together. Otherwise, the cheese just melts into oblivion, and we don’t want that.
3. Save some dressing for later! The pasta will soak it up, so keep a little on the side for refreshing the leftovers.
4. Taste as you go! Add more lime or spice depending on your mood. It’s your salad, make it yours!

How to Keep Them From Disappearing (Or, How to Store Them)

So, if you somehow *don’t* finish this in one sitting (I mean, how, though?), just pop it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll chill like a boss for a few days. But honestly, I doubt it’ll last that long because it’s just too good!

If You Liked This, You’ll Probably Like These Too

If you’re feeling the vibe of this salad, you’ve gotta try:
– My Spicy Avocado Pasta (trust me, it’s a dream)
– Caprese Skewers (so fresh and easy!)
– Or even a classic Potato Salad with a twist (hello, mustard and dill!)

So, what are you thinking? Ready to make this pasta salad or what? 🍽️ Let me know how it turns out, okay? Can’t wait to hear all about your kitchen adventures!