Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Vibrant and Flavorful

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- 8 oz. fusilli pasta - 2 cups fresh corn kernels (or 1 can of corn, drained) - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 small red onion, finely chopped - 1 jalapeño pepper, minced - 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped - 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese - 1/4 cup mayonnaise - 2 tablespoons lime juice - 1 tablespoon chili powder - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 avocado, diced (for garnish) - Lime wedges for serving The ingredients for this Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad bring joy to every bite. Each one adds its own flavor and texture. Fusilli pasta is the perfect base. It holds onto the dressing well. Fresh corn gives a sweet crunch. You can use fresh kernels or canned corn if you need to save time. The diced red bell pepper adds color and sweetness. The small red onion brings a bit of sharpness. If you like heat, the minced jalapeño is your friend. Don't forget the cilantro; it adds brightness and freshness. The creamy dressing is key. Mayonnaise makes it rich, while lime juice adds zing. Chili powder and garlic powder round out the flavors. Adjust salt and pepper to your taste. Finally, the crumbled feta cheese adds a salty bite. When you're ready to serve, top with diced avocado for creaminess and garnish with lime wedges. This salad is not just pretty; it’s full of flavor. Check out the Full Recipe for more details. To start, cook the fusilli pasta. Boil water in a large pot. Add a pinch of salt. Then, add the pasta and stir gently. Cook until al dente, usually about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the pasta well in a colander. Rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking and cools the pasta quickly. Now, let’s chop the veggies. If using fresh corn, cut the kernels off the cob. Dice the red bell pepper into small pieces. Finely chop the red onion. Remove the seeds from the jalapeño and mince it. Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Fresh herbs like cilantro add a nice touch, too. In a large bowl, combine the fresh corn, bell pepper, onion, jalapeño, and cilantro. Gently add the cooled fusilli pasta to this mix. Next, in a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, and some salt and pepper. This dressing brings everything together. Pour it over the pasta salad and mix gently. Finally, fold in the crumbled feta cheese without breaking it apart. For the complete recipe, check the [Full Recipe]. To make your Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad stand out, adjust the spice levels to suit your taste. If you like heat, keep the seeds in the jalapeño. For milder flavors, remove them. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing for extra kick. Consider using smoked paprika instead of chili powder. It adds a deep, rich flavor. Fresh lime juice is key. It brightens the salad and brings all the flavors together. Garnishing your salad can elevate its look and taste. Top it with diced avocado for creaminess and extra richness. A sprinkle of extra cilantro enhances the fresh taste. For sides, pair this salad with grilled chicken or shrimp. It also goes well with tortilla chips for crunch. Serve it at a picnic or barbecue for a vibrant dish everyone will enjoy. For the full recipe, check out the Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad recipe. {{image_4}} You can easily make this pasta salad fit your needs. If you want a gluten-free option, swap fusilli pasta for gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great alternatives that taste good. Look for pasta made from rice or chickpeas. This keeps the salad tasty and safe for those who avoid gluten. If you're dairy-free, you can also change the dressing and cheese. Use a dairy-free mayo for the dressing. For cheese, try using avocado or a nut-based cheese. This keeps the dish creamy without using dairy. Adding seasonal vegetables can boost the flavors. Try including diced zucchini or cherry tomatoes for a fresh twist. These veggies add color and taste to your salad. You can also switch up the cheese. While feta is great, cotija cheese is a fantastic choice. Cotija adds a salty punch that fits well with the corn and spices. You can mix and match these ideas to create your own version of this salad. For the Full Recipe, refer back to the beginning of the article. Enjoy making this vibrant dish with your own unique spin! To keep your Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad fresh, follow these steps: - Refrigerate Leftovers: Store the salad in an airtight container. This keeps moisture in and prevents it from drying out. Place it in the fridge right after serving. - Freezing and Defrosting: I do not recommend freezing this salad. The fresh veggies and creamy dressing do not freeze well. If you must freeze it, leave out the avocado and dressing. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before mixing in those fresh ingredients. For the best flavor and quality, enjoy your salad within a few days. - Recommended Longevity: The salad stays fresh for about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. After that, the veggies may lose their crunch. - Signs the Salad Has Gone Bad: If you see mold, a sour smell, or the veggies look slimy, throw it away. Always trust your senses; if it doesn’t look or smell right, it’s best to discard it. What can I use instead of mayonnaise? You can use Greek yogurt or sour cream. These options add creaminess and flavor. If you want a dairy-free choice, try avocado or a vegan mayo. Each will give a different taste but will still work well. Can I make this salad ahead of time? Yes, you can make this salad a day in advance. Just keep it in the fridge. This helps the flavors mix and taste better. Add avocado right before serving to keep it fresh. What's a good alternative for fusilli pasta? You can use penne or rotini if you can’t find fusilli. Both pasta types will hold the dressing well. You can even use gluten-free pasta if needed. How can I make the dish spicier? Add more jalapeño or include diced serrano peppers. You can also mix in a few dashes of hot sauce. This will give your salad a nice kick without changing the base flavor. Nutritional facts per serving Each serving has about 250 calories. It also has healthy fats from the avocado and cheese. The salad is rich in vitamins from the fresh veggies. How many servings does the recipe yield? This recipe makes six servings. It’s perfect for sharing at a picnic or family meal. You can easily double it for a larger crowd. For the full recipe, check out the details above. Enjoy your cooking! This blog post covered how to make a tasty Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad. We looked at key ingredients, cooking tips, mixing instructions, and storage advice. I shared ideas for tasty variations and serving suggestions too. In closing, this dish is a fun way to enjoy fresh flavors. Whether you eat it right away or save it for later, you'll love how easy it is to make!

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Are you ready to brighten up your meals with a burst of flavor? This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is your ticket to a vibrant dish that combines delightful ingredients. With fresh corn, zesty jalapeños, and creamy feta, each bite will take your taste buds on an adventure. It’s not just a salad; it’s a colorful fiesta on your plate! Let’s dive into how to create this easy and tasty dish that everyone will love.

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Ingredients

List of Required Ingredients

– 8 oz. fusilli pasta

– 2 cups fresh corn kernels (or 1 can of corn, drained)

– 1 red bell pepper, diced

– 1 small red onion, finely chopped

– 1 jalapeño pepper, minced

– 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

– 1/4 cup mayonnaise

– 2 tablespoons lime juice

– 1 tablespoon chili powder

– 1 teaspoon garlic powder

– Salt and pepper to taste

– 1 avocado, diced (for garnish)

– Lime wedges for serving

The ingredients for this Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad bring joy to every bite. Each one adds its own flavor and texture. Fusilli pasta is the perfect base. It holds onto the dressing well. Fresh corn gives a sweet crunch. You can use fresh kernels or canned corn if you need to save time.

The diced red bell pepper adds color and sweetness. The small red onion brings a bit of sharpness. If you like heat, the minced jalapeño is your friend. Don’t forget the cilantro; it adds brightness and freshness.

The creamy dressing is key. Mayonnaise makes it rich, while lime juice adds zing. Chili powder and garlic powder round out the flavors. Adjust salt and pepper to your taste.

Finally, the crumbled feta cheese adds a salty bite. When you’re ready to serve, top with diced avocado for creaminess and garnish with lime wedges. This salad is not just pretty; it’s full of flavor. Check out the Full Recipe for more details.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cooking the Pasta

To start, cook the fusilli pasta. Boil water in a large pot. Add a pinch of salt. Then, add the pasta and stir gently. Cook until al dente, usually about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the pasta well in a colander. Rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking and cools the pasta quickly.

Preparing the Vegetables

Now, let’s chop the veggies. If using fresh corn, cut the kernels off the cob. Dice the red bell pepper into small pieces. Finely chop the red onion. Remove the seeds from the jalapeño and mince it. Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Fresh herbs like cilantro add a nice touch, too.

Mixing Ingredients Together

In a large bowl, combine the fresh corn, bell pepper, onion, jalapeño, and cilantro. Gently add the cooled fusilli pasta to this mix. Next, in a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, and some salt and pepper. This dressing brings everything together. Pour it over the pasta salad and mix gently. Finally, fold in the crumbled feta cheese without breaking it apart.

For the complete recipe, check the [Full Recipe].

Tips & Tricks

Key Tips for Flavor Enhancement

To make your Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad stand out, adjust the spice levels to suit your taste. If you like heat, keep the seeds in the jalapeño. For milder flavors, remove them. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing for extra kick.

Consider using smoked paprika instead of chili powder. It adds a deep, rich flavor. Fresh lime juice is key. It brightens the salad and brings all the flavors together.

Serving Suggestions

Garnishing your salad can elevate its look and taste. Top it with diced avocado for creaminess and extra richness. A sprinkle of extra cilantro enhances the fresh taste.

For sides, pair this salad with grilled chicken or shrimp. It also goes well with tortilla chips for crunch. Serve it at a picnic or barbecue for a vibrant dish everyone will enjoy.

For the full recipe, check out the Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad recipe.

Variations

Dietary Alternatives

You can easily make this pasta salad fit your needs. If you want a gluten-free option, swap fusilli pasta for gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great alternatives that taste good. Look for pasta made from rice or chickpeas. This keeps the salad tasty and safe for those who avoid gluten.

If you’re dairy-free, you can also change the dressing and cheese. Use a dairy-free mayo for the dressing. For cheese, try using avocado or a nut-based cheese. This keeps the dish creamy without using dairy.

Flavor Variations

Adding seasonal vegetables can boost the flavors. Try including diced zucchini or cherry tomatoes for a fresh twist. These veggies add color and taste to your salad.

You can also switch up the cheese. While feta is great, cotija cheese is a fantastic choice. Cotija adds a salty punch that fits well with the corn and spices. You can mix and match these ideas to create your own version of this salad.

For the Full Recipe, refer back to the beginning of the article. Enjoy making this vibrant dish with your own unique spin!

Storage Info

How to Properly Store

To keep your Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad fresh, follow these steps:

– Refrigerate Leftovers: Store the salad in an airtight container. This keeps moisture in and prevents it from drying out. Place it in the fridge right after serving.

– Freezing and Defrosting: I do not recommend freezing this salad. The fresh veggies and creamy dressing do not freeze well. If you must freeze it, leave out the avocado and dressing. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before mixing in those fresh ingredients.

Best Duration for Storage

For the best flavor and quality, enjoy your salad within a few days.

– Recommended Longevity: The salad stays fresh for about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. After that, the veggies may lose their crunch.

– Signs the Salad Has Gone Bad: If you see mold, a sour smell, or the veggies look slimy, throw it away. Always trust your senses; if it doesn’t look or smell right, it’s best to discard it.

FAQs

Common Questions About the Recipe

What can I use instead of mayonnaise?

You can use Greek yogurt or sour cream. These options add creaminess and flavor. If you want a dairy-free choice, try avocado or a vegan mayo. Each will give a different taste but will still work well.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this salad a day in advance. Just keep it in the fridge. This helps the flavors mix and taste better. Add avocado right before serving to keep it fresh.

Ingredient Substitution Questions

What’s a good alternative for fusilli pasta?

You can use penne or rotini if you can’t find fusilli. Both pasta types will hold the dressing well. You can even use gluten-free pasta if needed.

How can I make the dish spicier?

Add more jalapeño or include diced serrano peppers. You can also mix in a few dashes of hot sauce. This will give your salad a nice kick without changing the base flavor.

Nutrition and Serving Size Inquiries

Nutritional facts per serving

Each serving has about 250 calories. It also has healthy fats from the avocado and cheese. The salad is rich in vitamins from the fresh veggies.

How many servings does the recipe yield?

This recipe makes six servings. It’s perfect for sharing at a picnic or family meal. You can easily double it for a larger crowd.

For the full recipe, check out the details above. Enjoy your cooking!

This blog post covered how to make a tasty Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad. We looked at key ingredients, cooking tips, mixing instructions, and storage advice. I shared ideas for tasty variations and serving suggestions too.

In closing, this dish is a fun way to enjoy fresh flavors. Whether you eat it right away or save it for later, you’ll love how easy it is to make!

- 8 oz. fusilli pasta - 2 cups fresh corn kernels (or 1 can of corn, drained) - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 small red onion, finely chopped - 1 jalapeño pepper, minced - 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped - 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese - 1/4 cup mayonnaise - 2 tablespoons lime juice - 1 tablespoon chili powder - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 avocado, diced (for garnish) - Lime wedges for serving The ingredients for this Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad bring joy to every bite. Each one adds its own flavor and texture. Fusilli pasta is the perfect base. It holds onto the dressing well. Fresh corn gives a sweet crunch. You can use fresh kernels or canned corn if you need to save time. The diced red bell pepper adds color and sweetness. The small red onion brings a bit of sharpness. If you like heat, the minced jalapeño is your friend. Don't forget the cilantro; it adds brightness and freshness. The creamy dressing is key. Mayonnaise makes it rich, while lime juice adds zing. Chili powder and garlic powder round out the flavors. Adjust salt and pepper to your taste. Finally, the crumbled feta cheese adds a salty bite. When you're ready to serve, top with diced avocado for creaminess and garnish with lime wedges. This salad is not just pretty; it’s full of flavor. Check out the Full Recipe for more details. To start, cook the fusilli pasta. Boil water in a large pot. Add a pinch of salt. Then, add the pasta and stir gently. Cook until al dente, usually about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the pasta well in a colander. Rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking and cools the pasta quickly. Now, let’s chop the veggies. If using fresh corn, cut the kernels off the cob. Dice the red bell pepper into small pieces. Finely chop the red onion. Remove the seeds from the jalapeño and mince it. Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Fresh herbs like cilantro add a nice touch, too. In a large bowl, combine the fresh corn, bell pepper, onion, jalapeño, and cilantro. Gently add the cooled fusilli pasta to this mix. Next, in a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, and some salt and pepper. This dressing brings everything together. Pour it over the pasta salad and mix gently. Finally, fold in the crumbled feta cheese without breaking it apart. For the complete recipe, check the [Full Recipe]. To make your Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad stand out, adjust the spice levels to suit your taste. If you like heat, keep the seeds in the jalapeño. For milder flavors, remove them. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing for extra kick. Consider using smoked paprika instead of chili powder. It adds a deep, rich flavor. Fresh lime juice is key. It brightens the salad and brings all the flavors together. Garnishing your salad can elevate its look and taste. Top it with diced avocado for creaminess and extra richness. A sprinkle of extra cilantro enhances the fresh taste. For sides, pair this salad with grilled chicken or shrimp. It also goes well with tortilla chips for crunch. Serve it at a picnic or barbecue for a vibrant dish everyone will enjoy. For the full recipe, check out the Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad recipe. {{image_4}} You can easily make this pasta salad fit your needs. If you want a gluten-free option, swap fusilli pasta for gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great alternatives that taste good. Look for pasta made from rice or chickpeas. This keeps the salad tasty and safe for those who avoid gluten. If you're dairy-free, you can also change the dressing and cheese. Use a dairy-free mayo for the dressing. For cheese, try using avocado or a nut-based cheese. This keeps the dish creamy without using dairy. Adding seasonal vegetables can boost the flavors. Try including diced zucchini or cherry tomatoes for a fresh twist. These veggies add color and taste to your salad. You can also switch up the cheese. While feta is great, cotija cheese is a fantastic choice. Cotija adds a salty punch that fits well with the corn and spices. You can mix and match these ideas to create your own version of this salad. For the Full Recipe, refer back to the beginning of the article. Enjoy making this vibrant dish with your own unique spin! To keep your Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad fresh, follow these steps: - Refrigerate Leftovers: Store the salad in an airtight container. This keeps moisture in and prevents it from drying out. Place it in the fridge right after serving. - Freezing and Defrosting: I do not recommend freezing this salad. The fresh veggies and creamy dressing do not freeze well. If you must freeze it, leave out the avocado and dressing. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before mixing in those fresh ingredients. For the best flavor and quality, enjoy your salad within a few days. - Recommended Longevity: The salad stays fresh for about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. After that, the veggies may lose their crunch. - Signs the Salad Has Gone Bad: If you see mold, a sour smell, or the veggies look slimy, throw it away. Always trust your senses; if it doesn’t look or smell right, it’s best to discard it. What can I use instead of mayonnaise? You can use Greek yogurt or sour cream. These options add creaminess and flavor. If you want a dairy-free choice, try avocado or a vegan mayo. Each will give a different taste but will still work well. Can I make this salad ahead of time? Yes, you can make this salad a day in advance. Just keep it in the fridge. This helps the flavors mix and taste better. Add avocado right before serving to keep it fresh. What's a good alternative for fusilli pasta? You can use penne or rotini if you can’t find fusilli. Both pasta types will hold the dressing well. You can even use gluten-free pasta if needed. How can I make the dish spicier? Add more jalapeño or include diced serrano peppers. You can also mix in a few dashes of hot sauce. This will give your salad a nice kick without changing the base flavor. Nutritional facts per serving Each serving has about 250 calories. It also has healthy fats from the avocado and cheese. The salad is rich in vitamins from the fresh veggies. How many servings does the recipe yield? This recipe makes six servings. It’s perfect for sharing at a picnic or family meal. You can easily double it for a larger crowd. For the full recipe, check out the details above. Enjoy your cooking! This blog post covered how to make a tasty Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad. We looked at key ingredients, cooking tips, mixing instructions, and storage advice. I shared ideas for tasty variations and serving suggestions too. In closing, this dish is a fun way to enjoy fresh flavors. Whether you eat it right away or save it for later, you'll love how easy it is to make!

Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

Dive into the deliciousness of Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad! This vibrant dish combines fusilli pasta, fresh corn, bell peppers, and zesty lime for a flavor explosion. Perfect for potlucks or summer gatherings, this easy recipe features creamy feta and spicy jalapeño to elevate your meal. Ready in just 45 minutes, it’s a must-try! Click to explore the full recipe and get ready to impress your taste buds!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz. fusilli pasta

2 cups fresh corn kernels (or 1 can of corn, drained)

1 red bell pepper, diced into small pieces

1 small red onion, finely chopped

1 jalapeño pepper, seeds removed and minced

1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

1/4 cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice

1 tablespoon chili powder

1 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 avocado, diced (for garnish)

Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions
 

Begin by cooking the fusilli pasta according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. After cooking, drain the pasta well and rinse it under cold water to halt the cooking process and cool it down.

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the fresh corn kernels, diced red bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, minced jalapeño, and chopped cilantro. These ingredients will create a vibrant, flavorful base for your salad.

      Gently add the cooled fusilli pasta to the mixture of vegetables, ensuring an even distribution of ingredients.

        In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper until smooth. This dressing will bring your salad together beautifully.

          Drizzle the prepared dressing over the pasta salad and mix with a gentle hand until all the ingredients are well coated and combined.

            Carefully fold in the crumbled feta cheese, taking care not to break it apart too much, and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper to your taste.

              Cover the salad with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling period allows the flavors to meld and develop, enhancing the overall taste.

                When ready to serve, top the salad with diced avocado for a creamy finish and sprinkle with additional cilantro if desired. Serve each portion with a wedge of lime on the side for added zing.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6

                    WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?