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Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

A vibrant pasta salad inspired by Mexican elote, featuring tender rotini noodles, sweet corn, queso fresco, and a creamy lime-chili dressing that brings authentic street food flavors to your table.
3.50 from 2 votes
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 27 minutes
Servings 12
Calories 215 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz dry rotini pasta
  • 2 cans sweet corn 15.25 oz, drained and rinsed
  • ½ cup queso fresco crumbled
  • ½ cup green onions sliced or snipped
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro or fresh parsley
  • 1 jalapeño (optional) seeded and finely diced
  • 1 cup mayonnaise full fat, like Duke's
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice or more to taste
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of water to boil with a dash of salt. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente (about 10-12 minutes).
  • Wash and dry the jalapeño pepper (if using), green onions, and fresh cilantro or parsley.
  • Slice or snip the green onions, chop the fresh herb (you can use dried if it's all you have handy), and dice the fresh jalapeño. Set aside.
  • Remove pasta from heat and drain thoroughly in a colander; rinse with cold water. Set aside.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, drained corn, crumbled cheese, green onions, herbs, and jalapeño. Toss gently to distribute.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, fresh lime juice and seasonings.
  • Assemble salad: Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated.
  • Protein option: Add 1/2 c of chopped cooked chicken breast or 1/2 c of chopped hard-boiled eggs.
  • Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld. Stir gently before serving. Serve chilled as a side dish.

Notes

Newly updated ingredients and nutrition facts to adjust for the change from cotija cheese to queso fresco, and to mention cilantro as the traditional ingredient but it's ok to use fresh parsley. 

Nutrition

Calories: 215kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 4gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 9gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 11mgSodium: 209mgPotassium: 77mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 198IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 39mgIron: 0.5mg
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