Chef's Essential Tips

Ingredient Selection: Use fresh, sweet corn for the best flavor. If it's out of season, canned corn is a convenient alternative. Always drain it well to avoid excess moisture.
Cooking Pasta: Be careful not to overcook the pasta; it should be firm enough to hold up in the salad. Rinsing with cold water halts cooking and keeps the pasta from sticking.
Fresh Ingredients: Use ripe avocados for the dressing to achieve a creamy texture. If the avocado is too firm, leave it at room temperature for a couple of days until ripe.
Dressing Consistency: If the dressing is too thick, add a little water or extra lime juice to achieve your desired consistency. This ensures it coats the salad evenly.
Flavor Enhancement: Letting the salad chill for a bit in the fridge allows the flavors to marry beautifully. Make it a few hours in advance for the best taste.
Cheese Choices: Feta cheese adds a nice tang, but feel free to substitute with cotija cheese for an authentic Mexican flavor.

Essential Ingredients Selection

Elbow Macaroni Pasta: This pasta holds the dressing and ingredients well, providing the right texture balance. Alternatives include penne or rotini for varied shapes.
Corn: Freshly grilled corn adds a sweet, smoky flavor that enhances the salad’s overall profile. Frozen corn can also be used if fresh isn’t available, just thaw it before use.
Cherry Tomatoes: Their sweetness and juiciness contrast beautifully with the creamy dressing, providing a refreshing burst. Any small tomato works in this recipe, like grape tomatoes.
Red Bell Pepper: Adds a crunchy texture and a sweet flavor that complements the corn. Substituting with other colored bell peppers can add visual appeal.
Cilantro: This herb offers a fresh, zesty flavor that elevates the salad. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, parsley can be a milder substitute.
Feta Cheese: Its crumbly texture and tangy taste enhance the salad’s richness. Cotija can be used for a more traditional Mexican flavor, while vegan feta is available for dairy-free options.
Avocado: The base of the creamy dressing, it adds healthy fats and a rich flavor. Look for ripe avocados for the best results.
Greek Yogurt: Provides creaminess and a tangy depth to the dressing, contributing to its smooth texture. It can be replaced with sour cream if desired.
Lime Juice: Brightens the dish with a zesty kick, tying all flavors together. Lemon juice can be a substitute, but lime offers a more authentic flavor.
Garlic Powder: Adds an aromatic depth to the dressing. Fresh minced garlic can be used for a more robust flavor.

Creating Your Masterpiece

Serving Suggestions:

Serve chilled or at room temperature, garnishing with more cilantro or lime wedges for a pop of freshness. This makes it suitable for various occasions and enhances the overall presentation.

Chilling the Salad:

Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together beautifully. This step is crucial for achieving a refreshing taste and achieving the perfect salad temperature.

Adding Finishing Touches:

Top the salad with feta cheese and smoked paprika just before serving. This not only elevates the presentation but also adds an extra zip to each serving.

Tossing the Salad:

Drizzle the dressing over the combined ingredients and gently toss to avoid breaking the pasta. This technique ensures each piece is evenly coated with the creamy avocado dressing.

Combining Ingredients:

In a large bowl, combine the pasta and chopped vegetables, ensuring even distribution. This step is vital for enhancing the overall taste with a good balance of flavors in every bite.

Preparing the Dressing:

Mash the avocado thoroughly before mixing to ensure a creamy consistency. Gradually incorporate other ingredients while adjusting seasoning to achieve a balanced flavor profile.

Chopping Vegetables:

Dice the bell pepper and halve the cherry tomatoes with precision. Uniform sizes not only enhance visual appeal but also allow for even flavor distribution throughout the salad.

Grilling Corn:

Grill the corn over medium heat until charred, which enhances its natural sweetness. Use a sharp knife to remove the kernels, ensuring they fall into a bowl without creating a mess.

Cooking Pasta Perfectly:

Start by boiling water in a large pot, ensuring it's well-salted to enhance the pasta flavor. Cook the pasta until al dente, as this ensures it retains a slight bite, preventing mushiness when mixed with other ingredients.

The Complete Guide to Mastering Zesty Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

Serving Suggestions:

Serve chilled or at room temperature, garnishing with more cilantro or lime wedges for a pop of freshness. This makes it suitable for various occasions and enhances the overall presentation.

Chilling the Salad:

Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together beautifully. This step is crucial for achieving a refreshing taste and achieving the perfect salad temperature.

Adding Finishing Touches:

Top the salad with feta cheese and smoked paprika just before serving. This not only elevates the presentation but also adds an extra zip to each serving.

Tossing the Salad:

Drizzle the dressing over the combined ingredients and gently toss to avoid breaking the pasta. This technique ensures each piece is evenly coated with the creamy avocado dressing.

Combining Ingredients:

In a large bowl, combine the pasta and chopped vegetables, ensuring even distribution. This step is vital for enhancing the overall taste with a good balance of flavors in every bite.

Preparing the Dressing:

Mash the avocado thoroughly before mixing to ensure a creamy consistency. Gradually incorporate other ingredients while adjusting seasoning to achieve a balanced flavor profile.

Chopping Vegetables:

Dice the bell pepper and halve the cherry tomatoes with precision. Uniform sizes not only enhance visual appeal but also allow for even flavor distribution throughout the salad.

Grilling Corn:

Grill the corn over medium heat until charred, which enhances its natural sweetness. Use a sharp knife to remove the kernels, ensuring they fall into a bowl without creating a mess.

Cooking Pasta Perfectly:

Pro Chef Secrets to a Perfect Salad

This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats and is perfect for summer picnics or barbecues. Serve it alongside tortilla chips for added crunch.

To add heat, mix in some diced jalapeños or sprinkle chili powder before serving. This can cater to those who enjoy a kick.

To avoid browning, cover the salad tightly when storing. If possible, keep the avocado dressing separate until serving time.

Consider throwing in black beans or chickpeas for added protein and fiber, making it even more filling.

Zesty Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing

Name: Zesty Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: For the Salad:; 8 oz (225 g) elbow macaroni pasta, uncooked; 2 ears of corn, husked and grilled, or 1 can of corn, drained; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled; 1/4 tsp smoked paprika; 1/4 tsp black pepper; For the Dressing:; 1 ripe avocado, mashed; 1/4 cup Greek yogurt; 2 tbsp lime juice, freshly squeezed; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tbsp olive oil; Salt to taste

Dive into the vibrant world of Mexican cuisine with this Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad, a dish that captures the essence of summer in every bite. Featuring sweet corn, al dente pasta, creamy avocado, crumbly feta cheese, and zesty lime juice, this salad is a delightful blend of flavors that oscillates between savory and tangy. The crisp texture of fresh bell peppers and the smoothness of avocado create a perfect harmony, making it an ideal side for summer barbecues, picnics, or a light dinner. Whether you're serving it as a refreshing accompaniment to grilled meats or enjoying it solo, this pasta salad brings comfort and joy in every serving. It's a dish that not only satisfies your taste buds but also adds a pop of color to your table, inviting family and friends to gather around. Perfect for celebrations or casual get-togethers, this recipe is a must-try for anyone who appreciates the lively flavors of Mexican cuisine.

Prep Time

15 Minutes

Cook Time

10 Minutes

Total Time

25 Minutes

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

For the Salad:

8 oz (225 g) elbow macaroni pasta, uncooked

2 ears of corn, husked and grilled, or 1 can of corn, drained

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled

1/4 tsp smoked paprika

1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Dressing:

1 ripe avocado, mashed

1/4 cup Greek yogurt

2 tbsp lime juice, freshly squeezed

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tbsp olive oil

Salt to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Begin by cooking the elbow macaroni pasta according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 7-8 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.

Step 2: While the pasta is cooking, prepare the corn. If using fresh corn, grill the husked ears on medium heat for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until charred. Allow to cool, then cut the kernels off the cob.

Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, corn, cherry tomatoes, diced red bell pepper, and chopped cilantro. Toss gently to mix the ingredients evenly.

Step 4: In a separate smaller bowl, prepare the dressing by mixing the mashed avocado, Greek yogurt, lime juice, garlic powder, olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Stir until smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Pour the dressing over the pasta salad mixture and toss until everything is well-coated. Adjust seasoning with more salt or lime juice if needed.

Step 6: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese, smoked paprika, and black pepper over the top of the salad. Give it a final gentle toss to combine.

Step 7: Cover the salad with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes to let the flavors meld together.

Step 8: Before serving, give the salad a quick stir and garnish with additional cilantro if desired.

Step 9: Enjoy your Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad as a side dish or a light lunch!

Step 10: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.