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Fresh Street Corn Pasta Salad with Cotija Lime Dressing

fresh street corn pasta salad - featured image
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A quick and easy pasta salad featuring smoky roasted corn, creamy cotija lime dressing, and fresh herbs. Perfect for summer gatherings and potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces (340 grams) rotini or elbow macaroni pasta
  • 3 cups fresh corn kernels (about 4 ears), roasted or grilled
  • ¾ cup cotija cheese, crumbled
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 small jalapeño, finely chopped (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for roasting or grilling corn)

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces (340 g) of pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Set aside in a large bowl.
  2. Roast the corn: Heat a grill pan or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Toss 3 cups fresh corn kernels with 1 tablespoon olive oil and a pinch of salt. Spread the corn out in a single layer and cook, stirring occasionally, until charred in spots and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  3. Make the cotija lime dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice, 1 tablespoon honey, minced garlic, and finely chopped jalapeño (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Crumble ¾ cup cotija cheese into the dressing and stir gently to combine.
  4. Combine salad: Add the roasted corn and chopped cilantro (¼ cup) to the pasta. Pour the dressing over and toss gently until everything is evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  5. Chill and serve: Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Before serving, give it a gentle stir and sprinkle a bit more cotija on top if desired.

Notes

Rinsing the pasta after cooking helps keep the salad from getting mushy. Char the corn well for smoky sweetness. If the salad seems dry after chilling, stir in a splash of olive oil or a teaspoon of water to loosen it up. The salad tastes even better the next day when flavors meld.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, street corn, cotija cheese, lime dressing, summer salad, easy recipe, potluck dish

Find it online: https://elvafood.com/fresh-street-corn-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-homemade-with-cotija-lime-dressing/