Description
A creamy, tangy, and flavorful Classic Street Corn Pasta Salad with Cotija Cheese that combines fire-roasted corn, zesty lime, and smooth dressing for an irresistible side dish or light main meal.
Ingredients
16 oz rotini pasta
2 teaspoons olive oil
4 (10 oz) bags frozen fire-roasted corn or 3 (15 oz) cans of corn, drained
1 cup crumbled Cotija cheese (Cacique or El Mexicano brand)
1/3 cup freshly chopped cilantro plus more for garnish
Dressing:
1 cup Daisy Sour Cream or Tillamook Sour Cream
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
A couple pinches cayenne pepper
3 tablespoons lime juice
2 teaspoons lime zest
Kosher salt
Fresh cracked pepper
Instructions
1. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain, toss with 2 teaspoons olive oil, salt, and pepper, and let cool to room temperature.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, olive oil, chili powder, garlic powder, cayenne, lime juice, lime zest, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
3. In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, corn, Cotija cheese, and cilantro.
4. Pour most of the dressing over the pasta and toss until everything is well coated.
5. Transfer to a serving platter, drizzle with remaining dressing, and garnish with more cilantro and a sprinkle of Cotija cheese.
Notes
If making this pasta salad ahead, blend the Cotija cheese with the dressing to keep it smooth and creamy. Add half the dressing initially and the rest just before serving.
Moderately salt your pasta water before cooking—this enhances flavor from the start.
Cook pasta only until al dente to avoid mushy texture. Check it one minute before the lowest package time.
If fresh corn is in season, use it raw off the cob for extra crunch and natural sweetness. Leftover grilled corn also works beautifully.
Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld. If the salad thickens after refrigeration, stir in a spoonful of sour cream or a drizzle of olive oil before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stove Top
- Cuisine: Mexican/American