Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this *Street Corn Pasta Salad*! It’s like a burst of sunshine in every bite! Imagine the sweet, smoky flavors of street corn mingling with perfectly cooked pasta, and you’ve got a dish that’s not just refreshing but downright irresistible. I remember the first time I made this for a summer barbecue; everyone went crazy for it! The combination of juicy cherry tomatoes and zesty lime dressing just screams summer gatherings. Trust me, you’ll want to whip this up for your next potluck or picnic. It’s super easy to make, and the best part? It tastes even better when it sits for a bit, letting all those flavors mingle. So, grab your ingredients and let’s get cooking!
Ingredients for Street Corn Pasta Salad
- 2 cups of cooked pasta (your choice, but I love using rotini for its fun shape!)
- 1 cup of corn kernels (fresh or frozen, whatever you have on hand)
- 1/2 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved (they add such a nice pop of color!)
- 1/4 cup of red onion, diced (for a little crunch and zing)
- 1/4 cup of fresh cilantro, chopped (it gives that authentic street corn vibe!)
- 1/2 cup of feta cheese, crumbled (for that creamy, salty goodness)
- 2 tablespoons of lime juice (freshly squeezed is best for brightness)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil (to help everything come together smoothly)
- 1 teaspoon of chili powder (for a little kick; adjust to your taste!)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t skimp on seasoning!)
How to Prepare Street Corn Pasta Salad
Making this Street Corn Pasta Salad is a breeze! I promise you’ll have it ready in no time. Just follow these easy steps, and you’ll be on your way to a delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Let’s dive right in!
Cooking the Pasta
Start by cooking 2 cups of pasta according to the package instructions. I usually go for al dente, which takes about 8-10 minutes. Once it’s cooked, drain the pasta and let it cool completely. This step is crucial, as it prevents your salad from getting all mushy!
Mixing the Ingredients
While your pasta is cooling, grab a large bowl and combine 1 cup of corn, 1/2 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup of diced red onion, and 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro. Toss them together gently to mix those vibrant flavors—don’t you just love the colors?
Preparing the Dressing
In a separate small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of lime juice, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and 1 teaspoon of chili powder. Add salt and pepper to taste. This dressing is what brings everything to life, so be sure to mix it well until it’s nice and smooth!
Combining Everything
Now, it’s time to bring it all together! Toss the cooled pasta with the veggie mixture and pour the dressing over the top. Give it a good toss to coat everything evenly. For serving, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top and enjoy this delightful salad chilled!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to whip up—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Flavor-packed with the vibrant tastes of street corn and zesty lime.
- Great for gatherings; it’s a crowd-pleaser that disappears fast!
- Versatile—enjoy it as a side dish or a light meal.
- Can be made ahead of time, letting the flavors meld beautifully.
Tips for Success
To really elevate your Street Corn Pasta Salad, make sure to serve it chilled—this lets the flavors shine! If you want to add a creamy twist, diced avocado is a fantastic addition. And don’t hesitate to switch things up; try adding black beans for extra protein or even some diced jalapeños for a spicy kick! Also, if you have leftover salad, it keeps well in the fridge for a day or two, but the pasta may soak up the dressing, so just toss in a splash of olive oil before serving to refresh it. Enjoy experimenting!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. For this Street Corn Pasta Salad, each serving typically contains about 300 calories, 15g of fat, 8g of protein, and 36g of carbohydrates. It’s a deliciously balanced dish that won’t break the calorie bank!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen corn? Absolutely! Frozen corn works perfectly—just thaw it first. It’s super convenient!
What if I don’t like feta? No problem! You can swap it for crumbled goat cheese or even leave it out entirely for a dairy-free version.
How long can I store leftovers? Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just remember, the pasta might soak up some dressing, so a splash of olive oil before serving can help!
Can I add protein? Definitely! Grilled chicken or shrimp would be fantastic additions for a heartier salad.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To store any leftovers, simply place the Street Corn Pasta Salad in an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for about 2 days. No need to reheat—this salad is best enjoyed cold! Just give it a good toss before serving again to refresh the flavors.
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Street Corn Pasta Salad: 5 Reasons You’ll Love It
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing pasta salad with street corn flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 cups pasta
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and cool.
- In a large bowl, combine corn, tomatoes, onion, and cilantro.
- Add the cooled pasta to the vegetable mixture.
- In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour dressing over the pasta salad and toss to combine.
- Sprinkle feta cheese on top and serve.
Notes
- Can add avocado for creaminess.
- Best served cold.
- Can be made a day in advance.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Street Corn Pasta Salad, Pasta Salad, Mexican Salad