Description
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a vibrant, easy-to-make dish combining smoky roasted corn, crunchy veggies, creamy plant-based cheese, and a tangy dressing. Perfect for summer barbecues, potlucks, or as a fresh dinner side, it delivers bold flavors and balanced textures everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Vegetables
- 2 cups short pasta (rotini or shells)
- 1 1/2 cups fresh corn kernels
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 1/2 cup (plant-based) cheese, shredded or crumbled
Dressing
- 1/2 cup natural mayonnaise (plant-based)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Herbs and Garnish
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Roast the Corn: Roast fresh corn kernels in a hot skillet or oven until charred spots develop, adding smoky aroma and sweet crunch to the salad.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water and cook pasta until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and keep firm texture.
- Prepare the Veggies and Herbs: Chop cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, green onions, and roughly chop cilantro to add brightness and color to the salad.
- Mix the Dressing: Whisk together natural mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, fresh lime juice, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until creamy and well combined.
- Combine All Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix cooked pasta, roasted corn, chopped vegetables, and (plant-based) cheese. Pour dressing over and toss gently to evenly coat all ingredients. Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh corn for best flavor; frozen corn can be used if thawed and roasted well.
- Do not overcook pasta; keeping it al dente improves texture.
- Roast the corn thoroughly to achieve the smoky flavor characteristic of street corn.
- Adjust salt and lime juice at the end to taste.
- Chill the salad for an hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Mexican street corn, pasta salad, plant-based cheese, smoky, tangy, easy recipe, summer side