Description
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish combining smoky grilled corn, creamy plant-based dressing, fresh herbs, and tender pasta. Perfect for quick meals or gatherings, it offers a refreshing and colorful twist with a harmonious blend of textures and bold tastes, ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups grilled corn kernels (fresh or thawed frozen)
- 3 cups cooked small pasta (rotini or elbow macaroni), drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/2 cup plant-based mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (natural)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 teaspoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil your favorite small pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and keep the pasta firm.
- Prepare the Corn: Grill fresh corn on the cob until slightly charred to develop a smoky flavor, then cut the kernels off into a bowl. If using frozen corn, thaw and pat dry to remove excess moisture.
- Make the Dressing: In a bowl, combine plant-based mayonnaise, fresh lime juice, apple cider vinegar, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, salt, pepper, and natural gelling agent. Mix thoroughly until well combined and creamy.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked pasta, grilled corn kernels, chopped green onions, and fresh cilantro. Pour the dressing over and toss gently until all ingredients are well coated.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
- Cook pasta al dente to maintain firm texture.
- Char the corn well for maximum smoky flavor.
- Use fresh lime juice for the best brightness.
- Adjust dressing thickness by adding more natural gelling agent if desired.
- Toss salad gently to keep pasta and corn intact.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Grilling and Boiling
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Mexican street corn, pasta salad, plant-based, smoky, creamy, quick recipe, grilled corn, vibrant salad