Ingredients
The Base
- 400g pasta of your choice (elbow, fusilli, or penne works great)
The Filling
- 2 roasted corn cobs
- 3 green onions
- 1 shallot
- 2 jalapeños
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro
- 1 cup cotija cheese
The Dressing
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 3 cloves garlic
- Juice and zest of 1 lime
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
Instructions on the next page 👇👇
Directions
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Begin by preparing the corn. Husk the corn cobs and trim any excess silk. For a tremendous flavor, roast the corn in a pan with a drizzle of olive oil. Heat the pan over medium-high heat and cook the corn for about 10-15 minutes, ensuring to rotate every couple of minutes for even cooking. Once roasted and slightly charred, use a sharp knife or peeler to separate the kernels from the cob.
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While the corn is roasting, fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add a generous pinch of salt, then toss in your pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, strain the pasta in a colander and rinse it briefly under cold water to stop further cooking. For best results, drizzle a bit of olive oil over the pasta and toss to prevent it from sticking together.
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Next, it’s time to prep your vegetables. Thinly slice the green onions, making sure to include some of the green tops for added color. Finely mince the shallot, garlic, and jalapeños, being cautious about the heat level of the jalapeños. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can remove the seeds. Chop the cilantro roughly and set everything aside.
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In a medium-sized mixing bowl, create the luscious dressing. Combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, minced garlic, lime zest, lime juice, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until smooth and well blended. The tremendous creaminess of the dressing will elevate your salad to new heights!
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Now it’s time to bring everything together. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, roasted corn kernels, sliced green onions, minced shallot, chopped jalapeños, cilantro, and cotija cheese. Pour the dressing over this tremendous mixture and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
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For the finishing touch, top the salad with additional crumbled cotija and fresh herbs if desired. Let the salad rest at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. Enjoy your refreshing and colorful Street Corn Pasta Salad!
Continue reading on the next page 👇👇
Pro Tips for Success
Timing is Everything
- When roasting the corn, keep an eye on it to avoid burning. The goal is to achieve a beautiful char without going too far. Timing may vary based on your heat source, so taste testing is key.
Pasta Perfection
- Ensure the pasta is cooked al dente; this helps maintain a nice chew and prevents it from becoming mushy mixed with the dressing. Always salt your pasta water generously for improved flavor.
Personal Adjustments
- Feel free to customize the heat level by adjusting the number of jalapeños according to your personal preference. You can also substitute other cheeses like feta if cotija isn’t available.
Storage and Freshness
Keeping It Fresh
- Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh for about 3 days. However, it’s best enjoyed within the first couple of days to experience the full array of flavors.
Dressing Separately
- If you know you’ll have leftovers, consider keeping the dressing separate from the salad until ready to serve. This prevents the pasta from absorbing too much dressing and becoming soggy.
Reviving Leftovers
- If your pasta salad seems dry after refrigeration, add a splash of lime juice or a bit more dressing before serving. This will revive the flavors and give it a fresh satisfaction.
Final Thoughts
In summary, Street Corn Pasta Salad is a tremendous dish that brings the best of summer flavors to your table. With its delightful combination of textures, it’s perfect for summer picnics, barbecues, or family gatherings. This dish embraces the spirit of culinary creativity by merging traditional elements to form something uniquely delicious. We hope you enjoy making it as much as you’ll enjoy sharing it! What variations will you try in your version of this delightful salad?