Description
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful summer dish combining smoky roasted corn, creamy plant-based cheese, zesty lime, and tender al dente pasta. Perfect for picnics or barbecues, this easy-to-make salad offers a creamy, smoky, and tangy taste experience with fresh herbs and a gentle kick from jalapeño. It is plant-based, customizable, and ideal as a side or main dish that celebrates the bold flavors of Mexican street corn in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups roasted fresh corn kernels
- 3 cups cooked pasta (fusilli or penne), al dente
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1/2 cup plant-based cheese, shredded
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1/3 cup plant-based mayonnaise (natural)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 small jalapeño pepper, diced (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon grape juice (natural)
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Instructions
- Roast and Prepare Corn: Begin by roasting fresh corn kernels in a hot skillet with a dash of smoked paprika until they are slightly charred and fragrant. This process adds a smoky sweetness and signature street corn flavor to the salad.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil your chosen short pasta, such as fusilli or penne, until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse under cool water to stop the cooking process and maintain a firm texture, ensuring the salad does not become mushy.
- Mix the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together plant-based mayonnaise, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), grape juice (natural), fresh lime juice, and smoked paprika until smooth and creamy. This creates a tangy, smoky dressing base that ties the salad flavors together.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, toss the cooked pasta, roasted corn, diced jalapeño, chopped cilantro, and shredded plant-based cheese with the dressing. Gently fold in the natural gelling agent to help maintain a luscious and well-integrated texture throughout the salad.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld beautifully. Serving this salad cold allows the smoky, creamy, and zesty flavors to create a more cohesive and vibrant taste experience.
Notes
- Use fresh corn kernels for superior flavor and texture compared to canned or frozen.
- Cook the pasta al dente to avoid mushiness in the salad.
- Adjust lime juice and grape juice to achieve the perfect balance between sweet and tart.
- Chill the salad properly to allow the smoky and zesty dressing to infuse all ingredients fully.
- Modify the amount of jalapeño to customize the spice level according to your preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Mexican street corn, pasta salad, plant-based, smoky, creamy, summer dish, jalapeño, cilantro, lime, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce