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Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad


  • Author: Anthony
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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