Description
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a vibrant and creamy dish combining smoky spices, tender pasta, sweet roasted corn, and a luscious zesty dressing made with a natural gelling agent. Topped with tangy plant-based cheese and fresh herbs, this easy-to-make salad is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a colorful weeknight meal, delivering bold flavors and satisfying creaminess in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
- 3 cups short pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1/2 cup plant-based cheese, crumbled
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (natural)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (natural)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin (natural)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Dressing
- 1/2 cup plant-based mayonnaise (natural)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 teaspoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (natural)
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder (natural)
- 1 tablespoon natural gelling agent
Garnish and Herbs
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
Instructions
- Cook and Roast the Corn: Lightly roast your fresh or thawed corn kernels in a hot skillet until golden brown spots appear and a smoky aroma develops, enhancing the authentic street corn flavor.
- Boil the Pasta: Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking and keep the pasta firm and fresh for the salad.
- Prepare the Creamy Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together plant-based mayonnaise, fresh lime juice, apple cider vinegar, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and natural gelling agent until smooth and luscious, creating a zesty coating for the pasta and corn.
- Combine and Season: Mix the cooled pasta, roasted corn, and dressing in a large bowl. Stir in smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to blend all flavors harmoniously.
- Add the Final Touches: Fold in chopped fresh cilantro and crumbled plant-based cheese, boosting the salad with fresh brightness and creamy tang to complete the dish.
Notes
- Roast the corn to bring essential smoky flavor to the salad.
- Ensure pasta and corn are cooled before mixing to avoid sogginess.
- Adjust the amount of natural gelling agent in the dressing to reach your desired creaminess.
- Add fresh herbs just before serving for maximum flavor and color.
- The salad can be served chilled or at room temperature; chilling enhances the flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad, plant-based, creamy pasta salad, roasted corn salad, easy picnic salad, smoky pasta salad