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Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad

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A vibrant twist on classic Mexican street corn, this creamy pasta salad combines charred corn, zesty cheese, fresh greens, and a tangy, creamy dressing for a flavorful, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for potlucks and cookouts.

Ingredients

  • 12 oz short cut pasta (like rotini or fusilli)
  • 4 ears fresh corn, kernels removed after charring
  • 1/2 red onion, finely diced
  • 1/2 cup Cotija cheese, crumbled
  • 2 cups shredded kale (lightly massaged with olive oil)
  • 1 jalapeño, diced (optional)
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Tajín or chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Olive oil (for massaging kale and roasting corn)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Rub corn with olive oil and season with Tajín or chili powder. Roast for about 20 minutes, turning halfway, until lightly charred. Let cool, then cut kernels off the cob.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta to al dente according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
  3. In a bowl or blender, mix Greek yogurt or mayo, sour cream, lime juice, cilantro, garlic, and seasoning until smooth.
  4. Massage shredded kale with a little olive oil until tender. Dice the red onion and jalapeño if using.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine pasta, charred corn, kale, onion, jalapeño, and crumbled Cotija. Add most of the dressing and toss to coat.
  6. Before serving, drizzle remaining dressing over salad. Top with extra Cotija cheese, cilantro, and a dash of Tajín or chili powder.

Notes

  • Make it ahead by preparing components in advance and assembling before serving.
  • Customize with additions like avocado, black beans, or grilled chicken.
  • For a dairy-free version, use mayo and dairy-free sour cream, and omit or replace cheese.
  • Use short, twisty pasta shapes to hold the dressing well.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookedbysarah.com/creamy-street-corn-pasta-salad-recipe/