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Street Corn Pasta Salad

Street Corn Pasta Salad

Tender pasta, raw sweet corn, red onion, and cotija cheese are tossed in a creamy, spicy lime and mayo dressing. Fast to make, this salad is perfect for picnics or dinner.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Pasta, Side Dish
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 8
Calories 310 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Salad

  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni or ditalini pasta
  • 4 ears corn (kernels removed)
  • 1/4 cup red onion (finely chopped)
  • 1/4 cup cotija cheese (crumbled)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro (chopped)

For the Dressing

  • 3/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 to 3 tablespoons Cholula hot sauce
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 to 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground red chili powder

Instructions
 

  • Cook pasta in salted water (until al dente according to package directions), then drain and rinse with cold water.
  • Whisk mayonnaise, hot sauce, lime juice, sugar, salt, pepper, and chili powder in a large mixing bowl.
  • Add pasta, raw corn, and red onion to the dressing. Toss well with tongs so all the pieces are coated.
  • Sprinkle cotija cheese and cilantro on top. Taste and add extra salt if needed before serving.

Notes

  • The best taste comes from fresh, raw sweet corn—dont't cook it.
  • Chill salad if not serving right away to keep flavors bright and fresh.
  • If you find cotija cheese at the store, grab it for authentic street corn flavor.
  • Swap in different cheeses or pastas as needed for your taste and pantry.
  • Add more hot sauce for extra spice lovers in your family or party!