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Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

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Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad combines the bold, zesty flavors of elote with the hearty texture of pasta. Featuring bowtie pasta, sweet corn, smoky bacon, black beans, cotija cheese, and avocado in a creamy chili-lime dressing, it’s a vibrant side or light main perfect for summer gatherings.

  • Author: Tina
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 9 minutes
  • Total Time: 34 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings (as a side)
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Boil + Toss
  • Cuisine: Mexican-American

Ingredients

8 oz mini bowtie pasta

2 cups corn (frozen, canned, or fresh grilled)

3 green onions, finely diced

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely diced

1 jalapeño, finely diced

4 strips bacon, cooked and finely diced

1/2 cup cotija cheese

1 avocado, diced

1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1 tsp chili powder

1/2 tsp paprika

1/2 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp Sriracha

Zest and juice of 2 limes

Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain, rinse with cold water, and let dry completely.
  2. Prepare corn by grilling, charring in a skillet, or using pre-cooked corn. Let cool.
  3. Dice green onions, cilantro, and jalapeño. Cook bacon until crispy and chop finely. Drain and rinse black beans. Dice avocado just before assembling.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, chili powder, paprika, cumin, Sriracha, lime zest, and lime juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Chill until ready to use.
  5. In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, corn, avocado, green onions, cilantro, jalapeño, bacon, black beans, and cotija cheese.
  6. Drizzle with dressing and gently toss to coat. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Swap cotija cheese for feta if unavailable.
  • Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo for a lighter dressing.
  • Add grilled chicken or shrimp for more protein.
  • Make vegetarian by omitting bacon.
  • To prepare ahead, store salad and dressing separately; add bacon, cheese, and avocado before serving.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cheftinaskitchen.com/mexican-street-corn-pasta-salad/