Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces small pasta (like rotini, elbow macaroni, or shells)
- 4 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned, drained)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (from 2-3 limes)
- 1/2 cup finely crumbled cotija cheese (or feta cheese)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tablespoons finely diced red onion
- 1-2 jalapeños, seeded and minced (optional, for heat)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and rinse with cold water to stop cooking and cool quickly. Set aside.
- While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the corn kernels and cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly charred and tender, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, and garlic powder until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooled pasta, charred corn, crumbled cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, diced red onion, and minced jalapeños (if using) to the dressing. Gently toss until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. For best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
This salad is fantastic made ahead of time! It tastes even better after a few hours or overnight in the fridge. For extra crunch, consider adding a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds or tortilla strips just before serving. If cotija cheese is hard to find, crumbled feta cheese makes an excellent substitute. For a vegan version, use plant-based mayo, sour cream, and a vegan feta alternative.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop, No-Bake
- Cuisine: Mexican-American Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 35mg