Juicy Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe
Pasta salads are always a great choice for meals. They are simple and can be very tasty. One dish that stands out is Juicy Street Corn Pasta Salad. This salad combines fresh ingredients with delicious flavors to create a delightful meal. It is colorful and is perfect for any occasion, be it a picnic, barbecue, or a family gathering.
Why Make This Recipe
There are many reasons to make this Juicy Street Corn Pasta Salad. First, it is very easy to prepare. If you can boil pasta and chop some vegetables, you can make this dish. This makes it a great recipe for beginners and busy cooks alike.
Second, the salad is very fresh and flavorful. With sweet corn, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy bell peppers, every bite is full of good things. The dressing adds a zesty touch with lime juice and chili powder, making the salad burst with flavor.
Another reason to make this salad is its versatility. You can serve it cold or at room temperature. This makes it a great dish for gatherings. It also keeps well in the fridge. It can easily be made ahead of time, allowing the flavors to blend together.
Lastly, this recipe is healthy! It is packed with vegetables and can be made with whole grain pasta for extra nutrition. The feta cheese adds a nice protein punch, making it suitable as a main dish or side.
How to Make Juicy Street Corn Pasta Salad
Making this salad is straightforward, and the steps are simple to follow. You will need to gather your ingredients and then get started.
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (such as rotini or bowtie)
- 2 cups fresh corn (cut from the cob or canned)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 bell pepper (diced)
- 1/4 cup red onion (finely chopped)
- 1/2 cup cilantro (chopped)
- 1/2 cup feta cheese (crumbled)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
Cook the pasta: Start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. This usually means boiling water, adding the pasta, and cooking for the time noted on the package. Once cooked, drain the pasta and let it cool.
Combine the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with fresh corn, halved cherry tomatoes, diced bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, and chopped cilantro. Make sure all the ingredients are mixed well.
Prepare the dressing: In a smaller bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Whisking helps to mix everything together smoothly.
Mix salad and dressing: Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently to coat everything in the dressing. Make sure each piece of pasta and vegetable gets some of the dressing.
Add the feta cheese: Gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese. This brings in a creamy texture without overpowering the other flavors.
Serve or chill: You can serve this salad right away. However, for best results, cover it and place it in the fridge for about an hour. This will help the flavors meld together nicely.
How to Serve Juicy Street Corn Pasta Salad
Serving this salad is simple. It is colorful and attractive, making it a great addition to any table. You can serve it in a beautiful bowl or even on individual plates.
For a casual gathering, you can place the bowl in the center of the table, so guests can help themselves. If you want to make it look even better, garnish it with extra cilantro or a sprinkle of additional feta cheese on top.
Pair this salad with grilled meats, such as chicken or steak, or serve it as a side dish with burgers or hot dogs. It also works well on its own for a light lunch or dinner.
How to Store Juicy Street Corn Pasta Salad
Storing your Juicy Street Corn Pasta Salad is easy and can help make your meal prep even more efficient. If you have leftovers or want to make the salad ahead of time, simply transfer it to an airtight container.
Make sure to keep it in the fridge, where it will stay fresh for up to three days. When you want to eat it again, just give it a gentle stir. If it seems dry, you can add a little more olive oil or lime juice to refresh the flavors.
It is best not to freeze this salad. Freezing can change the texture of the vegetables, making them mushy once thawed.
Tips to Make Juicy Street Corn Pasta Salad
Here are some tips to make this pasta salad even better:
Use Fresh Corn: If you can get fresh corn in season, use it for the best flavor. Just cut it off the cob and add it directly to the salad.
Customize the Dressing: You can adjust the dressing to suit your taste. If you like it spicier, add more chili powder or even some diced jalapeños.
Make It Ahead: To save time, cook the pasta and mix the salad in advance. Let it chill for a while to let the flavors combine.
Add More Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like cucumber, avocado, or black olives. This can add more flavor and nutrition to the salad.
Use Different Cheeses: If feta isn’t your favorite, try using goat cheese or even a shredded cheese blend.
Variation
There are many variations you can try with this Juicy Street Corn Pasta Salad. Here are a few ideas:
Mexican Street Corn Style: Add a sprinkle of cotija cheese and a dash of chili powder on top for a street corn twist.
Add Protein: Mix in grilled chicken, shrimp, or canned black beans for added protein to make it a complete meal.
Make it Spicy: Incorporate some diced jalapeño or add a dash of hot sauce to the dressing if you enjoy a spicy kick.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen corn works well. Just thaw and drain it before adding it to the salad.
2. How long does it take to make this salad?
The salad takes about 30 minutes to make, including cooking the pasta and preparing the ingredients.
3. Can I make this salad vegan?
Yes! To make it vegan, omit the feta cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative. The salad will still be delicious without it.
4. What should I serve with this salad?
This salad pairs well with grilled meats, sandwiches, or can serve as a light lunch on its own.
With these simple steps and tips, you’ll have a delicious Juicy Street Corn Pasta Salad that everyone will love. Enjoy making and sharing this vibrant dish with family and friends!
Juicy Street Corn Pasta Salad
Ingredients
Method
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions, then drain and let cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta with fresh corn, halved cherry tomatoes, diced bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, and chopped cilantro.
- In a smaller bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, salt, and pepper to prepare the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently to coat.
- Gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese.
- Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate for about an hour for best flavor.