Juicy Street Corn Pasta Salad: A Cozy, Flavorful Delight
As the golden sun begins to set on a warm summer evening, the air becomes rich with the enticing aroma of grilled corn, eventually leading to warm gatherings filled with hearty laughter and joy. One of my favorite things about this season is how it invites us to celebrate with fresh, vibrant flavors, and that’s exactly what my Juicy Street Corn Pasta Salad brings to the table. It’s creamy, comforting, and filled with the freshest ingredients. This easy weeknight dinner option not only tickles your taste buds but also provides a burst of nostalgia, reminiscent of summer cookouts with family and friends.
This is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks.
- Packed with fresh flavors that create a delightful medley, making it a crowd-pleaser.
- Could easily be a main or side dish, adapting to any occasion seamlessly.
- Family-friendly, with vibrant colors and textures that appeal to both kids and adults.
- Designed for easy customization, allowing you to put your personal spin on it.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Juicy Street Corn Pasta Salad
Gather these simple ingredients, and watch how quickly this delightful dish comes together:
- 8 oz pasta (e.g., rotini or penne)
- 2 cups fresh corn (cooked or grilled)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 avocado (diced)
- 1/2 red onion (finely chopped)
- 1 cup cilantro (chopped)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Juicy Street Corn Pasta Salad
Let’s make it together, step by step:
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool it down.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, corn, cherry tomatoes, avocado, red onion, and cilantro. The colors and textures will make your heart sing!
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently until everything is well coated. It’s like giving your salad a warm hug!
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving—this allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Delicious Variations to Try
Feel free to get creative! Here are some fun ways to customize your Juicy Street Corn Pasta Salad:
- A sprinkle of crumbled feta or cotija cheese adds a salty, creamy punch that enhances every bite.
- Add in some black beans for extra protein and a nice earthy flavor, making it even heartier.
- Toss in some diced bell peppers for an added layer of crunch and a splash of color.
- For a kick, sprinkle in some jalapeños or diced red chili to awaken your taste buds with a fiery zing.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
Here are some of my best kitchen secrets to ensure your pasta salad turns out perfect every time:
- Make-ahead magic: Prepare the salad a few hours in advance or even the night before to develop deeper flavors.
- Ingredient swaps: Don’t have fresh corn? Use canned corn—just make sure to drain it well.
- Slicing tips: For perfectly diced avocado, slice it while it’s still in the skin, then scoop out the pieces for a quick, easy dice.
- Storage suggestions: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Just give it a good stir before serving.
What’s Inside – Nutrition Breakdown
Curious about the nutrition value? Here’s a basic breakdown per serving, assuming 6 servings:
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 330
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Sugars: 3g
- Fat: 14g
- Protein: 8g
- Sodium: 240mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions I receive about Juicy Street Corn Pasta Salad:
- Can I make this ahead? Absolutely! It tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for a bit to meld those yummy flavors.
- Can I use different ingredients? Of course! This salad welcomes all sorts of flavors, so don’t hesitate to mix it up.
- How do I store leftovers? Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge. It should last for about three days.
- How long does it last? If properly stored, the Juicy Street Corn Pasta Salad can last for up to three days in the refrigerator.
Wrapping It Up
This Joyous Juicy Street Corn Pasta Salad is more than just a meal; it’s a cheerful celebration of summer flavors and cherished moments spent with loved ones. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as a colorful dish at your next gathering, this salad is sure to become a family favorite. Don’t forget to save this recipe to your Summer Salads board so it’s ready whenever you crave a cozy, comforting dish! Happy cooking!
Juicy Street Corn Pasta Salad
Ingredients
Pasta and Vegetables
- 8 oz pasta (e.g., rotini or penne) Cook according to package instructions.
- 2 cups fresh corn (cooked or grilled)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 avocado (diced) Diced.
- 1/2 red onion (finely chopped)
- 1 cup cilantro (chopped)
Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp chili powder
- to taste Salt and pepper Add to taste.
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool it down.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, corn, cherry tomatoes, avocado, red onion, and cilantro.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently until everything is well coated.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
