Description
This creamy street corn pasta salad blends smoky grilled corn with a tangy lime dressing and crisp rotini pasta for a refreshing and flavorful summer side dish. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or light meals, it combines Mediterranean feta, fresh cilantro, and a touch of cayenne pepper for an exciting twist on classic pasta salad.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Vegetables
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 2 cups fresh corn kernels (about 2 ears)
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Juice of 2 limes
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese
- 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini pasta until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.
- Grill the corn: Place the fresh corn on a grill or grill pan and cook until the kernels are charred and smoky, turning occasionally to get an even char on all sides. Allow it to cool before cutting the kernels off the cob.
- Prepare the dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, fresh lime juice, cayenne pepper, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Combine salad ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, grilled corn kernels, diced red onion, chopped cilantro, and crumbled feta cheese. Gently toss to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Toss with dressing and chill: Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently until everything is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
- For extra smoky flavor, you can use grilled frozen corn if fresh corn is not available.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder salad.
- This salad can be made a few hours ahead and stored in the refrigerator to enhance flavor.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature for best taste.
