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Flavorful Street Corn Pasta Salad with Cotija and Lime Crema

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A vibrant and creamy pasta salad featuring smoky grilled corn, tangy lime crema, and salty Cotija cheese, perfect for summer gatherings and potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces rotini or elbow macaroni pasta
  • 3 cups fresh corn kernels (about 4 ears), grilled
  • 3/4 cup crumbled Cotija cheese
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Pinch of black pepper
  • 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Husk corn and place directly on grill. Turn occasionally until kernels are charred in spots, about 8-10 minutes. Remove and let cool slightly.
  2. Using a sharp knife, slice kernels off each ear into a large mixing bowl. Set aside.
  3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool pasta. Drain well.
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk together sour cream, fresh lime juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper to make lime crema. Adjust lime or salt as needed.
  5. In a large bowl, toss cooled pasta, grilled corn kernels, diced red bell pepper, and chopped cilantro.
  6. Sprinkle smoked paprika, cumin, and chili powder over the mixture. Drizzle with olive oil and toss gently to coat evenly.
  7. Pour lime crema over the salad and toss until well coated.
  8. Sprinkle crumbled Cotija cheese on top and give the salad one final gentle toss.
  9. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. Stir gently before serving.

Notes

For best flavor, use fresh grilled corn. Lime crema can be made ahead to enhance flavor. Rinse pasta well to stop cooking and cool it for salad. Adjust seasoning after chilling if needed. For dairy-free, substitute sour cream with dairy-free yogurt or cashew cream and use vegan cheese. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, street corn, Cotija cheese, lime crema, grilled corn, summer salad, potluck recipe, easy pasta salad

Find it online: https://emmastirs.com/flavorful-street-corn-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-homemade-with-cotija-and-lime-crema/