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Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe with Cotija and Tajin Spice

creamy street corn pasta salad - featured image
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A bold, tangy, and slightly spicy creamy street corn pasta salad featuring Cotija cheese and Tajin seasoning, perfect for summer gatherings and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni or small shell pasta (about 225 grams)
  • 2 cups fresh corn kernels (about 3–4 ears) or frozen corn, thawed
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • Juice of 1 large lime (about 2 tablespoons)
  • 1 teaspoon Tajin seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup crumbled Cotija cheese
  • Extra Tajin for sprinkling (optional)
  • Extra cilantro leaves for garnish

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225 grams) of elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-9 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Set aside.
  2. If using fresh corn, carefully cut kernels off about 3-4 ears (approximately 2 cups). For extra flavor, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and toast the corn kernels until lightly browned and fragrant, about 5 minutes, stirring often. If using frozen corn, thaw and drain well.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup sour cream, juice of 1 large lime (about 2 tablespoons), 1 teaspoon Tajin seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Taste and adjust lime or Tajin based on your preference for tang or spice.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, toasted corn, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro, and minced jalapeño if using. Pour the dressing over and toss gently but thoroughly to coat everything evenly.
  5. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld. Just before serving, sprinkle with 1/2 cup crumbled Cotija cheese, a light dusting of Tajin, and extra cilantro leaves for garnish.

Notes

For best flavor, toast the corn kernels before mixing. Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Add Cotija cheese and extra Tajin just before serving to maintain texture. Adjust lime juice and Tajin seasoning to taste. Use fresh lime juice for best brightness. Can substitute feta cheese or seasoned tofu for Cotija if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: street corn pasta salad, creamy pasta salad, Cotija cheese, Tajin spice, summer salad, easy pasta salad, Mexican flavors, jalapeño pasta salad

Find it online: https://jodierecipes.com/creamy-street-corn-pasta-salad-recipe-with-cotija-and-tajin-spice-easy-and-delicious/