Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe
This vibrant Street Corn Pasta Salad combines tender rotini pasta with sweet corn, juicy cherry tomatoes, and tangy feta cheese, all dressed in a creamy, zesty dressing featuring lime juice and chili powder. Perfectly chilled and bursting with fresh flavors, this salad is a delightful side dish or light meal for warm-weather gatherings.
- Author: rami
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling and Mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Pasta and Vegetables
- 8 ounces rotini pasta
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
Cheese and Herbs
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Dressing
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down and stop the cooking process.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, corn kernels, halved cherry tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped fresh cilantro. Gently toss to combine these fresh ingredients.
- Make the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until the dressing is smooth and creamy.
- Mix the Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Toss gently but thoroughly until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the salad with plastic wrap or a lid, and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. This step allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Before serving, stir the salad well and adjust the seasoning with extra salt or pepper if needed.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh corn kernels if in season; otherwise frozen or canned corn works well.
- This salad can be prepared a few hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator, making it convenient for parties or meal prep.
- Adjust the amount of chili powder according to your preferred spice level.
- To make this recipe vegetarian, ensure the mayonnaise and sour cream are vegetarian-friendly.
- Serve chilled for the freshest taste, perfect for summer barbecues or picnic lunches.
Keywords: Street Corn Pasta Salad, rotini pasta salad, summer salad, corn salad, feta cheese salad, creamy pasta salad, easy pasta recipe