Introduction
This delicious corn pasta salad beautifully combines textures and flavors, making it an ideal dish for gatherings, picnics, or a fun family dinner. With a creamy dressing and the savory notes of sautéed corn and spices, this recipe is sure to impress. Simple to make and quick to prepare, it is a perfect addition to your culinary repertoire.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
¼ onion, minced
1 clove garlic, minced or pressed
2 cups canned corn
8 ounces dried pasta (e.g., fusilli, rotini, or penne)
2 tablespoons olive oil
¼ cup mayonnaise
½ cup sour cream
1½ tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice (about 1 lime)
½ teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 cup cotija cheese (queso fresco or feta can also be used)
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: Serves 4-6
This dish not only adds a fun twist to your meal but also showcases the vibrant flavors of fresh ingredients. Enjoy the creamy, zesty goodness of this corn pasta salad warm, topped with crumbled cotija cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced onion and garlic; sauté until soft and fragrant. Add the corn, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for 6-7 minutes until blistered. Remove from heat, transfer the corn mixture to a bowl, and let it cool to room temperature.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
While the corn cools, cook the pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and toss with olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside to cool to room temperature.
Step 3: Prepare the Dressing
In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
In a large salad bowl, combine the cooled corn, pasta, and the prepared dressing. Toss until evenly coated. Top with cotija cheese and serve immediately while warm.
Notes
Serving Suggestions
This dish can be served warm or at room temperature. It pairs well with grilled proteins or as a side dish for barbecues.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can substitute cotija cheese with queso fresco or feta cheese based on availability and personal preference.
Adjusting Spiciness
Feel free to adjust the amount of chili powder and cayenne pepper to suit your taste. For a milder flavor, reduce the spices.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors may intensify as it sits.
Cook techniques
Sautéing
Sautéing is a cooking technique where ingredients are cooked quickly in a small amount of fat over medium to high heat. In this recipe, onions and garlic are sautéed in butter until soft and fragrant, which enhances their flavor.
Blistering Corn
Blistering corn involves cooking it until small brown spots form on the kernels, intensifying the sweet flavor. This technique is applied after sautéing the onions and garlic, allowing the corn to caramelize slightly.
Cooking Pasta
Cooking pasta requires boiling it in salted water until it reaches the desired texture, usually al dente, which means it is firm to the bite. After boiling, the pasta should be drained and tossed with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Making Dressing
Creating a dressing involves mixing various ingredients until smooth. In this recipe, mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, and spices are combined to create a creamy, zesty dressing that complements the dish.
Tossing Ingredients
Tossing is a method of gently mixing ingredients together to ensure an even distribution of flavors and textures. After cooling, the corn and pasta are tossed with the dressing to coat them evenly before serving.
Garnishing
Garnishing involves adding a finishing touch to a dish for presentation and flavor enhancement. In this recipe, cotija cheese is sprinkled on top just before serving, adding a salty creaminess that balances the other flavors.
FAQ
Can I use frozen corn instead of canned corn?
Yes, you can use frozen corn. Just make sure to cook it until heated through and slightly blistered.
What can I substitute for cotija cheese?
You can substitute cotija cheese with queso fresco or feta cheese for a similar flavor and texture.
How can I adjust the spiciness of the dish?
To adjust the spiciness, you can decrease the amount of chili powder and cayenne pepper according to your taste preference.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the corn, pasta, and dressing ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and combine just before serving for the best texture.
Is there a gluten-free option for the pasta?
Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta as a substitute for traditional pasta in this recipe. Just follow the package instructions for cooking times.
Conclusion
This vibrant corn pasta salad brings a delightful blend of flavors and textures, perfect for a casual lunch or a side dish at gatherings. The creamy dressing combined with the sweet, blistered corn and the tangy cotija cheese creates a deliciously satisfying experience. Enjoy this dish fresh, or store it in the fridge for a quick meal on busy days.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Chili Lime Chickpea Salad
Combine canned chickpeas with diced bell peppers, red onion, and cilantro. Toss with lime juice, olive oil, chili powder, and cayenne pepper for a protein-packed salad.
Mexican Street Corn Quesadilla
Fill flour tortillas with a mixture of corn, cotija cheese, jalapeños, and garlic. Grill until crispy and serve with a lime crema dipping sauce.
Avocado Corn Salsa
Mix diced avocados, tomatoes, red onion, corn, and lime juice. Season with salt, pepper, and chili powder for a refreshing salsa perfect for chips or tacos.
Creamy Cilantro Pasta
Toss cooked pasta with a blend of fresh cilantro, lime juice, garlic, sour cream, and olive oil for a zesty pasta dish.
Grilled Corn and Black Bean Salad
Combine grilled corn with black beans, red onion, and diced avocado. Dress with lime juice and olive oil for a hearty salad option.
