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Flavorful Street Corn Pasta Salad Easy Recipe with Zesty Tajín Twist

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A vibrant and satisfying pasta salad combining smoky charred street corn with a tangy lime-cilantro dressing and a zesty Tajín seasoning twist. Perfect for summer gatherings or quick weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces rotini or bowtie pasta
  • 3 cups fresh corn kernels, grilled or roasted (about 4 ears)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ cup finely chopped red onion
  • 1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon lime zest
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
  • 2 teaspoons Tajín seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional garnishes: crumbled Cotija cheese or feta, extra cilantro sprigs, lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of rotini and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Set aside in a large mixing bowl.
  2. While pasta cooks, preheat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Toss fresh corn kernels with a drizzle of olive oil. Spread evenly in the pan and cook without stirring for about 4-5 minutes until kernels develop a nice char. Stir and cook another 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  3. Halve 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, finely chop ½ cup of red onion, and mince 1 small jalapeño if using. Set aside.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, and 1 teaspoon lime zest. Stir in 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro, 2 teaspoons Tajín seasoning, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, and salt and pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  5. Add roasted corn, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and jalapeño (if using) to the cooled pasta. Pour the dressing over and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
  6. Sprinkle crumbled Cotija cheese or feta on top along with extra cilantro sprigs. Serve chilled or at room temperature with lime wedges on the side.

Notes

Do not overdress the salad to avoid sogginess. Toss dressing just before serving if making ahead. Use frozen corn if fresh is unavailable but roast it to get a charred flavor. Adjust Tajín and jalapeño for desired spice level. Store cheese separately and add before serving to keep texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: street corn pasta salad, Tajín pasta salad, summer pasta salad, grilled corn salad, lime cilantro dressing, easy pasta salad, smoky corn salad

Find it online: https://lucydishes.com/flavorful-street-corn-pasta-salad-easy-recipe-with-zesty-taj-i-n-twist/