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Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad with Chili-Lime Cookout Flavor

A creamy chili-lime pasta salad with mini bowtie pasta, browned corn, green onions, cilantro, jalapeño, turkey bacon, cotija cheese, avocado, black beans, and a spiced mayonnaise dressing.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Salad
  • 2 cups mini bowtie pasta measured uncooked
  • 3 cups frozen corn
  • 3 green onions finely diced, about 1/3 cup
  • 1/2 bunch cilantro finely diced, about 1/2 cup
  • 1 tablespoon finely diced jalapeño
  • 8 slices turkey bacon cooked and finely diced
  • 1/3 cup cotija cheese
  • 1 large avocado diced
  • 1/2 cup canned black beans drained and rinsed
Dressing
  • 1/2 cup full-fat regular mayonnaise
  • 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 1/8 teaspoon lime zest
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon Sriracha or hot sauce
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small bowl
  • Whisk
  • Skillet or grill pan
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Spoon or spatula

Method
 

  1. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to the package directions until tender. Drain it, rinse with cold water, and let it cool completely.
  2. Cook or char the corn until warmed through and lightly browned. Let it cool before adding it to the salad.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, corn, green onions, cilantro, jalapeño, cooked turkey bacon, cotija cheese, avocado, and black beans.
  4. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lime juice, lime zest, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, Sriracha or hot sauce, salt, and black pepper.
  5. Pour the dressing over the pasta salad.
  6. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
  7. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, lime juice, or hot sauce if needed.
  8. Serve right away, or chill briefly before serving.

Notes

Cool the pasta and corn before mixing.
Add avocado close to serving for the best texture.
Use turkey bacon for a crisp savory bite.
Stir gently before serving if the salad has been chilled.