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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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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

Instructions
 

  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.
CHEF’S TIP
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.
Course Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine Mexican-Inspired
Keyword Mexican street corn pasta salad, street corn pasta salad, corn pasta salad, chili lime pasta salad, cookout pasta salad, appetizers and party food
CALORIES PER SERVING