Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

2 cups (6 ounces) radiatori noodles (or your noodle of choice)

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 can (15 ounces) corn kernels, drained

1 large avocado, diced

3 green onions, thinly sliced

½ bunch cilantro, finely chopped

1 medium jalapeno pepper, seeded and diced

6 strips thick-cut bacon, cooked and roughly chopped

½ cup feta cheese, crumbled

1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed

Dressing:

½ cup full-fat mayonnaise

3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice (approximately 2-3 limes)

⅛ teaspoon ground cumin

¼ teaspoon paprika

½ teaspoon chili powder

1 teaspoon hot sauce

Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. Pasta Preparation:

Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain, toss with olive oil, and set aside.

2. Corn Roasting:

In a large cast-iron skillet over high heat, add the corn kernels in a single layer. Char for 2-3 minutes, then flip to char the other side. Remove from heat.

3. Salad Assembly:

In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, charred corn, avocado, green onions, cilantro, jalapeno, bacon, feta cheese, and black beans.

4. Dressing:

In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lime juice, cumin, paprika, chili powder, and hot sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Combine:

Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly.

6. Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Suggestions:

Serve chilled or at room temperature. It’s perfect for barbecues, picnics, or as a satisfying weeknight meal. Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a complete meal.

Storage:

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep avocado and dressing separate if preparing ahead, and combine just before serving.

Make Ahead Tips:

Prepare salad components up to a day in advance. Store pasta, corn, bacon, and vegetables separately. Mix with dressing before serving.

Reheating:

Enjoy cold or at room temperature. If desired warm, gently reheat in a skillet over medium heat.

Enjoy this vibrant and zesty Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad, bursting with flavors of charred corn, creamy avocado, and tangy dressing! Perfect for any occasion from barbecues to quick weeknight dinners.

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