Esquites-Inspired Summer Pasta Salad

This pasta salad combines the best of summer in one dish – tender pasta, smoky grilled corn, a creamy dressing, and just the right amount of spice. The fresh cilantro and tangy lime juice bring a burst of flavor, making it the perfect dish to accompany your summer meals.

Whether you’re hosting a BBQ, a picnic, or just enjoying a light lunch, this salad is quick to prepare and will leave everyone asking for the recipe. You can customize it with more heat by adding extra jalapeños or tone it down for those with a milder palate. Either way, it’s an unforgettable summer side!

Full Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb pasta (rotini, penne, or your choice)

• 2 cups fresh corn kernels (or frozen)

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise

• 1/4 cup sour cream

• 1/4 cup lime juice

• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

• 1/4 cup cotija cheese, crumbled (or feta as an alternative)

• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

• 1/2 tsp chili powder

• 1/4 tsp garlic powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped

• 1-2 jalapeños, seeds removed and finely chopped (optional for heat)

• 1 tbsp olive oil

Directions:

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside to cool.

2. While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the corn and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the corn starts to get a little charred.

3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cooked corn, red onion, jalapeños (if using), and cilantro.

4. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

5. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to combine.

6. Sprinkle the cotija cheese over the salad and give it one final toss before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 280 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Esquites-Inspired Summer Pasta Salad: A Perfect Blend of Flavors for Your Summer Gatherings

When the summer heat rolls in, the cravings for lighter, more refreshing dishes intensify. The Esquites-Inspired Summer Pasta Salad is the ultimate dish for those balmy days, offering a delightful mix of fresh ingredients, tangy lime, smoky corn, and creamy textures. Drawing inspiration from esquites, a popular Mexican street food, this pasta salad blends the traditional flavors of grilled corn with a zesty dressing and creamy pasta to create a vibrant, mouthwatering side dish.

Esquites, the Mexican street food made from cooked corn, typically features tangy lime, creamy mayonnaise, chili powder, and a sprinkling of cotija cheese. This pasta salad takes all the signature ingredients of esquites and transforms them into a dish that’s perfect for any summer occasion. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, preparing a picnic lunch, or serving a light dinner, this salad will undoubtedly shine as a crowd favorite.

The Inspiration Behind Esquites-Inspired Pasta Salad

Esquites, or “Mexican street corn,” is a beloved snack that showcases the natural sweetness of corn, combined with bold, savory flavors. Street vendors in Mexico prepare this dish by cooking corn kernels, then seasoning them with a mix of mayonnaise, chili powder, lime, and crumbled cheese. The result is a flavorful, tangy snack that captures the essence of summer.

The Esquites-Inspired Summer Pasta Salad brings these flavors together in a new, exciting way. By adding pasta to the mix, you get a heartier, more filling dish, making it an excellent option for a side or even a main course. The pasta acts as a neutral base, soaking up the creamy dressing while pairing beautifully with the smoky corn, fresh lime, and chili-infused flavors. The corn, with its natural sweetness and slight char from the grilling, complements the tangy dressing, creating a flavor profile that’s both bold and refreshing.

The Ingredients That Make This Salad Special

While the ingredients for this pasta salad are simple, they come together in a perfect harmony of flavor, texture, and color. Each element plays a crucial role in enhancing the dish and making it a standout option for any meal.

Corn: The star ingredient in this dish is undoubtedly the corn. Fresh, sweet corn kernels bring a burst of natural sweetness to the salad. When lightly charred in a skillet, the corn develops a smoky flavor that enhances the overall complexity of the dish. Whether you use fresh corn or frozen corn, the key is to cook it just enough to develop a nice, roasted exterior while retaining its tender crunch.

Pasta: For the pasta, rotini, penne, or any short pasta works best. The spiral or tube shape is ideal for capturing the creamy dressing and corn kernels, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor. The pasta serves as the perfect base, absorbing the dressing without overpowering the dish.

Creamy Dressing: The creamy dressing is where the magic happens. A combination of mayonnaise and sour cream provides a rich, creamy texture that coats the pasta and corn. The addition of lime juice gives the dressing a zesty, refreshing kick, while the smoked paprika and chili powder add a subtle heat and depth of flavor. This dressing brings the flavors of esquites to life and elevates the entire dish.

Cilantro and Cotija Cheese: Fresh cilantro adds a vibrant, herbaceous flavor that cuts through the richness of the dressing, bringing a refreshing contrast. Cotija cheese, with its crumbly texture and salty taste, adds a savory finish to the salad, much like it does in the traditional esquites. For those who prefer a milder option, feta cheese can also be used as a substitute.

How to Serve and Enjoy Esquites-Inspired Summer Pasta Salad

This pasta salad is incredibly versatile, making it suitable for various occasions. Here are a few ways you can incorporate it into your summer menu:

• BBQs and Grilling Parties: This pasta salad is the perfect side dish to serve alongside grilled meats. Its creamy texture and bold flavors complement the smokiness of grilled chicken, ribs, or burgers.

• Picnics and Outdoor Gatherings: If you’re planning a picnic or outdoor party, this salad is a crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to prepare in advance, and its vibrant colors and flavors will impress your guests.

• Light Dinner or Lunch: For a lighter meal, this salad can be served as a main dish. The combination of pasta and corn provides enough substance to make it filling, while the freshness of the lime and cilantro keeps it light and refreshing.

• Potlucks and Family Dinners: The Esquites-Inspired Summer Pasta Salad is also perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or any event where you need a dish that serves a crowd. It’s easy to double or triple the recipe to feed a larger group, and it can be served chilled or at room temperature.

Customizing Your Esquites-Inspired Pasta Salad

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. While the core ingredients stay the same, there are plenty of ways to customize this dish based on your preferences or dietary restrictions.

• Heat Levels: If you enjoy a little more heat, feel free to add extra jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing. For those who prefer a milder version, simply omit the jalapeños or reduce the chili powder to your liking.

• Vegan/Vegetarian Options: If you’re looking to make this dish vegan, simply swap out the mayonnaise and sour cream for dairy-free alternatives. Vegan mayo and plant-based sour cream can easily replace the traditional ingredients, ensuring the dish remains creamy and delicious without any animal products. Additionally, you can use a plant-based cheese or leave the cheese out entirely.

• Grilled Vegetables: For extra depth of flavor, consider adding grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or red onions. These veggies would pair beautifully with the corn and enhance the smoky undertones of the dish.

• Protein Add-ins: If you’d like to make this salad a bit more filling, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas for an extra protein boost. This will turn the salad into a more substantial meal.

Health Benefits of Esquites-Inspired Summer Pasta Salad

Not only is this salad incredibly flavorful, but it also offers several health benefits. The fresh corn provides fiber, antioxidants, and essential vitamins like vitamin C and folate. Corn is a great source of energy, while the inclusion of cilantro adds additional nutrients, including vitamins A, C, and K.

The pasta serves as a carbohydrate source, offering energy without being too heavy, and the lime juice provides vitamin C, which is essential for immune health. If you opt for a plant-based dressing, you’ll reduce the calorie count while still keeping the dish creamy and satisfying.

The addition of fresh vegetables and herbs ensures that the salad is full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it a nourishing and light choice for any meal.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the Esquites-Inspired Summer Pasta Salad is a fun, vibrant twist on a classic Mexican street food. Its combination of creamy dressing, smoky grilled corn, and tangy lime creates a dish that’s perfect for any summer gathering. Whether you’re serving it at a BBQ, packing it for a picnic, or enjoying it as a light dinner, this pasta salad is sure to be a hit with your guests. It’s a versatile, customizable dish that can be made in advance, saving you time and effort while still impressing everyone with its bold flavors.

Give it a try this summer and discover how this simple yet flavorful salad can become your go-to side dish for warm weather