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Flavorful Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe with Tajín and Cotija Crumbles Made Easy

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A vibrant pasta salad featuring smoky roasted corn, tangy Tajín seasoning, creamy mayo, and salty Cotija cheese, perfect for warm-weather gatherings and quick meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces rotini or elbow macaroni, cooked al dente
  • 3 cups fresh corn kernels (about 4 ears), roasted or grilled
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise (preferably full-fat)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Tajín seasoning
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
  • 2 stalks green onions, finely sliced
  • 1/2 cup crumbled Cotija cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of rotini or elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside to cool for about 10 minutes.
  2. Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add 3 cups of fresh corn kernels. Cook, stirring occasionally, until corn is lightly charred and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. In a medium bowl, mix 1/2 cup mayonnaise with 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, 1 1/2 teaspoons Tajín seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
  4. Add the cooled pasta and roasted corn to the dressing. Toss gently to coat evenly. Add 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro and 2 sliced green onions. Mix again.
  5. Fold in 1/2 cup crumbled Cotija cheese. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed, keeping in mind Cotija adds saltiness. Optionally, sprinkle a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for heat.
  6. Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors marry. Bring it out 10 minutes before serving to take the chill off.

Notes

If dressing is too thick, add a splash of milk or buttermilk to loosen. Roast corn until lightly charred for best smoky flavor. Rinse pasta with cold water after cooking to prevent mushiness. For dairy-free, use vegan mayo and omit Cotija or use plant-based cheese. Tajín can be substituted with chili powder and lime zest if unavailable.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, street corn, Tajín, Cotija cheese, summer salad, easy recipe, smoky corn, creamy dressing

Find it online: https://fizzlefork.com/flavorful-street-corn-pasta-salad-recipe-with-taj-i-n-and-cotija-crumbles-made-easy/