Description
This vibrant and refreshing pasta salad reimagines classic Mexican street corn by combining charred corn, zesty poblano peppers, and tender ditalini. Tossed in a cooling, tangy dressing made from Greek yogurt and mayo, this fusion dish balances a smoky spice blend with fresh textures. Perfect for summer gatherings or a hearty meal-prep lunch, it is a creative, non-alcoholic, and vegetarian-friendly crowd-pleaser that stays delicious for days when stored in the refrigerator.
Ingredients
8 oz ditalini pasta
2 cups frozen corn
1 cup red onion, finely diced
1/2 cup poblano pepper, seeded and diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco
1 tbsp lime juice
1 tsp chipotle powder
1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking oil for sauteing
Instructions
Prepare the spice blend by whisking together the chipotle powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
Heat cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the corn, red onion, poblano peppers, minced garlic, and half of the spice blend to the skillet.
Saute for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften and the corn is lightly charred, then set aside to cool.
Boil the ditalini according to package directions, reserving 1/4 cup of the cooking water, then drain and rinse under cold water.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lime juice, and the remaining spice blend.
Fold the cooked pasta, the charred vegetable mixture, and the remaining reserved pasta water into the dressing until well coated.
Gently fold in the crumbled queso fresco and serve chilled.
Notes
If queso fresco is unavailable, feta cheese or cotija makes a fantastic substitute. You can add extra heat by including minced jalapenos or increasing the chipotle powder. This dish holds up well in the refrigerator for up to three days, making it an excellent option for meal prep.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: RECIPES
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 15mg