Description
This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad blends creamy, zesty, and smoky flavors with fresh corn, smoky turkey bacon, plant-based cheese, and a vibrant dressing. Perfect as a refreshing side or a hearty dish for warm-weather gatherings, it offers a colorful, textured, and flavorful experience that is easy to prepare with simple ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Vegetables
- 3 cups cooked rotini or elbow pasta
- 1 1/2 cups fresh corn kernels
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
Protein and Cheese
- 6 slices turkey bacon, cooked crispy and chopped
- 1 cup plant-based cheese (creaminess and mild tang)
Dressing
- 1/2 cup natural mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 teaspoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Cook and Prepare Pasta: Begin by boiling your pasta in salted water until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down for the salad’s texture.
- Cook Turkey Bacon: While the pasta cooks, fry the turkey bacon in a skillet until crispy and golden. Once cooled, chop it into bite-sized pieces to add its smoky goodness to the salad.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a mixing bowl, whisk together natural mayonnaise, lime juice, apple cider vinegar (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. This dressing brings creamy, tangy, and smoky elements that define the salad.
- Combine Key Ingredients: Mix the cooled pasta with fresh corn kernels, chopped turkey bacon, plant-based cheese, and chopped cilantro. Pour the dressing over and stir gently to coat everything evenly with the vibrant sauce.
- Chill and Serve: Let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to fully meld together. Serve cold or at room temperature for the best taste experience.
Notes
- Use fresh corn for the best flavor and crunch.
- Do not overcook pasta to prevent mushiness.
- Chilling the salad allows the flavors to meld and deepen.
- Adjust dressing consistency with a little water or more lime juice if needed.
- Lightly toasting chili powder and paprika before mixing intensifies their smoky flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Mexican Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad, Plant-Based Cheese, Turkey Bacon, Pasta Salad, Summer Salad, Fresh Corn Salad
