Mexican street corn meets pasta salad in Dean’s ‘unbelievably delicious’ recipe

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Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 12 mins
Total Time: 27 mins
Level: Easy

About this recipe

Dean Richards, the entertainment reporter at Nexstar’s WGN, describes his new recipe for pasta salad as “incredibly simple and unbelievably delicious.”

Inspired by Mexican street corn, Dean’s recipe combines all the flavors you’d expect from the dish — grilled corn, cotija cheese, chili powder, etc. — with the heartiness and freshness of a pasta salad.

It’s also quite easy to adjust the recipe to your taste, with a little extra lime or pickled jalapenos, if you desire. You could also use whichever pasta you prefer, but Dean has a soft spot for bowties.

“It’s easy on the eyes,” he said.

Ingredients

Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

Directions

Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

  1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and transfer to a large bowl.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, chili powder, cumin, paprika, pepper and lime juice. Add jalapenos, if using. Set dressing aside.
  3. Heat grill to medium. Add corn; cover and cook until lightly browned and tender, 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally.
  4. Cool corn slightly, and cut from cobs.
  5. Add dressing to the pasta, followed by the grilled corn, red onion, Cotija cheese, black beans and most of the cilantro.
  6. If eating immediately, dice and add the avocado. If not, cut and add avocado right before serving.
  7. Cover and refrigerate until chilled, 1–2 hours. Serve with additional cilantro on top.
Published: June 20, 2025

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