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To make Easy Street Corn Pasta Salad, you will need: - 8 ounces elbow macaroni or rotini pasta - 1 can (15 ounces) sweet corn, drained - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 small red onion, finely chopped - 1 cup jalapeños, diced (adjust according to spice preference) - 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped - 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional) - 1/4 cup olive oil - 2 tablespoons lime juice - 1 teaspoon chili powder - Salt and pepper to taste You can swap some ingredients if you want. For pasta, use any short shape like penne. Instead of sweet corn from a can, try fresh corn when it's in season. You can use yellow bell pepper instead of red for a sweeter taste. If you don’t have jalapeños, try bell peppers for less heat. For a dairy-free option, skip the feta cheese or use a plant-based alternative. Want to jazz up your salad? Add a diced avocado for creaminess. Black beans can give it more protein. If you love crunch, toss in some chopped cucumber or radishes. A sprinkle of taco seasoning can add a fun twist. Make it your own with fresh herbs like parsley or dill for added flavor. Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add 8 ounces of elbow macaroni or rotini pasta. Cook it according to the package directions until it is al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander. Rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. This helps keep the pasta firm. In a big mixing bowl, combine the veggies. Use 1 can of sweet corn, drained. Add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1 diced red bell pepper, and 1 small finely chopped red onion. Next, toss in 1 cup of diced jalapeños. You can add more or less depending on how spicy you want it. Mix it all together for a colorful base. Now, let's make the dressing. In a small bowl, add 1/4 cup of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of lime juice, and 1 teaspoon of chili powder. Season it with salt and pepper to taste. Whisk it all together until it blends well. This dressing gives a zesty kick to the salad. Pour the cooled pasta into the bowl with the veggies. Gently stir until everything is mixed. Then, drizzle the dressing over the salad. Toss it until every piece is coated. If you want, stir in 1/2 cup of chopped fresh cilantro and crumbled feta cheese. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This lets the flavors mix and get even better. Before serving, give the salad a good stir. Taste it and adjust the seasoning if needed. This salad is great as a side dish or a light meal. You can serve it chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy your refreshing street corn pasta salad! To keep your pasta just right, watch the time closely. Cook the pasta for only 1-2 minutes less than the package says. This helps the pasta stay firm. After cooking, drain it and rinse it with cold water. This stops the cooking process. You want al dente pasta, so it holds up in the salad. Fresh herbs really boost the taste of your salad. I love using cilantro, and it adds a bright flavor. Use about half a cup, chopped finely. You can also try other herbs like parsley or basil if you want. They add freshness that makes the dish pop. Just remember to chop them well for even flavor. Chilling the salad is key for great flavor. After mixing in the dressing, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap. It keeps the salad fresh and helps the flavors blend. Let it chill for at least 30 minutes in the fridge. For the best taste, a few hours is even better. Just stir it well before serving to mix everything again. {{image_2}} You can easily make this salad vegetarian. Skip the feta cheese if you want a lighter dish. Swap in grilled veggies like zucchini or eggplant for a nice twist. You can also add black beans for more protein and fiber. Both options keep the salad tasty and filling. If you want to add protein, consider cooked chicken or shrimp. Grilled chicken adds a nice flavor. You can also mix in chickpeas for a plant-based option. Both choices make the salad more satisfying. Just be sure to adjust the dressing to match your added ingredients. Do you love heat? Increase the jalapeños for a spicy kick. Try adding hot sauce to your dressing if you want more spice. For a milder taste, reduce the jalapeños or leave them out completely. You can add sweet bell peppers for a nice crunch without the spice. To keep your Easy Street Corn Pasta Salad fresh, store leftovers in the fridge. Place the salad in an airtight container. Make sure the lid seals well to keep air out. It will stay good for up to three days. If you want to save time, divide it into smaller portions. This way, you can enjoy it anytime. I recommend using glass or BPA-free plastic containers for storage. Glass containers are great because they do not absorb odors. They also help keep your salad crisp. Look for containers with tight lids. This will help seal in the flavors and moisture for longer. You can freeze this pasta salad, but be aware that some ingredients change in texture. If you want to freeze it, skip adding fresh veggies like tomatoes and cilantro. Instead, freeze just the pasta and corn mix with the dressing. Use a freezer-safe container and label it with the date. To enjoy later, thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving. Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. It tastes even better after chilling. Prepare it a few hours or a day before serving. Just keep it in the fridge. The salad lasts up to four days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. Check it for freshness before serving again. Yes, you can use frozen corn. Just thaw it first and drain any excess water. This keeps the salad fresh and delicious. If you don’t have cotija cheese, you can use feta cheese instead. It has a similar flavor and adds a nice touch. You can also skip cheese if you want a lighter dish. No, this pasta salad is not gluten-free with regular pasta. You can use gluten-free pasta to make it suitable for gluten-free diets. Cook it according to package directions for best results. In this post, I covered key ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips for your pasta salad. I shared how to customize it with different flavors and options. Remember to store leftovers properly for the best taste. Feel free to experiment with the recipe to make it your own. In the end, this pasta salad can fit any meal, so enjoy making it again and again.

Easy Street Corn Pasta Salad

Discover the ultimate summer dish with this Easy Street Corn Pasta Salad! Packed with delicious ingredients like sweet corn, cherry tomatoes, and jalapeños, this vibrant salad is perfect for barbecues or a light meal. With a zesty lime dressing and optional feta cheese, it's as tasty as it is simple to make. Ready in just 45 minutes, this recipe will delight your taste buds. Click through to explore the easy steps and wow your guests!
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Ingredients
  

8 ounces elbow macaroni or rotini pasta

1 can (15 ounces) sweet corn, drained

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 small red onion, finely chopped

1 cup jalapeños, diced (adjust according to spice preference)

1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)

1/4 cup olive oil

2 tablespoons lime juice

1 teaspoon chili powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the elbow macaroni or rotini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool down.

    Prepare the Vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained corn, cherry tomatoes, diced red bell pepper, chopped red onion, and diced jalapeños.

      Mix the Salad: Add the cooled pasta to the vegetable mixture. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients.

        Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.

          Combine and Chill: Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss until everything is well coated. Stir in the chopped cilantro and crumbled feta cheese, if using.

            Chill in the Fridge: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the salad chill for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

              Serve: Give the salad a good stir before serving and adjust seasonings if necessary. Enjoy your refreshing street corn pasta salad!

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6