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Charred Corn & Smoked Gouda "Street Corn" Pasta Salad

A creamy, smoky pasta salad loaded with charred sweet corn, smoked gouda, cotija cheese, and bold street corn flavors.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Mexican-American
Calories: 520
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta Salad
  • 12 oz rotini pasta
  • 4 ears fresh corn kernels removed
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 cup smoked gouda cheese diced small
  • 1/2 cup cotija cheese crumbled
  • 1/3 cup red onion finely diced
  • 1 jalapeño thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Street Corn Dressing
  • 3/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 2 limes juiced
  • 2 cloves garlic finely grated
  • 1 tsp hot sauce
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Wooden spoon
  • Mixing bowl

Method
 

  1. Cook the rotini pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and cool slightly.
  2. Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet, then char the corn kernels until golden and smoky.
  3. Whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, garlic, hot sauce, cumin, and cayenne to make the dressing.
  4. Combine pasta, charred corn, smoked gouda, onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and seasonings in a large bowl.
  5. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until evenly coated.
  6. Fold in cotija cheese, chill for at least 30 minutes, then garnish and serve.

Notes

For deeper smoky flavor, grill the corn instead of pan-charring it. This pasta salad tastes even better after chilling overnight.