Creamy pasta salad with corn, lime, cilantro, bell peppers, and cotija cheese for bold summer flavor.
# What You'll Need:
→ Pasta
01 - 12 ounces short pasta such as rotini or penne
02 - 1 tablespoon kosher salt for boiling water
→ Vegetables
03 - 3 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
04 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
05 - 1/2 small red onion, finely diced
06 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
07 - 2 green onions, sliced
→ Dressing
08 - 1/3 cup mayonnaise
09 - 2 tablespoons sour cream
10 - 1 clove garlic, minced
11 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
12 - 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
13 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
14 - Zest and juice of 1 lime
15 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
16 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
→ Finishing
17 - 3 ounces Cotija cheese, crumbled
18 - 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely diced (optional)
19 - Extra lime wedges, for serving
# Method:
01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain and rinse pasta under cold water; set aside to cool.
02 - Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add the corn kernels and cook dry for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly charred. Transfer corn to a mixing bowl.
03 - Add diced red bell pepper, red onion, cilantro, and green onions to the bowl with charred corn.
04 - In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, minced garlic, smoked paprika, chili powder, ground cumin, lime zest, lime juice, kosher salt, and black pepper until smooth.
05 - Add cooled pasta to the corn and vegetable mixture. Pour in dressing and toss thoroughly until evenly coated.
06 - Fold in crumbled Cotija cheese and jalapeño if using. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.
07 - Serve chilled or at room temperature with extra lime wedges alongside.
