Pasta tossed with charred corn, creamy dressing, lime, and Cotija for a fresh, flavorful summer dish.
# Ingredient List:
→ Pasta
01 - 12 ounces short dried pasta such as rotini or penne
02 - 1 tablespoon kosher salt for boiling water
→ Vegetables
03 - 3 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels, from about 4 fresh ears
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
# How to Make:
01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain using a colander, rinse with cold water, and set aside to cool.
02 - Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the corn kernels and cook dry for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly charred. Transfer the corn to a large mixing bowl.
03 - Add diced red bell pepper, red onion, chopped cilantro, and sliced green onions to the bowl with the charred corn.
04 - In a separate small mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, minced garlic, smoked paprika, chili powder, ground cumin, lime zest, lime juice, kosher salt, and black pepper until fully blended.
05 - Add cooled pasta to the bowl with vegetables. Pour dressing over ingredients and toss until all components are well coated.
06 - Gently fold in crumbled Cotija cheese and jalapeño, if using. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
07 - Serve chilled or at room temperature with lime wedges on the side.
