Ingredients:
- 🍝 12 oz pasta (elbow, rotini, or bowtie)
- 🌽 3 cups corn (fresh grilled, canned, or frozen & thawed)
- 🧀 1/2 cup cotija cheese (or feta if unavailable)
- 🌿 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 🧅 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 🌶️ 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional, for heat)
- 🍋 Juice of 1 lime
- 🌶️ 1/2 tsp chili powder (plus more for topping)
- 🧂 Salt & pepper to taste
Dressing:
- 🥣 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 🥣 1/3 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 🌶️ 1–2 tsp hot sauce (like Cholula or Tapatío)
- 🍯 1 tsp honey (optional for balance)
👩🍳 Instructions:
1️⃣ Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking. Let cool.
2️⃣ Grill the corn (if using fresh cobs) until slightly charred, then cut off the kernels. Or, lightly char frozen or canned corn in a skillet with a little oil for that roasted flavor.
3️⃣ Mix the dressing: In a bowl, whisk together mayo, sour cream, lime juice, hot sauce, honey, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
4️⃣ Combine: In a large bowl, mix cooled pasta, corn, red onion, jalapeño, and cilantro.
5️⃣ Toss with dressing until everything is coated.
6️⃣ Top with crumbled cotija cheese and a sprinkle of chili powder. Garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges if desired.
7️⃣ Chill for 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.
