Esquites-Inspired Pasta Salad (Mexican Street Corn-Inspired) Recipe

Say hello to your new favorite potluck dish: the Esquites-Inspired Pasta Salad! This irresistible mashup takes all the bold, creamy, tangy, and spicy flavors of Mexican street corn (esquites) and tosses them into a super-satisfying pasta salad. It’s a riot of color and flavor—totally vegan, utterly addictive, and guaranteed to disappear fast at any gathering.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Esquites-Inspired Pasta Salad lies in its simple yet essential mix of ingredients—each one brings a special texture, pop of color, or layer of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a few tips to make every bite stand out.

• Fusilli Pasta: The spiral shape soaks up the creamy, zesty dressing while holding chunky veggies in every twirl.
• Roasted/Charred Corn Kernels: Sweet, smoky corn gives the salad its signature flavor and amazing texture. Use fresh, frozen, or char it yourself—details below!
• Vegan Mayonnaise: This creates the creamy base that binds everything together, giving it the classic street corn richness (without the eggs).
• Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime brightens all the flavors and adds that unmistakable citrusy punch.
• Vegan Parmesan Cheese: Nutty, salty, and totally plant-based—it adds another layer of umami.
• Fresh Cilantro: Chopped cilantro brings beautiful color and a fresh, herby note that’s so important in esquites.
• Chili Powder & Cumin: These spices add warmth and a subtle kick—adjust to your heat preference!
• Black Pepper & Salt: You’ll use these to season everything perfectly. Taste and adjust to your liking.
• Garlic: A couple of cloves wake up the dressing with savory depth.
• Jalapeño: Seeded and diced for fresh heat, or leave the seeds in if you’re feeling spicy.
• Red Bell Pepper & Red Onion: These add crunch, sweetness, and vibrant color—think confetti in every bite.

Variations

This Esquites-Inspired Pasta Salad is every bit as flexible as it is delicious, so feel free to riff on the basics! Swap ingredients to match your cravings, your pantry, or your dietary needs—the possibilities are endless (and always tasty).

• Swap the Pasta: Try penne, rotini, or even gluten-free pasta if you want a different shape or need a gluten-free version.
• Spice Level Boost: Add extra jalapeño, toss in cayenne pepper, or sprinkle with hot sauce for more heat.
• Add More Veggies: Mix in black beans, diced avocado, or cherry tomatoes for even more color and texture.
• Dairy Option: If you’re not vegan, you can use regular mayonnaise and Parmesan, or even cotija cheese for a super-authentic touch.
• Herb Lovers’ Delight: Add fresh chopped green onions or chives along with the cilantro for extra vibrancy.

How to Make Esquites-Inspired Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling a big pot of salted water, then add your fusilli. Cook it just until al dente (check the package directions for timing), so the pasta stays chewy and holds up well in the salad. Drain and rinse under cool water to stop the cooking—this trick also helps keep the salad from getting gummy later.

Step 2: Roast or Char the Corn

If you can get fresh summer corn, roast or char it yourself—either in a skillet on the stove or in the oven for that smoky-sweet flavor. If you’re short on time, frozen roasted corn works beautifully (and it’s available year-round!). Let the corn cool before combining it with the other salad ingredients.

Step 3: Mix Up the Dressing

In a large bowl, whisk together your vegan mayonnaise, lime juice, vegan Parmesan, fresh cilantro, chili powder, cumin, black pepper, and diced garlic. This luscious, zippy blend is what makes the salad irresistible and coats every bite in creamy, tangy goodness.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

Add the cooked and cooled pasta right into the bowl with your dressing. Follow with the charred corn, diced jalapeño, red bell pepper, and red onion. Toss everything together so the dressing clings to every nook and cranny. Taste, then season with salt (and extra pepper or lime) to your liking.

Step 5: Garnish and Chill

Just before serving, pile on a little more vegan Parmesan, scatter extra cilantro, and top with a handful of charred corn for garnish. For the best flavor, give your Esquites-Inspired Pasta Salad a quick chill in the fridge for about 15 minutes to let everything mingle—it’s worth the wait, I promise!

How to Serve Esquites-Inspired Pasta Salad

Garnishes

Dress up your Esquites-Inspired Pasta Salad with a shower of extra vegan Parmesan, a sprinkle of chili powder, sliced jalapeños, and plenty of fresh cilantro sprigs. For a fun, street-corn vibe, top with more charred corn and a wedge of lime for squeezing right at the table.

Side Dishes

This salad is hearty enough to be a meal on its own but absolutely shines as a side. Try serving with grilled veggie skewers, spicy tofu, portobello mushrooms, or classic summer cookout fare. It’s also fantastic joined by a big bowl of fresh fruit or watermelon slices for a cooling finish.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Esquites-Inspired Pasta Salad in a big rustic bowl for sharing or scoop into individual mason jars or small cups for picnics and parties. You can even turn it into a lively appetizer by filling endive leaves or baked wonton cups—perfect for passing around at a fiesta!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Esquites-Inspired Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the fridge; it’s fantastic for up to a week and actually gets tastier as the flavors meld. Give it a little stir before serving if it’s been sitting.

Freezing

Pasta salads in general don’t freeze well—the dressing can separate and the veggies lose their crunch. For best flavor and texture, enjoy this salad fresh from the fridge!

Reheating

This is truly a cold salad and doesn’t require reheating—just take out what you need, let it sit for a few minutes if the dressing thickened, and dig in! If you want it a bit creamy, stir in a teaspoon of vegan mayo before serving.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something bold, vibrant, and totally craveable, you have to give this Esquites-Inspired Pasta Salad a try. It brings that summery street corn magic into a dish everyone will love—perfect for sharing, meal-prepping, or just treating yourself. I can’t wait to hear how it turns out for you!

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