Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

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This recipe was quick, and delicious!   I served it, as a main dish, for me, and a side, for the guys.  They had grilled meat as a main.  This would be great to use up extra grilled corn, too!

Ingredients

Salad

  • 2 cups miniature farfelle pasta, uncooked
  • 3 cups either 2 (15-ounce) cans, or 3-4 corns on the cob
  • 1 large avocado
  • 3 green onions
  • 1/2 bunch cilantro
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped jalapeno (I omitted the jalapeno.)
  • 6-8 strips hardwood smoked bacon ( I omitted the bacon.)
  • 1/2 cup Queso Fresco Cheese
  • 1/2 can black beans

Dressing

INSTEAD OF THE DRESSING BELOW, I USED CHIPOTLE MAYO AND A SPLASH OF LIME JUICE
  • 1/2 cup full fat regular mayo 
  • 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice 
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon Sriracha or hot sauce
  • Pinch of salt and ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water. Make sure the pasta is completely dry.
  2. Corn: if using corn on the cob: Heat the grill to medium. Pull back the husks to the base and take off all the silk from each ear of corn. Fold back the husks into place.
  3. Place the ears of corn in a large bowl of water with 1 tablespoon of salt for 10 minutes and then remove from water and shake to dry. Place the corn on the grill, cover the grill, and cook for 15-20 minutes turning the corn every 5 minutes.
  4. You'll know the corn is done when the kernels are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
  5. Alternative #1: use pre-roasted canned corn -- drain and allow to dry. Alternative #2: use regular canned corn: heat a large cast iron skillet on medium high heat for 3-4 minutes or until very hot. Drain corn and place in a single layer and cook for about 5 minutes stirring once in between or until browned. Avoid stirring too often as this will keep the corn from getting a good roast.
  6. Meanwhile prep the veggies: chop the avocado into small pieces, chop the green onions, coarsely chop the cilantro, very finely chop the jalapeno, and cook then crumble the bacon. Crumble the cheese. Add black beans if desired.
  7. In a large bowl combine the completely dry and cooled pasta, cooled corn, avocado, onions, cilantro, jalapeno, bacon, and cheese. **If you don't plan on eating this in one sitting and immediately after making, don't add the bacon, cheese, or avocado. Add those in separately right before enjoying.**
  8. Toss together.
  9. In a small bowl combine all of the dressing ingredients and whisk together until completely combined.
  10. Toss with the salad 

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