Street Corn Pasta Salad with Cilantro Pesto & Goat Cheese

Delight in the flavors of summer with this Street Corn Pasta Salad with Cilantro Pesto & Goat Cheese. This vibrant dish combines sweet corn, creamy goat cheese, and a zesty cilantro pesto for a refreshing twist on your traditional pasta salad. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or any gathering, it’s a crowd-pleaser that will impress friends and family alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fresh Ingredients: This salad highlights seasonal produce, making it a great way to utilize fresh summer corn and herbs.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of cilantro pesto, goat cheese, and spices creates a delightful harmony of flavors.
• Quick to Prepare: With a total time of just 45 minutes, you can whip up this dish easily even on busy days.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it as a side dish or main course; it’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
• Vegetarian Delight: This recipe is entirely vegetarian, catering to those who prefer plant-based meals without compromising on taste.

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Tools and Preparation

To create your delicious street corn pasta salad, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Grill or grill pan
• Food processor
• Large mixing bowl
• Knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Food Processor: Essential for quickly blending the cilantro pesto to a smooth consistency.
• Large Pot: Perfect for boiling the pasta efficiently without overcrowding.
• Grill or Grill Pan: Provides the necessary high heat to char the corn, enhancing its flavor.

Ingredients

For the Corn:

• 2 large ears of corn, shucked and cleaned
• 1-2 teaspoons avocado or olive oil
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• Freshly ground salt and pepper

For the Pasta:

• 8 ounces bow tie pasta (or your favorite pasta)
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• ½ avocado, diced
• ⅓ cup goat cheese crumbles
• ½ cup diced red onion

For the Cilantro Pesto:

• 1 cup cilantro leaves (about ½ a bunch)
• ⅓ cup roasted or raw cashews
• 1 small lime, juiced
• 1 clove garlic
• 1 jalapeño, seeded
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
• ¼ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1-2 tablespoons water, if necessary to thin the pesto

To Garnish:

• Extra cilantro
• ½ avocado, if desired
• 2 tablespoons goat cheese crumbles

How to Make Street Corn Pasta Salad with Cilantro Pesto & Goat Cheese

Step 1: Preheat the Grill

Preheat your grill to high heat. Drizzle the cleaned corn with olive or avocado oil and sprinkle with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Place the corn directly on the grill.

Step 2: Grill the Corn

Turn the corn occasionally until it is charred and cooked through, about 10 minutes. Allow it to cool before cutting the kernels off the cob. Set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

While grilling, boil your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Once done, drain it and rinse under cool water before adding it to a large mixing bowl.

Step 4: Make the Cilantro Pesto

In a food processor, combine cilantro leaves, cashews, lime juice, garlic clove, jalapeño, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Process until smooth. Add water as needed to achieve your desired consistency.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Pesto

Pour the cilantro pesto into the bowl with the cooled pasta. Mix well to ensure all pasta is coated evenly.

Step 6: Add Remaining Ingredients

Gently fold in grilled corn, diced red bell pepper, avocado chunks, goat cheese crumbles, and diced red onion into the pasta mixture.

Step 7: Chill or Serve Immediately

You can serve this street corn pasta salad immediately or refrigerate it for later enjoyment. When ready to serve, garnish with extra cilantro, avocado slices, goat cheese crumbles, and jalapeño slices if desired. Enjoy!

How to Serve Street Corn Pasta Salad with Cilantro Pesto & Goat Cheese

Serving Street Corn Pasta Salad with Cilantro Pesto & Goat Cheese can elevate any meal. This vibrant dish is perfect for gatherings, picnics, or a simple family dinner. Here are some creative serving suggestions to make the most of this delicious salad.

Fresh and Colorful Presentation

• Use a large, shallow bowl to showcase the vibrant colors of the salad. The bright yellow corn, red bell pepper, and green cilantro will catch everyone’s eye.

Garnish with Extra Ingredients

• Consider topping the salad with additional avocado slices, crumbled goat cheese, or fresh cilantro for an extra pop of flavor and texture.

Pair with Grilled Proteins

• Serve alongside grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal. The smoky flavors complement the street corn pasta salad beautifully.

Serve Chilled or at Room Temperature

• This dish can be enjoyed right after preparation or chilled in the fridge for an hour. Both ways enhance the flavors of the cilantro pesto.

How to Perfect Street Corn Pasta Salad with Cilantro Pesto & Goat Cheese

Perfecting your Street Corn Pasta Salad with Cilantro Pesto & Goat Cheese is all about enhancing flavors and textures. Here are some tips to make your dish stand out even more.

• Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh corn when available. It adds sweetness and crunch that frozen corn can’t match.
• Adjust Spices: Feel free to adjust chili powder and cumin according to your taste. A little extra spice can elevate this dish!
• Pasta Choice: Experiment with different pasta shapes like fusilli or rotini to see which you prefer.
• Customize Your Pesto: If you love herbs, mix in basil or parsley for an added layer of flavor in your cilantro pesto.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the salad a few hours ahead of time to let the flavors mingle and develop further.
• Taste Before Serving: Always taste your salad before serving to adjust seasoning as needed. A little extra salt or lime juice can make a big difference!

Best Side Dishes for Street Corn Pasta Salad with Cilantro Pesto & Goat Cheese

Pairing side dishes with your Street Corn Pasta Salad can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some fantastic options that complement this delicious recipe.

1. Grilled Vegetables: Marinated zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus add a smoky flavor that pairs wonderfully with the salad.
2. Black Bean Tacos: These provide protein and a nice contrast in texture while keeping everything vegetarian-friendly.
3. Caprese Skewers: Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze offer freshness that enhances your meal.
4. Watermelon Feta Salad: Sweet watermelon combined with salty feta creates a refreshing side that balances the richness of goat cheese.
5. Cornbread Muffins: Soft and slightly sweet cornbread muffins complement the street corn theme while adding a comforting touch.
6. Roasted Chickpeas: Crunchy roasted chickpeas add protein and a satisfying crunch that rounds out your plate nicely.
7. Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers filled with quinoa, beans, and spices make for a hearty side that aligns perfectly with your main dish.
8. Garlic Breadsticks: Warm breadsticks brushed with garlic butter provide a delightful accompaniment that everyone loves!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Creating a delicious Street Corn Pasta Salad with Cilantro Pesto & Goat Cheese can be easy, but some common mistakes can affect the final dish. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Using raw corn: Always grill or cook your corn before adding it to the salad. This enhances its flavor and adds a nice char.

• Overcooking pasta: Make sure to cook your pasta al dente. Overcooked pasta can become mushy and ruin the texture of your salad.

• Skipping the cooling step: After cooking, allow your pasta and corn to cool before mixing them with other ingredients. This helps maintain freshness and prevents wilting.

• Ignoring seasoning: Don’t forget to season each component of the salad. A little salt and pepper in every layer enhances the overall taste.

• Not adjusting pesto consistency: If your cilantro pesto is too thick, add water gradually to achieve a smoother texture. This ensures even distribution throughout the salad.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your Street Corn Pasta Salad with Cilantro Pesto & Goat Cheese in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
• To keep ingredients like avocado from browning, consider adding lime juice on top before sealing.

Freezing Street Corn Pasta Salad with Cilantro Pesto & Goat Cheese

• Freezing is not recommended as it may alter the texture of the pasta and vegetables.
• If you need to freeze it, store without avocado or goat cheese, and add these fresh when ready to serve.
• Use freezer-safe containers and label them with the date.

Reheating Street Corn Pasta Salad with Cilantro Pesto & Goat Cheese

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in a baking dish covered with foil until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl for about 1-2 minutes or until hot, stirring halfway.
• Stovetop: Warm gently in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common queries about making Street Corn Pasta Salad with Cilantro Pesto & Goat Cheese:

Can I use frozen corn in this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen corn as an alternative! Just make sure to thaw and drain it properly before adding it to your salad.

How do I customize my Street Corn Pasta Salad?

Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or cherry tomatoes. You can also swap goat cheese for feta or omit it for a dairy-free version.

Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make this salad up to a day in advance. Just wait to add avocado until right before serving to keep it fresh.

What can I serve with this salad?

This pasta salad pairs well with grilled meats, tacos, or as part of a larger picnic spread. It’s versatile enough for any summer gathering!

Final Thoughts

The Street Corn Pasta Salad with Cilantro Pesto & Goat Cheese is not only flavorful but also versatile. It’s perfect as a side dish or light main course during warm weather. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or proteins. Try this recipe today, and you’ll have an impressive dish that everyone will love!