Street Corn Pasta Salad with Cilantro Pesto & Goat Cheese

Delight your taste buds with this Street Corn Pasta Salad with Cilantro Pesto & Goat Cheese. This vegetarian dish combines sweet corn, red bell pepper, creamy goat cheese, and a tantalizing cilantro pesto. Perfect for summer barbecues, potlucks, or a simple lunch at home, this pasta salad is sure to impress friends and family with its fresh flavors and vibrant colors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: This salad comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or unexpected guests.
• Bursting with Flavor: The combination of grilled corn and zesty cilantro pesto adds a delicious twist to the classic pasta salad.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it as a main or side dish; it pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or as a stand-alone vegetarian option.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with fresh vegetables, healthy fats from avocado, and protein from goat cheese, you can enjoy this dish guilt-free.
• Seasonal Perfection: Utilize fresh summer corn at its peak sweetness for the best flavor and texture.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Street Corn Pasta Salad with Cilantro Pesto & Goat Cheese, gather some essential tools that will help you prepare efficiently.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Food processor
• Grill or grill pan
• Large pot
• Mixing bowl
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Food processor: Essential for making the smooth cilantro pesto that ties all the flavors together.
• Grill or grill pan: Provides that signature charred flavor to the corn, enhancing the overall taste of the salad.
• Large pot: Necessary for boiling the pasta evenly to achieve the perfect al dente texture.

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

For 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. Drizzle the corn with olive or avocado oil. Sprinkle with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Place the corn directly on the grill. Turn occasionally until charred and cooked, about 10 minutes. Allow it to cool before cutting it off the cob.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

While grilling your corn, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water before adding it to a large mixing bowl.

Step 3: Make the Cilantro Pesto

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

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Add the cilantro pesto directly into the bowl with your cooled pasta. Mix well to ensure every piece is coated in that flavorful pesto.

Step 5: Add Remaining Ingredients

Carefully fold in grilled corn, diced red bell pepper, diced avocado, goat cheese crumbles, and diced red onion into your salad mixture until well combined.

Step 6: Chill or Serve Immediately

You can either place your salad in the fridge for later or serve immediately! Before serving, garnish with extra cilantro, sliced avocado, goat cheese crumbles, and jalapeño slices if desired. Enjoy!

This delightful Street Corn Pasta Salad with Cilantro Pesto & Goat Cheese serves six people and is perfect for any summer gathering!

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

This vibrant street corn pasta salad with cilantro pesto and goat cheese is perfect for any occasion. It can be served as a refreshing main dish or a delightful side at your summer gatherings.

As a Main Dish

• Serve it chilled on its own for a light lunch or dinner option. The combination of flavors will satisfy your cravings.

As a Side Dish

• Pair it with grilled vegetables or meats to complement the flavors of the salad. It’s an excellent addition to any BBQ spread.

In Individual Portions

• Present the pasta salad in mason jars for a fun, portable serving option at picnics or potlucks. This makes it easy for guests to grab and enjoy.

With Extra Toppings

• Enhance each serving with additional goat cheese, avocado slices, and chopped cilantro. These toppings add freshness and creaminess to every bite.

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

Creating the ultimate street corn pasta salad requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your dish is perfect every time.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh corn and ripe avocados to enhance the flavors and texture of your pasta salad.
• Balance Flavors: Adjust the lime juice and spices in your cilantro pesto for a balanced taste that suits your palate.
• Chill Before Serving: Allow the pasta salad to chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps meld the flavors together beautifully.
• Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like cherry tomatoes or cucumbers for added crunch and color.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the salad a day in advance. This allows the ingredients to marinate, intensifying the flavor profile.
• Serve at Room Temperature: If you prefer not to serve it cold, let it sit out for a bit before serving so it’s at room temperature, which can enhance its taste.

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

Serving this delicious street corn pasta salad is even better when paired with complementary side dishes. Here are some fantastic options:

1. Grilled Chicken Skewers: Juicy chicken skewers marinated in herbs provide protein that pairs perfectly with the vegetarian salad.
2. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Seasoned sweet potatoes bring sweetness and heartiness that balance the freshness of the pasta salad.
3. Caprese Salad: A simple mix of mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil offers a classic Italian touch that complements Mexican-inspired flavors.
4. Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn seasoned with butter and lime echoes the corn flavor in your pasta salad.
5. Guacamole and Tortilla Chips: Creamy guacamole served with crunchy chips makes an irresistible appetizer alongside your main dish.
6. Stuffed Bell Peppers: Colorful bell peppers stuffed with quinoa, beans, or rice add an extra layer of flavor and nutrition.
7. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides crunch and acidity, balancing out the creamy goat cheese in your pasta salad.
8. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad filled with seasonal fruits adds sweetness that rounds out your meal beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Street Corn Pasta Salad with Cilantro Pesto & Goat Cheese, it’s easy to stumble into some common pitfalls. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the grilling step: Grilling the corn enhances its flavor. If you skip this, your salad may lack depth. Always roast or grill your corn for the best taste.
• Overcooking the pasta: Overcooked pasta can turn mushy and ruin your salad’s texture. Follow the package instructions closely and aim for al dente.
• Using too much salt: Adding too much salt can overwhelm the flavors of the dish. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste as you mix in the other ingredients.
• Neglecting to chill: Serving this salad warm can diminish its refreshing quality. Allow it to chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving for optimal flavor.
• Not adjusting pesto consistency: If your cilantro pesto is too thick, it won’t coat the pasta evenly. Always be prepared to add water until you reach a smooth, spreadable consistency.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Ensure that it’s completely cooled before placing it in the fridge to maintain freshness.

Freezing Street Corn Pasta Salad with Cilantro Pesto & Goat Cheese

• Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
• Note that some ingredients like avocado may not freeze well, so consider adding fresh avocado when serving.

Reheating Street Corn Pasta Salad with Cilantro Pesto & Goat Cheese

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place salad in a baking dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave: Transfer individual portions to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring frequently until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Street Corn Pasta Salad with Cilantro Pesto & Goat Cheese ahead of time?

Yes! This salad tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours or overnight, allowing flavors to meld together beautifully.

What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

While bow tie pasta is recommended, any short pasta like rotini or penne will work well too. Choose based on your preference!

How do I customize my Street Corn Pasta Salad?

You can add additional vegetables such as cherry tomatoes or cucumber. For protein, try black beans or grilled chicken if you’re looking for something heartier.

Is this salad gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta instead of regular pasta. The other ingredients are naturally gluten-free!

Can I substitute goat cheese?

Absolutely! If you prefer a different cheese, crumbled feta or even a dairy-free cheese can be used as alternatives without sacrificing taste.

Final Thoughts

Street Corn Pasta Salad with Cilantro Pesto & Goat Cheese is not only delicious but also versatile and customizable. This dish is perfect for summer gatherings or as a light lunch option. Feel free to play around with different veggies and toppings to make it your own! Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!