Street Corn Pasta Salad with Cilantro Pesto & Goat Cheese

Delight your senses with this Street Corn Pasta Salad with Cilantro Pesto & Goat Cheese. This colorful and flavorful dish is perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or a light lunch. The combination of sweet corn, creamy goat cheese, and zesty cilantro pesto creates a standout salad that is both satisfying and refreshing. Whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a quiet meal at home, this pasta salad will impress everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: This recipe comes together in just 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy days.
• Flavorful Ingredients: The charred corn and fresh cilantro pesto deliver a burst of flavors that are sure to excite your taste buds.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it as a side or make it the star of your meal. It’s great for any occasion!
• Healthy Option: Packed with vegetables and healthy fats from avocado and nuts, it’s a nutritious choice.
• Perfect for Summer: Use up your seasonal corn in this vibrant salad that captures the essence of summer.

Tools and Preparation

To make the preparation seamless, gather the essential tools you’ll need for this recipe.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Grill or grill pan
• Food processor
• Large mixing bowl
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill or grill pan: Adds a delicious char flavor to the corn, enhancing its sweetness.
• Food processor: Quickly blends ingredients into a smooth pesto, saving you time and effort.

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. Drizzle the corn with avocado or olive oil. Sprinkle with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Place the corn directly on the grill and turn occasionally until charred and cooked, about 10 minutes. Allow cooling before cutting the corn from the cob and setting aside.

Step 2: Cook Pasta

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

Step 3: Make Cilantro Pesto

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

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Add the prepared cilantro pesto directly into the bowl with pasta. Mix well to combine.

Step 5: Add Fresh Ingredients

Gently fold in the grilled corn, diced red bell pepper, diced avocado, goat cheese crumbles, and diced red onion until evenly distributed.

Step 6: Serve

You can serve immediately or refrigerate for later enjoyment! When ready to serve, garnish with extra cilantro, additional avocado if desired, goat cheese crumbles and jalapeño slices if you like some heat. Enjoy!

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

This vibrant and flavorful street corn pasta salad is perfect for any gathering. It can be served as a standalone dish or alongside various accompaniments to elevate your meal.

As a Main Course

• A hearty option that can stand alone, this pasta salad is filling thanks to the combination of pasta, corn, and goat cheese.

As a Side Dish

• Pair it with grilled chicken or steak for a balanced meal. The creamy goat cheese and fresh cilantro pesto complement grilled meats beautifully.

At a Picnic or Potluck

• This pasta salad travels well and can be made ahead of time. Just keep it chilled until serving for the best flavor.

For Meal Prep

• Divide into individual portions for an easy lunch throughout the week. Store in airtight containers for freshness.

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

To create the best street corn pasta salad, consider these helpful tips to enhance flavor and texture.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh corn and ripe avocados will make a significant difference in taste.
• Customize your pesto: Feel free to add nuts like pine nuts or walnuts for a different flavor profile in your cilantro pesto.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or lime juice according to your preference before serving.
• Chill before serving: Letting the salad chill in the fridge allows flavors to meld together beautifully.
• Experiment with pasta shapes: While bow tie pasta works great, try using fusilli or rotini for added texture.

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

Complement your street corn pasta salad with these delicious side dishes that will round out your meal perfectly.

1. Grilled Chicken Skewers: Marinated chicken skewers grilled to perfection add protein and an extra smoky flavor.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Toss seasonal veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots with olive oil and roast until tender.
3. Chickpea Salad: A refreshing chickpea salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and lemon dressing provides a crunchy contrast.
4. Guacamole and Tortilla Chips: Creamy guacamole pairs wonderfully with crunchy tortilla chips for a delicious appetizer.
5. Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers filled with quinoa, black beans, and spices make a healthy and flavorful side.
6. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar create a light Italian classic that complements many dishes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Creating a delicious Street Corn Pasta Salad with Cilantro Pesto & Goat Cheese can be simple, but there are a few common mistakes to avoid.

• Using unseasoned corn: Make sure to season your corn well before grilling. This enhances the flavor of your salad significantly.
• Overcooking the pasta: Follow the package instructions carefully and cook the pasta until al dente. Overcooked pasta can become mushy in the salad.
• Neglecting the pesto texture: Ensure your cilantro pesto is blended smoothly. If it’s too thick, add a bit of water to achieve the right consistency.
• Forgetting to chill: Allow the salad to chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps all the flavors meld together beautifully.
• Skipping garnishes: Don’t skip the garnishes! Extra cilantro, avocado, and goat cheese add both visual appeal and flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
• The salad will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Street Corn Pasta Salad with Cilantro Pesto & Goat Cheese

• It is not recommended to freeze this salad as ingredients like avocado and goat cheese may change in texture when thawed.

Reheating Street Corn Pasta Salad with Cilantro Pesto & Goat Cheese

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Spread the salad on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals of 30 seconds, stirring in between until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Gently heat over medium-low heat in a skillet for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Street Corn Pasta Salad with Cilantro Pesto & Goat Cheese.

Can I use different types of pasta?

Yes, feel free to substitute bow tie pasta with any shape you prefer, such as penne or fusilli for varied texture.

How can I make this salad spicier?

To increase the spice level, consider adding more jalapeño or using a spicier variety of chili powder.

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

Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance. Just keep it covered in the fridge until ready to serve.

What can I substitute for goat cheese?

If you’re looking for alternatives, try feta cheese, or leave it out entirely for a dairy-free option.

Is there a vegan version of this recipe?

To make it vegan, simply omit the goat cheese and replace it with a plant-based cheese or avocado for creaminess.

Final Thoughts

This Street Corn Pasta Salad with Cilantro Pesto & Goat Cheese is not only vibrant and flavorful but also versatile enough for any occasion. Customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or proteins. We encourage you to try this refreshing summer dish that is sure to impress your friends and family!