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Fiesta Corn Pasta Salad

Fiesta Corn Pasta Salad: A Creamy BBQ Favorite You’ll Love

This Fiesta Corn Pasta Salad is a creamy and zesty side dish perfect for summer BBQs, loaded with flavors and customizable to your preference.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 9 minutes
Chilling Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 14 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta Base
  • 8 oz small shell pasta Feel free to substitute with any small pasta shape you love.
For the Salad Mix
  • 30 oz whole kernel corn Frozen corn is a convenient alternative.
  • 10 oz Rotel Choose mild or hot based on your spice preference.
  • 4 pieces green onions Red onions or shallots can be substitutes.
For the Creamy Dressing
  • 1 cup mayonnaise Swap with Greek yogurt for a lighter twist.
  • 8 oz sour cream Can replace with more mayonnaise for extra creaminess.
For the Flavor Boost
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese Try pepper jack for an added kick.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • colander
  • mixing bowl
  • whisk

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the small shell pasta and cook according to package directions, usually about 7-9 minutes, until al dente. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water until fully cooled.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained whole kernel corn, drained Rotel, and chopped green onions. Mix gently to incorporate all the ingredients.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and sour cream until smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps.
  4. Pour the creamy dressing into the bowl with the corn mixture, stirring gently to coat all the vegetables evenly.
  5. Carefully fold in the shredded cheddar cheese, followed by the cooled shell pasta, mixing gently.
  6. Cover the salad with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours.
  7. Once chilled, give the salad a gentle stir, transfer to a serving bowl, and garnish as desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 39gProtein: 8gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 550mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Chill the salad for at least 2 hours to enhance flavors. Customize with additional veggies or proteins per your preference.

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