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 vibrant salad combines the sweetness of corn with creamy goat cheese and a zesty cilantro pesto. Perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or as a refreshing side dish, it showcases seasonal ingredients beautifully. You’ll love how easy it is to make and how it impresses everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavor-packed: The combination of charred corn, creamy goat cheese, and zesty cilantro pesto creates a delicious harmony of flavors.
• Easy to prepare: With just a few steps, you can whip up this colorful salad in no time.
• Versatile serving options: Enjoy it as a main dish or serve it as a side at BBQs or potlucks.
• Healthy ingredients: Packed with fresh vegetables and wholesome fats, this salad is nutritious and satisfying.
• Perfect for summer: Utilize fresh corn and other seasonal ingredients for a delightful summer dish.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into making this salad, gather your tools and get ready. Having the right equipment makes preparation smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Food processor
• Grill or stovetop grill pan
• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Mixing bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• Food processor: Essential for quickly blending the cilantro pesto to a smooth consistency.
• Grill: Adds a smoky flavor to the corn that elevates the overall taste of the salad.
• Large pot: Necessary for cooking pasta evenly without overcrowding.

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 chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper over it.

Step 2: Grill the Corn

Place the corn directly on the grill. Turn occasionally until charred and cooked through—about 10 minutes. Allow to cool before cutting kernels from the cob.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

While grilling, boil your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cool water.

Step 4: Prepare 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 gradually to achieve desired consistency.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Pesto

Add cilantro pesto directly to your bowl of cooled pasta. Mix well until pasta is evenly coated.

Step 6: Add Remaining Ingredients

Gently fold in grilled corn kernels, diced red bell pepper, diced avocado, goat cheese crumbles, and red onion.

Step 7: Serve or Chill

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

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

This vibrant street corn pasta salad is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or enjoying a casual lunch, here are some delightful serving suggestions to elevate your dish.

As a Standalone Dish

• This pasta salad can be served cold or at room temperature, making it a versatile option for potlucks or picnics.

Paired with Grilled Proteins

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

With Fresh Bread

• Accompany your salad with warm garlic bread or crusty baguette. This adds a nice crunch and makes for an enjoyable dining experience.

As a Side Dish

• Use this dish as a side for tacos or burritos. It enhances the flavors of Mexican cuisine while providing a refreshing contrast.

Garnished with Extra Toppings

• Top your salad with additional goat cheese, avocado slices, or even jalapeño for extra flavor and texture.

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

To ensure your street corn pasta salad turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh corn and ripe avocados enhance the flavors significantly.
• Adjust the Spice Level: Feel free to modify the amount of jalapeño in the cilantro pesto based on your heat preference.
• Let It Chill: Allowing the salad to sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving helps meld the flavors together.
• Experiment with Pasta Shapes: While bow tie pasta works well, feel free to use penne or fusilli for different textures.
• Taste and Adjust: Always taste before serving; add more salt, pepper, or lime juice as needed.
• Store Properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days for optimal freshness.

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

This delicious street corn pasta salad pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. Consider these options to create a well-rounded meal.

1. Grilled Vegetables: Zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus lightly seasoned and grilled make an excellent accompaniment.
2. Black Bean Tacos: Flavorful black bean tacos provide protein and pair beautifully with the fresh flavors of the pasta salad.
3. Caprese Salad: A simple Caprese salad adds creaminess from mozzarella and acidity from tomatoes that balance well.
4. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw offers crunch and brightness that complements the richness of goat cheese.
5. Cornbread: Sweet cornbread can enhance the overall experience with its soft texture and slightly sweet flavor.
6. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad with seasonal fruits offers a sweet contrast to savory dishes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

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

• Overcooking the pasta: Overcooked pasta can become mushy and ruin the texture of your salad. Aim for al dente by following package instructions closely.
• Not seasoning properly: Failing to season the corn and other ingredients can lead to bland flavors. Be generous with salt, pepper, and spices during cooking.
• Skipping the cooling step: Adding hot pasta directly to the salad can wilt fresh ingredients. Always rinse cooked pasta under cold water before mixing.
• Ignoring ingredient freshness: Using stale or overripe produce will affect the taste. Always choose fresh corn, ripe avocados, and vibrant herbs for the best flavor.
• Neglecting to adjust pesto consistency: A thick pesto can be hard to mix. If necessary, add water incrementally until you achieve a smooth consistency that easily coats the pasta.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-4 days for best freshness.
• Keep refrigerated at all times to prevent spoilage.

Freezing Street Corn Pasta Salad with Cilantro Pesto & Goat Cheese

• This salad does not freeze well due to avocado and goat cheese.
• If you must freeze it, omit these ingredients before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers and consume within 2 months.

Reheating Street Corn Pasta Salad with Cilantro Pesto & Goat Cheese

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread salad in a baking dish. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Place salad in a microwave-safe container. Heat on medium for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add salad and stir until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Street Corn Pasta Salad with Cilantro Pesto & Goat Cheese?

Street Corn Pasta Salad with Cilantro Pesto & Goat Cheese is a vibrant dish that combines sweet corn, colorful veggies, creamy goat cheese, and a flavorful cilantro pesto dressing.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare this salad up to a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge without garnishes until you’re ready to serve.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This salad makes an excellent meal prep option as it keeps well in the fridge and is easy to portion out for lunches or snacks.

Can I customize the ingredients in Street Corn Pasta Salad?

Definitely! Feel free to swap out vegetables or use different cheeses based on your preferences. Grilled zucchini or cherry tomatoes could be great additions!

How do I make the cilantro pesto less spicy?

To reduce spiciness in your cilantro pesto, simply omit the jalapeño or use half of one instead. Adjust according to your taste preference.

Final Thoughts

The Street Corn Pasta Salad with Cilantro Pesto & Goat Cheese is not only delicious but also highly versatile. You can customize it by adding different vegetables or proteins. It’s perfect for summer gatherings or as a refreshing lunch option. Give it a try and impress your family and friends with this delightful dish!

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Street Corn Pasta Salad with Cilantro Pesto & Goat Cheese

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Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Street Corn Pasta Salad with Cilantro Pesto & Goat Cheese. This refreshing dish marries the sweetness of grilled corn with the creaminess of goat cheese and a zesty cilantro pesto, making it an ideal choice for summer gatherings, picnics, or as a delightful side. With its colorful presentation and robust taste, this salad not only impresses at any table but is also surprisingly easy to prepare. Packed with fresh, nutritious ingredients, it’s a versatile option that can serve as a main course or complement your favorite grilled proteins. Elevate your summer dining experience with this crowd-pleaser that showcases seasonal produce beautifully.

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 large ears of corn
• 8 ounces bow tie pasta
• 1 red bell pepper
• ½ avocado
• ⅓ cup goat cheese
• 1 cup cilantro leaves
• 1 small lime
• 1 jalapeño

Instructions

1. Preheat the grill to high. Drizzle corn with oil and season with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
2. Grill the corn for about 10 minutes until charred. Allow to cool before cutting kernels off the cob.
3. Boil pasta according to package instructions until al dente; drain and rinse under cold water.
4. In a food processor, blend cilantro leaves, cashews, lime juice, garlic, jalapeño, olive oil, salt, and pepper until smooth.
5. In a bowl, combine cooled pasta and pesto until well mixed.
6. Fold in grilled corn kernels, diced bell pepper, avocado, goat cheese crumbles, and red onion.
7. Serve immediately or refrigerate for later use.

• Author: Juniper
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 220mg
• Fat: 19g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 39g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 8g
• Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: Choose fresh corn for the best flavor. Adjust jalapeño quantity in the pesto based on your spice preference. Letting the salad chill enhances flavor melding.