Delight in the flavors of summer with this Street Corn Pasta Salad with Cilantro Pesto & Goat Cheese. This vibrant dish is perfect for any occasion, from backyard barbecues to family gatherings. Packed with sweet corn, fresh vegetables, and a creamy goat cheese topping, it’s a crowd-pleaser that showcases the best of seasonal produce. The unique cilantro pesto adds a refreshing twist that elevates this pasta salad to new heights. Your friends and family will be raving about this dish long after the meal is over!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of street corn and cilantro pesto creates a unique taste that excites your palate.
- Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and minimal cooking time, you can whip up this salad quickly.
- Versatile Dish: Perfect as a side or main dish, it suits various occasions—from picnics to potlucks.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with fresh vegetables and healthy fats, this salad is both nutritious and satisfying.
- Great for Meal Prep: Make it ahead of time and enjoy delicious leftovers throughout the week.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, gather your essential tools for making this delightful pasta salad.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Food Processor
- Grill or Stovetop
- Large Pot
- Mixing Bowl
- Cutting Board
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Food Processor: Essential for making the smooth cilantro pesto quickly and easily.
- Grill or Stovetop: Used to char the corn, enhancing its flavor.
- Large Pot: Ideal for boiling pasta 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 heat. Drizzle the shucked corn with olive or avocado oil. Sprinkle it with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Step 2: Grill the Corn
Place the corn directly on the grill. Turn occasionally until 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 the corn, boil your pasta in a large pot according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cool water before transferring it to a mixing bowl.
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 to reach your desired consistency.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Pesto
Add the prepared pesto directly into the bowl with cooled pasta. Mix well until evenly coated.
Step 6: Add Remaining Ingredients
Gently fold in grilled corn kernels, diced red bell pepper, avocado pieces, goat cheese crumbles, and diced red onion.
Step 7: Chill or Serve Immediately
You can either chill the salad in the fridge for later serving or serve immediately! When ready to serve, garnish with extra cilantro, avocado slices if desired, goat cheese crumbles, and jalapeño slices for an added kick. Enjoy!
How to Serve Street Corn Pasta Salad with Cilantro Pesto & Goat Cheese
Street Corn Pasta Salad with Cilantro Pesto & Goat Cheese is a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a summer picnic or simply enjoying a weekday lunch, here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.
As a Main Dish
- A hearty option for lunch or dinner, this pasta salad can stand alone as a satisfying meal, packed with flavor and nutrients.
For Meal Prep
- Perfect for preparing ahead of time, store individual portions in airtight containers for quick grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.
At Barbecues
- Serve it chilled at outdoor gatherings to impress guests. The vibrant flavors complement grilled meats wonderfully.
With Extra Toppings
- Enhance each serving with additional goat cheese, fresh cilantro, or sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
How to Perfect Street Corn Pasta Salad with Cilantro Pesto & Goat Cheese
To ensure your Street Corn Pasta Salad shines, consider these helpful tips that will elevate your dish to the next level.
Use fresh corn: Freshly grilled corn adds a sweet and smoky flavor that frozen or canned corn just can’t match.
Customize the pesto: Feel free to adjust the ingredients in your cilantro pesto. Adding nuts like pine nuts or swapping cashews can create unique flavors.
Add protein: For added substance, consider incorporating black beans or grilled chicken into your salad.
Chill before serving: Letting the salad sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Best Side Dishes for Street Corn Pasta Salad with Cilantro Pesto & Goat Cheese
Pairing sides with your Street Corn Pasta Salad can make for a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options to consider:
Grilled Veggies: A mix of zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus drizzled with olive oil and grilled until tender.
Fresh Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing addition that balances the richness of goat cheese with seasonal fruits like watermelon and berries.
Caprese Skewers: Tomato, basil, and mozzarella drizzled with balsamic glaze on skewers make for an easy-to-eat side.
Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread complements the pasta salad perfectly while adding a crunchy texture.
Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn brushed with butter and sprinkled with chili powder enhances the street corn theme.
Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad brings crisp romaine lettuce and creamy dressing that pairs well with the pasta’s flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Street Corn Pasta Salad with Cilantro Pesto & Goat Cheese can be a delightful experience, but there are some common mistakes to watch out for.
Overcooking the pasta: Be sure to cook the pasta al dente. Overcooked pasta can become mushy and less enjoyable in the salad.
Skipping the seasoning: Don’t forget to season your corn before grilling. A sprinkle of chili powder and cumin enhances the flavors significantly.
Neglecting to chill: If serving later, allow your salad to chill in the fridge. This lets all the flavors meld together and makes for a more refreshing dish.
Using stale ingredients: Always check the freshness of your produce and goat cheese. Fresh ingredients make a big difference in taste.
Skipping the pesto: The cilantro pesto adds a unique flavor. Don’t omit it; instead, adjust it according to your taste by adding more lime or nuts as needed.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
- It stays good for up to 3 days in the fridge.
- Keep any garnishes separate until serving for best texture.
Freezing Street Corn Pasta Salad with Cilantro Pesto & Goat Cheese
- This salad is not ideal for freezing due to the creamy goat cheese and avocado, which can change texture when thawed.
- If necessary, you can freeze without these ingredients; add them fresh after thawing.
Reheating Street Corn Pasta Salad with Cilantro Pesto & Goat Cheese
Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the salad on a baking sheet and warm for about 10 minutes.
Microwave: Place individual servings in a microwave-safe container. Heat for about 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Stovetop: Gently heat in a pan over low heat, stirring frequently until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this Street Corn Pasta Salad special?
This pasta salad combines sweet grilled corn with creamy goat cheese and vibrant cilantro pesto, giving it a unique twist that stands out among typical pasta salads.
Can I customize the ingredients?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap out vegetables or use different types of cheese based on personal preference. You can also experiment with various nuts in the pesto.
How long does this salad last in the refrigerator?
When stored correctly in an airtight container, this salad will last up to 3 days in the fridge, retaining its delicious flavors.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! This Street Corn Pasta Salad is perfect for meal prep. Just keep garnishes separate until you’re ready to serve for optimal freshness.
Can I make it vegan?
You can make this recipe vegan by omitting goat cheese and using nutritional yeast as a substitute. The cilantro pesto remains delicious without any dairy!
Final Thoughts
The Street Corn Pasta Salad with Cilantro Pesto & Goat Cheese is not only packed with flavor but also showcases seasonal ingredients beautifully. It’s an easy recipe that can adapt to various tastes; consider adding veggies or swapping cheeses based on what you have on hand. Try it today and enjoy a refreshing dish that’s perfect for summer gatherings!
Street Corn Pasta Salad with Cilantro Pesto & Goat Cheese
Experience the vibrant flavors of summer with this Street Corn Pasta Salad with Cilantro Pesto & Goat Cheese. This delightful dish is a perfect blend of sweet grilled corn, fresh vegetables, and creamy goat cheese, making it an ideal choice for summer barbecues, family gatherings, or meal prep. The standout cilantro pesto adds a refreshing twist that elevates each bite, ensuring your friends and family will be talking about this salad long after the last spoonful. Easy to prepare and packed with nutritious ingredients, this pasta salad is not only delicious but also versatile enough to serve as either a side or main dish. Enjoy the best of seasonal produce in every bite!
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 2 large ears of corn
- 8 ounces bow tie pasta
- 1 red bell pepper
- ½ avocado
- ⅓ cup goat cheese
- Cilantro pesto (made from cilantro, cashews, lime juice, garlic, jalapeño)
Instructions
- Preheat grill to high heat; drizzle shucked corn with oil and seasonings.
- Grill corn for about 10 minutes until charred; cool and cut kernels off.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain and rinse.
- Blend cilantro pesto ingredients in a food processor until smooth.
- Combine cooked pasta with pesto in a mixing bowl; add grilled corn, diced vegetables, and goat cheese.
- Chill or serve immediately with garnishes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side/Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Freshly grilled corn enhances flavor significantly; avoid frozen alternatives. Customize pesto by adding different nuts or adjusting lime for tanginess. For added protein, consider including black beans or grilled chicken.