Street Corn Pasta Salad with Cilantro Pesto & Goat Cheese

Delight in the flavors of summer with this Street Corn Pasta Salad with Cilantro Pesto & Goat Cheese. This vibrant dish combines fresh ingredients and a creamy pesto, making it perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a family dinner. Its unique blend of sweet corn, tangy goat cheese, and zesty cilantro pesto will impress your guests while satisfying your cravings for a delicious vegetarian meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: This pasta salad comes together in just 45 minutes, making it a quick option for busy days.
• Flavor Explosion: With the combination of roasted corn, fresh vegetables, and homemade cilantro pesto, each bite is packed with flavor.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it as a side or enjoy it as a main dish. It’s perfect for summer barbecues or casual gatherings.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with fresh vegetables and healthy fats from avocado and cashews, this salad is as good for you as it is tasty.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep it in advance and store it in the fridge to let the flavors meld together even more.

Tools and Preparation

To create your street corn pasta salad with cilantro pesto & goat cheese, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. These will help you prepare each component efficiently.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Food processor: Essential for blending the cilantro pesto to achieve a smooth consistency.
• Grill or grill pan: Helps to char the corn perfectly, enhancing its sweetness and flavor.
• Large pot: Allows enough space to cook pasta evenly without sticking.
• Mixing bowl: Provides ample room to combine all ingredients easily.

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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 heat. Drizzle the shucked corn with avocado or olive oil. Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper over the corn.

Step 2: Grill the Corn

Place the seasoned corn directly on the grill. Turn occasionally until charred and cooked through, about 10 minutes. Once done, remove from heat and let cool before cutting kernels off the cob.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

While grilling corn, boil water in a large pot. Cook bow tie pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.

Step 4: Make the Cilantro Pesto

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

Step 5: Combine Pasta with Pesto

In a large mixing bowl, add cooked pasta. Pour in the cilantro pesto and mix well until all pasta is coated.

Step 6: Add Remaining Ingredients

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

Step 7: Chill or Serve Immediately

You can serve immediately or chill in the fridge if preparing ahead of time. Just before serving, garnish with extra cilantro leaves, additional avocado slices if desired, and more goat cheese crumbles.

Enjoy this delightful street corn pasta salad at your next gathering!

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

Serving Street Corn Pasta Salad with Cilantro Pesto & Goat Cheese is a delightful experience. This vibrant salad can be enjoyed in various ways, making it perfect for gatherings and casual meals alike.

Garnish Ideas

• Extra Cilantro: Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for a burst of flavor and color.
• Sliced Avocado: Add slices of avocado for creaminess and visual appeal.
• Goat Cheese Crumbles: Extra goat cheese adds richness and enhances the salad’s taste.
• Jalapeño Slices: For those who enjoy a kick, garnish with thin jalapeño slices.

Serving Suggestions

• Chilled or Room Temperature: This pasta salad is delicious served cold, making it ideal for warm days.
• As a Main Dish: Serve it as a hearty main course for lunch or dinner, especially during summer.
• Potluck Favorite: Perfect for potlucks or barbecues; it’s sure to impress guests and family.
• With Grilled Proteins: Pair with grilled chicken or turkey for a complete meal.

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

To ensure your salad turns out perfectly every time, follow these simple tips.

• Bold Grilling Technique: When grilling the corn, ensure it’s charred well to enhance flavor.
• Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use fresh vegetables and herbs for the best taste and nutrition.
• Customize Your Pasta: Feel free to use your favorite type of pasta if bow tie isn’t available.
• Adjust the Spice Level: Modify the amount of jalapeño in the pesto based on your heat preference.
• Chill Time is Key: Allowing the salad to chill in the fridge enhances the flavors before serving.

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

Pairing side dishes with your Street Corn Pasta Salad can elevate your meal. Here are some great options:

1. Grilled Chicken Skewers: Tender chicken marinated in spices complements the flavors of the salad.
2. Vegetable Platter: A colorful assortment of fresh veggies with hummus makes for a light and healthy pairing.
3. Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad can add extra protein and texture alongside the pasta dish.
4. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Natural sweetness from roasted sweet potatoes provides a nice contrast to the savory salad.
5. Caprese Skewers: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil on skewers create a delightful appetizer that pairs well.
6. Corn on the Cob: Keep it thematic by serving additional grilled corn seasoned simply with butter and herbs.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing your Street Corn Pasta Salad with Cilantro Pesto & Goat Cheese, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here’s how to avoid them.

• Overcooking the Pasta: Cook the pasta until al dente as per package instructions. Overcooked pasta can become mushy and ruin the salad’s texture.

• Neglecting to Cool Ingredients: Always let the corn and pasta cool before mixing. Adding hot ingredients can wilt fresh veggies and affect the overall flavor.

• Skipping Seasoning: Don’t forget to season each component. Proper seasoning enhances flavors; sprinkle salt and pepper on both the pasta and corn for a delicious boost.

• Rushing the Pesto Process: Blend the cilantro pesto until smooth. If you rush this step, you may end up with a chunky texture that doesn’t coat the pasta evenly.

• Ignoring Freshness: Use fresh ingredients whenever possible. Fresh herbs like cilantro and ripe avocados significantly improve the taste of your salad.

• Forgetting Garnishes: Garnishes like extra cilantro and goat cheese add visual appeal and flavor. Don’t skip this step for a beautiful presentation!

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• The salad stays fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge.
• Keep garnishes separate until serving for best texture.

Freezing Street Corn Pasta Salad with Cilantro Pesto & Goat Cheese

• Freezing is not recommended due to avocado and goat cheese, which may change texture.
• If necessary, freeze without avocado or cheese for up to 1 month.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating Street Corn Pasta Salad with Cilantro Pesto & Goat Cheese

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10 minutes covered with foil.

• Microwave: Heat in short increments (30 seconds), stirring in between until warmed through.

• Stovetop: In a pan over low heat, gently stir until warmed, avoiding overcooking any ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make Street Corn Pasta Salad with Cilantro Pesto & Goat Cheese vegan?

Simply omit goat cheese or substitute it with a dairy-free alternative like cashew cheese to keep it creamy without animal products.

Can I use different types of pasta?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute bow tie pasta with any pasta shape you prefer, such as fusilli or penne.

How can I customize my Street Corn Pasta Salad?

Add other vegetables such as cucumbers or cherry tomatoes. You can also experiment with different nuts in the pesto for unique flavors.

What can I serve with this salad?

This pasta salad pairs well with grilled chicken or fish, making it a versatile dish for lunch or dinner gatherings.

How long does this salad last in the fridge?

When stored properly in an airtight container, your salad will last for up to 3 days in the fridge while maintaining its taste and freshness.

Final Thoughts

The Street Corn Pasta Salad with Cilantro Pesto & Goat Cheese is not just tasty but also offers flexibility in ingredients, making it perfect for summer picnics or family gatherings. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite veggies or adjusting seasoning levels. Enjoy creating your version of this delightful dish!