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 the sweetness of corn, the creaminess of goat cheese, and a zesty cilantro pesto, making it perfect for picnics, barbecues, or any casual gathering. It’s an easy-to-make vegetarian option that will impress your friends and family while utilizing fresh seasonal ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bursting with Flavor: The combination of sweet corn, tangy goat cheese, and zesty cilantro pesto creates a delicious explosion of taste in every bite.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and minimal cooking time, this dish is quick to whip up, making it perfect for busy days.
• Versatile Dish: Great as a main course or side dish, this pasta salad fits seamlessly into any meal or occasion.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with fresh vegetables and wholesome ingredients, this salad is not only tasty but also nutritious.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it in advance and chill for a refreshing dish that’s ready when you are!

Tools and Preparation

To create your Street Corn Pasta Salad with Cilantro Pesto & Goat Cheese, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment can make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Food processor
• Grill or stovetop grill pan
• Large pot
• Large bowl
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Food processor: Essential for creating the smooth cilantro pesto. It saves time compared to chopping by hand.
• Grill or stovetop grill pan: Adds that delicious charred flavor to the corn, elevating the salad’s overall taste.

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, crumbled
• 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, crumbled

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 chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper over the corn.

Step 2: Grill the Corn

Place the corn directly on the grill. Turn occasionally until charred and cooked through; this should take about 10 minutes. Once done, allow it to cool before cutting the kernels from the cob.

Step 3: Cook Your Pasta

While grilling the corn, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cool water.

Step 4: Make the Cilantro Pesto

In a food processor, combine cilantro leaves, cashews, lime juice, garlic clove, jalapeño, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth. If needed, add water gradually until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Pesto

In a large bowl, add your cooled pasta along with the cilantro pesto. Mix well until all pasta is coated evenly.

Step 6: Add Fresh Ingredients

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

Step 7: Chill or Serve Immediately

You can serve immediately or refrigerate for later use! When ready to serve, garnish with extra cilantro, additional avocado slices if desired, jalapeño slices for heat (optional), and more goat cheese on top. 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 it’s a summer barbecue or a casual lunch, serving this dish can elevate your meal.

For a Refreshing Lunch

• Pair with a light side of mixed greens drizzled with lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing boost.
• Serve chilled to enhance the flavors of the cilantro pesto and goat cheese.

At Summer Barbecues

• Present in a large bowl for guests to help themselves; add some colorful garnishes like extra cilantro and avocado slices.
• Offer alongside grilled meats or veggie skewers for a complete summer feast.

As a Potluck Favorite

• Prepare in advance and refrigerate; the flavors deepen over time, making it even tastier.
• Bring it in a sealed container for easy transport, ensuring it stays fresh until serving.

For Meal Prep

• Divide into individual portions for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.
• Store in airtight containers, keeping the dressing separate to maintain freshness.

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

Perfecting this street corn pasta salad is simple. Follow these tips to ensure it’s always a hit.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh corn, ripe avocados, and high-quality goat cheese enhance the overall flavor of your salad.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and lime juice as needed to suit your personal preference.
• Add crunch: Include some toasted nuts or seeds for an added layer of texture that complements the creamy goat cheese.
• Chill before serving: Allowing the salad to chill helps meld flavors together, making each bite more delicious.
• Experiment with herbs: While cilantro is key, consider adding parsley or mint for an interesting flavor twist.
• Customize toppings: Feel free to add extras like jalapeño slices or fresh tomatoes for additional flavor dimensions.

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

Complement your street corn pasta salad with these delightful side dishes that pair perfectly.

1. Grilled Vegetables: A medley of seasonal veggies lightly seasoned and grilled adds smokiness that pairs well with the salad.
2. Caprese Skewers: Fresh mozzarella, basil, and cherry tomatoes on skewers provide a bright contrast to the creamy pasta dish.
3. Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn brushed with butter enhances the street corn theme while keeping things simple.
4. Watermelon Feta Salad: The sweetness of watermelon combined with salty feta offers a refreshing balance alongside your pasta salad.
5. Garlic Breadsticks: Warm breadsticks brushed with garlic butter make for an indulgent side that complements any meal.
6. Stuffed Mini Peppers: Mini sweet peppers filled with cream cheese or feta bring color and additional flavor without overpowering the main dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Street Corn Pasta Salad with Cilantro Pesto & Goat Cheese can be simple, but a few common mistakes may ruin your dish. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Overcooking the pasta: Cooking pasta too long can make it mushy. Always follow package instructions for al dente results.
• Not seasoning the corn: Skipping seasoning on the corn can lead to blandness. Ensure you use chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper for flavor.
• Skipping the cooling step: Adding warm ingredients can wilt the salad. Allow the corn and pasta to cool before mixing them with other ingredients.
• Using stale or old goat cheese: Freshness matters! Check expiration dates and choose creamy goat cheese for the best texture and flavor.
• Ignoring garnishes: Garnishes like cilantro or extra avocado elevate your salad’s presentation and taste. Don’t skip this final touch!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Keep it refrigerated to maintain freshness.

Freezing Street Corn Pasta Salad with Cilantro Pesto & Goat Cheese

• Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
• Note that freezing may change the texture of some ingredients, like avocado.

Reheating Street Corn Pasta Salad with Cilantro Pesto & Goat Cheese

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place salad in an oven-safe dish covered with foil; heat for about 15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals (30 seconds), stirring between each until warmed through. Be cautious not to overheat.
• Stovetop: Gently warm on low heat in a skillet, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

To make this salad vegan, substitute goat cheese with a vegan cheese alternative and use maple syrup instead of honey if needed.

Can I customize the vegetables in this Street Corn Pasta Salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to add other seasonal veggies like zucchini or cherry tomatoes for added color and flavor.

What type of pasta works best for Street Corn Pasta Salad?

Bow tie pasta is popular, but you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as rotini or penne.

How long does Street Corn Pasta Salad stay fresh?

When stored properly in the refrigerator, it lasts about 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it.

Final Thoughts

This Street Corn Pasta Salad with Cilantro Pesto & Goat Cheese is not only a delightful summer dish but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with different veggies or proteins based on your preference. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to impress at any gathering!