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 sweet corn, fresh vegetables, and creamy goat cheese, all brought together by a zesty cilantro pesto. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a light lunch, this pasta salad is sure to impress your friends and family. Its unique blend of ingredients makes it not only delicious but also an excellent way to use up seasonal corn.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful Delight: The combination of grilled corn and cilantro pesto creates a burst of flavor in every bite.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and minimal cooking time, this dish is perfect even for beginner cooks.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as a side dish at gatherings or as a main course for lunch.
• Fresh Ingredients: Packed with fresh vegetables and herbs, this salad is both healthy and satisfying.
• Make Ahead Friendly: It stores well in the fridge, making it ideal for meal prep or entertaining guests.

Tools and Preparation

Gathering the right tools will make preparing your Street Corn Pasta Salad with Cilantro Pesto & Goat Cheese a breeze. Here are some essentials you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Large bowl: Perfect for mixing all your ingredients without making a mess.
• Grill or stovetop grill pan: Essential for achieving that lovely char on your corn, enhancing its flavor.
• Pot for boiling pasta: A crucial tool to cook your pasta to perfection; aim for al dente!
• Food processor: Makes blending the cilantro pesto quick and easy, ensuring a smooth consistency.

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 cleaned corn with olive or avocado oil. Sprinkle it with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Place the corn directly on the grill.

Step 2: Grill the Corn

Turn the corn occasionally until it becomes charred and cooked through—this should take about 10 minutes. Once done, allow it to cool before cutting the kernels off the cob.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

While grilling the corn, boil water in a pot. Add your bow tie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cool water before transferring it into a large mixing bowl.

Step 4: Make the 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 your desired consistency.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

Add the prepared cilantro pesto directly into the bowl with your cooled pasta. Mix well until all pasta is coated in pesto.

Step 6: Add Remaining Ingredients

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

Step 7: Serve or Chill

You can either serve immediately or refrigerate for later enjoyment. When ready to serve, garnish with extra cilantro leaves and additional avocado slices if desired. Enjoy!

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

Serving your Street Corn Pasta Salad with Cilantro Pesto & Goat Cheese can elevate your meal experience, making it perfect for summer gatherings or family dinners. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance this delicious dish.

Fresh Garnishes

• Cilantro: Sprinkle additional fresh cilantro on top for a burst of flavor.
• Avocado Slices: Add slices of avocado for extra creaminess and nutrition.

Accompaniments

• Grilled Protein: Serve alongside grilled chicken or shrimp for a complete meal.
• Corn Chips: Offer crispy corn chips for a fun crunch and complement the corn flavors.

Serving Style

• Chilled: This salad is delightful served chilled, making it a refreshing option on hot days.
• Individual Portions: Serve in small bowls for an elegant presentation at parties.

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

To ensure your Street Corn Pasta Salad with Cilantro Pesto & Goat Cheese turns out perfectly, keep these tips in mind.

• Bold Flavors: Use fresh ingredients, especially cilantro and lime juice, to maximize flavor.
• Pasta Cooking Time: Follow the package instructions carefully to achieve al dente pasta.
• Chill Before Serving: Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld.
• Customize Ingredients: Feel free to add other veggies like cherry tomatoes or black beans for added texture and nutrition.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust salt and pepper before serving to enhance all flavors.
• Use Quality Goat Cheese: Select a high-quality goat cheese for a richer taste that complements the salad beautifully.

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

Pairing your Street Corn Pasta Salad with complementary side dishes can create a balanced meal. Here are some excellent options that go well with this vibrant salad.

1. Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers add smokiness and color.
2. Black Bean Tacos: Flavorful tacos filled with black beans make for a hearty side that pairs well.
3. Caprese Skewers: Fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomato skewers offer a light and refreshing contrast.
4. Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries provide a sweet-and-savory option that everyone loves.
5. Cucumber Salad: A light cucumber salad dressed in vinegar adds crunch and freshness.
6. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits offers sweetness that balances the savory pasta salad.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

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

• Overcooking the Corn: Cooking the corn for too long can lead to a mushy texture. Grill it until it’s just charred and cooked through, about 10 minutes.
• Not Chilling the Salad: Serving the salad immediately can make the flavors less intense. Let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance the taste.
• Skipping Salt: Failing to season each component can dull the overall flavor. Be sure to add salt and pepper at each stage of cooking, especially when grilling the corn and mixing the pesto.
• Using Overripe Avocado: An overly ripe avocado can affect the dish’s texture and taste. Choose avocados that are slightly soft but not mushy for the best results.
• Neglecting Fresh Ingredients: Using stale or old ingredients can compromise your salad’s flavor. Always opt for fresh produce, particularly with cilantro and bell peppers, for a vibrant taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Item: Store in an airtight container.
• Duration: Can be kept for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
• Tip: Layer parchment paper between servings to maintain freshness.

Freezing Street Corn Pasta Salad with Cilantro Pesto & Goat Cheese

• Item: Not recommended for freezing as pasta salads generally don’t freeze well.
• Tip: The texture may change upon thawing, affecting quality.

Reheating Street Corn Pasta Salad with Cilantro Pesto & Goat Cheese

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and warm for about 15 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through, stirring in between.
• Stovetop: Heat on low in a skillet with a splash of olive oil, stirring gently until warmed throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

To make this salad, grill corn and prepare pasta. Then blend cilantro pesto ingredients and combine everything together with diced veggies and goat cheese.

Can I customize my Street Corn Pasta Salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to add other veggies like cherry tomatoes or substitute goat cheese with feta or mozzarella based on your preference.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to three days, making it perfect for meal prep or quick lunches.

What can I serve with Street Corn Pasta Salad?

This delicious pasta salad pairs well with grilled meats or can be served alongside other vegetarian dishes for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

Street Corn Pasta Salad with Cilantro Pesto & Goat Cheese is a delightful dish that combines fresh ingredients and bold flavors. It’s perfect for summer gatherings or as a tasty lunch option. The recipe allows plenty of room for customization—try adding some grilled chicken or extra spices! Don’t hesitate to give this refreshing salad a try; your taste buds will thank you!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Print

Street Corn Pasta Salad with Cilantro Pesto & Goat Cheese

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Aileen
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Experience the vibrant flavors of summer with this refreshing Street Corn Pasta Salad featuring Cilantro Pesto and Goat Cheese. This delightful dish perfectly blends the sweetness of grilled corn, fresh vegetables, and creamy goat cheese, all enveloped in a zesty cilantro pesto. Ideal for picnics, barbecues, or light lunches, this pasta salad not only satisfies your taste buds but also makes excellent use of seasonal corn. With easy preparation steps and versatile serving options, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that you can enjoy any day of the week.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 large ears of corn
• 8 ounces bow tie pasta
• 1 red bell pepper
• ½ avocado
• ⅓ cup goat cheese crumbles
• 1 cup cilantro leaves
• Lime juice
• Garlic
• Jalapeño
• Olive oil or avocado oil
• Chili powder
• Cumin

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the grill to high heat. Drizzle cleaned corn with oil and season with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Grill until charred (about 10 minutes). Allow to cool before cutting kernels off the cob.
2. Boil water in a pot and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cool water.
3. In a food processor, blend cilantro leaves, cashews, lime juice, garlic, jalapeño, olive oil, salt, and pepper until smooth.
4. Combine pesto with cooled pasta in a large bowl. Gently fold in grilled corn kernels along with diced bell pepper, avocado cubes, goat cheese crumbles, and diced red onion.
5. Serve immediately or chill before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 220mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 9g
• Cholesterol: 15mg