Coogirl Candy Street Corn Pasta Salad

Coogirl Candy Street Corn Pasta Salad

Featuring

This creamy, colorful pasta salad uses Coogirl Candy two ways. Chopped candied jalapenos are folded into the salad for pops of sweet heat, and the syrup is whisked into a tangy dressing that coats every bite.

Ingredients

Pasta Salad

• 8 ounces short pasta (such as rotini, shells, or cavatappi)
• 1 1/2 cups corn kernels (fresh cut from 2 to 3 ears, or thawed frozen)
• 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
• 1/2 small red onion, finely diced
• 1/2 cup crumbled cotija or feta cheese
• 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/4 cup chopped Coogirl Candy jalapenos, drained well

Coogirl Candy Dressing

• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 1/3 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons Coogirl Candy syrup (from the jar)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

To Finish

• Extra chopped Coogirl Candy jalapenos
• Extra cilantro leaves
• Lime wedges

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta
   1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
   2. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until just al dente.
   3. Drain and rinse under cool water to stop the cooking and chill the pasta slightly.
   4. Shake off excess water and transfer the pasta to a large mixing bowl.
2. Cook or char the corn
   1. If using fresh corn, heat a large skillet over medium high heat.
   2. Add the corn kernels to the dry skillet and cook for 4 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until some kernels are lightly charred in spots.
   3. If using thawed frozen corn, pat dry first, then char the same way.
   4. Remove from the heat and let cool slightly.
3. Make the Coogirl Candy dressing
   1. In a medium bowl whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream or Greek yogurt, Coogirl Candy syrup, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
   2. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding a pinch more salt or a squeeze of lime if desired.
4. Combine the salad ingredients
   1. Add the cooled corn, diced red bell pepper, red onion, cotija or feta, chopped cilantro, and 1/4 cup chopped Coogirl Candy jalapenos to the bowl with the pasta.
   2. Pour the dressing over the top.
   3. Gently toss until everything is evenly coated and the Coogirl Candy pieces are well distributed.
5. Chill and finish
   1. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes so the flavors can meld.
   2. Before serving, taste and add a little more salt or lime juice if needed.
   3. Transfer the salad to a serving dish.
   4. Top with extra chopped Coogirl Candy jalapenos and a few cilantro leaves for color.
6. Serve
   1. Serve chilled or at cool room temperature.
   2. Offer lime wedges on the side so guests can add a squeeze of brightness to their bowls.
   3. Set the jar of Coogirl Candy on the table for anyone who wants extra sweet heat.

Tips

• For more protein, add a can of drained black beans to the salad.
• To make this ahead, prepare up to 1 day in advance and stir in a splash of lime juice just before serving to refresh the flavors.
• If you like things extra spicy, add an additional tablespoon of chopped Coogirl Candy jalapenos to the dressing.