Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a vibrant and creamy dish inspired by the classic elote. It combines charred corn, tender pasta, a zesty dressing, and bold Mexican flavors like lime, chili powder, and cotija cheese. Perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or as a summer side, this salad delivers the beloved taste of street corn in every bite.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

pastafresh or frozen cornmayonaisesar cremacotija cheesegarliclime juicechili powdersmoked paprikaonion (red or green)cilantrojalapeñosalt and pepperolive oil

directions

Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.

If using fresh corn, grill or sauté it until slightly charred. If using frozen, thaw and cook in a hot skillet until golden.

In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, garlic, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.

Add the cooked pasta, corn, chopped onion, cilantro, and diced jalapeños to the bowl.

Toss everything together until evenly coated with the dressing.

Crumble cotija cheese over the top and give it one final toss.

Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves approximately 6-8 people.Preparation time: 20 minutesCooking time: 10 minutesChilling time: 30 minutesTotal time: 1 hour

Variations

Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier main dish.

Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter version.

Swap cotija with feta if unavailable.

Include black beans or avocado for extra texture and flavor.

Add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper for more heat.

storage/reheating

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.Stir well before serving, as the dressing may thicken.It’s best enjoyed cold, but can be brought to room temperature if preferred.

FAQs

Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes, it actually tastes better after chilling and allowing the flavors to meld.

Is cotija cheese necessary?

Cotija adds authentic flavor, but feta or parmesan can be substituted.

Can I use canned corn?

Yes, just drain and sauté for better texture and flavor.

What pasta shape works best?

Short pasta like rotini, penne, or shells hold the dressing well.

How spicy is this dish?

It’s mildly spicy; adjust jalapeños and chili powder to your preference.

Can I make it vegan?

Yes, use vegan mayo, sour cream, and plant-based cheese alternatives.

Should I rinse the pasta?

Yes, rinsing helps stop cooking and prevent sticking for cold salads.

Can I use bottled lime juice?

Fresh lime juice is best, but bottled can work in a pinch.

What herbs can I use besides cilantro?

Parsley or green onions are good alternatives.

Does this salad need to chill?

Yes, chilling enhances the flavor and texture.

Conclusion

Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a crowd-pleasing dish full of flavor, color, and creamy-spicy goodness. Whether you’re preparing it for a party or a quick weekday meal, its unique take on elote in pasta form is sure to impress. Give it a try, and it might become your new go-to side dish.

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