This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad combines the rich, smoky flavor of charred corn with creamy pasta and a zesty lime dressing. The addition of fresh cilantro and crumbled cotija cheese takes this salad to the next level, making it a true crowd-pleaser.
It’s perfect for BBQs, picnics, or as a side dish for any summer meal. The sweetness of the corn and the heat from the chili powder create an irresistible flavor profile, while the creamy dressing adds a satisfying texture. You can easily adjust the heat by adding more or less jalapeño, depending on your spice preference.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1 ½ cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
- ¼ cup cotija cheese, crumbled
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 jalapeño, finely diced (optional for extra heat)
Directions:
- Cook pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta and corn kernels.
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta and corn mixture. Toss until everything is well coated.
- Stir in the fresh cilantro and crumbled cotija cheese. If using, add the diced jalapeño for an extra kick.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad: A Flavorful Twist on Classic Street Corn
Mexican Street Corn, also known as Elote, is a popular street food in Mexico, typically made by grilling corn on the cob and slathering it with a tangy combination of mayonnaise, sour cream, chili powder, and lime. It’s a flavor explosion in every bite. Now, imagine transforming this vibrant and delicious dish into a pasta salad! Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad combines the smoky, creamy, and tangy elements of the traditional elote with pasta, making it a perfect side dish for any gathering or BBQ. This fusion recipe brings the flavors of Mexico into a fresh, easy-to-make pasta salad that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
A Crowd-Pleasing Dish for Any Occasion
This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a great addition to any meal, whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, picnic, or simply looking for an easy dish to make ahead of time for a busy week. It’s a dish that brings together the richness of a creamy dressing, the sweetness of corn, and the zesty flavor of lime, creating a refreshing yet indulgent side that pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, tacos, or just about anything you throw on the grill.
One of the best things about this dish is how versatile it is. While the traditional Mexican street corn recipe calls for mayonnaise and sour cream, you can customize this pasta salad by adjusting the creaminess or spice level based on your preferences. You can also add more vegetables, like diced red bell peppers or red onions, to add some extra crunch and color.
Perfect for Hot Summer Days
Nothing beats a cold, refreshing pasta salad on a hot summer day, and this Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is no exception. The combination of creamy dressing and crunchy corn is so satisfying, while the tangy lime juice and chili powder provide a flavorful zing that makes this salad stand out from other typical pasta salads. It’s a great dish to prepare ahead of time because, like most pasta salads, the flavors meld together as it chills, making it even more flavorful after a few hours in the refrigerator.
The Balance of Creamy, Smoky, and Spicy Flavors
One of the highlights of this dish is its unique flavor profile. The smoky flavor of the corn pairs beautifully with the creamy dressing made from mayonnaise and sour cream. The chili powder adds a slight heat that can be adjusted based on your spice preference, while the lime juice balances the richness of the dressing with a refreshing tartness. The cotija cheese, often used in Mexican cuisine, adds a crumbly texture and a salty bite that perfectly complements the creamy elements of the salad. It’s the combination of these flavors that makes this dish irresistible and perfect for serving at gatherings or parties.
A Versatile and Easy-to-Make Salad
While this Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is delicious on its own, it also works well as a versatile base that you can modify to suit your taste. For example, if you’re a fan of spicy food, you can add more chili powder or even some diced jalapeños for an extra kick. You can also make the salad lighter by swapping out the sour cream and mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a lighter dressing option.
The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity. The ingredients are easy to find, and the prep time is minimal. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or prepping food for a large group, this pasta salad is a breeze to make, and it will not disappoint.
The Right Pasta for This Dish
While you can use any type of pasta in this dish, certain shapes work better to hold the creamy dressing and corn. Short, sturdy pasta like rotini or penne is ideal because its twists and ridges can trap the sauce, allowing each bite to be packed with flavor. For those who prefer gluten-free pasta, there are plenty of options available that will work perfectly with this salad. Just make sure to cook the pasta al dente to ensure it maintains its texture once it’s mixed with the other ingredients.
Make Ahead and Storage Tips
One of the great things about this Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is that it can be made in advance, which is perfect for busy schedules or parties where you need to prepare food ahead of time. Make it a few hours or even a day in advance and let it chill in the refrigerator so that the flavors have time to meld together. When storing the salad, make sure it’s covered tightly to preserve the freshness, and try to finish it within 3-4 days for the best flavor.
If you find that the salad has become too thick after chilling, you can easily loosen it up with a splash of lime juice or a small amount of water to bring the creamy texture back. Additionally, if you prefer your pasta salad on the spicier side, feel free to add more chili powder or diced jalapeños right before serving.
Ideal Pairings for This Pasta Salad
This dish is versatile enough to pair with a variety of meals. It’s especially perfect with Mexican-inspired dishes such as grilled tacos, carne asada, or grilled shrimp. It can also complement burgers, grilled chicken, or fish, making it an ideal side dish for any outdoor summer gathering. The creamy, spicy, and tangy flavors of the salad work beautifully with grilled and barbecued foods, adding a cool contrast to hot, smoky dishes.
For a full Mexican-themed meal, you can serve this pasta salad alongside some guacamole, pico de gallo, or even a tangy margarita to enhance the flavors of the meal.
A Healthy, Flavorful Side Dish
Despite the creamy dressing, this Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is relatively healthy, especially when compared to other traditional pasta salads loaded with mayonnaise and heavy dressings. By using fresh ingredients, you can ensure that you’re getting a dish that’s not only delicious but also packed with flavor and texture. The corn provides a healthy dose of fiber, while the lime juice offers a burst of vitamin C. Plus, with the fresh cilantro and chili powder, you’re adding antioxidants and a pop of fresh flavors that make the dish even more nutritious.
Conclusion
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a must-try dish for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, preparing for a picnic, or simply craving a flavorful, easy-to-make salad, this recipe will hit the mark. Its creamy, smoky, and zesty flavors are the perfect balance of indulgence and freshness, and it can be easily modified to suit your tastes. With its versatility, simple ingredients, and crowd-pleasing flavors, this pasta salad is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection. Make it today and enjoy the delicious, vibrant flavors that it brings to your table!