Street Corn Pasta Salad

If you're looking for a fun and flavorful dish this Street Corn Pasta Salad (Ensalada de pasta con elote) is just what you need. With the smoky sweetness of roasted corn, a citrusy lime, creamy mayonnaise, and cotija cheese, it’s a delicious twist on the classic pasta salad. Perfect for BBQs, picnics, or even a casual weeknight dinner, and it brings vibrant flavors to any table.

What makes this recipe even better is how easy it is to make and customize. You can add grilled chicken, black beans, or your favorite protein for a heartier dish. Plus, the level of heat is up to you, just adjust the chili powder or lime juice to suit your taste. This street corn pasta will quickly become a go-to recipe for any gathering. Now, let’s dive into the simple steps to make this creamy, smoky, and utterly irresistible salad!

This recipe was inspired by my Mexican Street Corn Guacamole. If you love those bold, zesty flavors, you’ll definitely want to try it! And if you're looking for another creamy, comforting dish, my Instant Pot Mac & Cheese with Frozen Veggies makes the perfect pairing.

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What is Street Corn Pasta Salad?

If you’ve ever had Mexican street corn (elote), you already know how irresistible it is. Street Corn Pasta Salad is a fun and flavorful twist on that classic Mexican dish. It combines smoky, charred corn with creamy mayo, tangy lime, and crumbled cotija cheese, all tossed together with pasta. The result? A creamy, savory, and slightly spicy pasta salad that’s perfect for any gathering or as a delicious side dish.

What makes this dish so special is how versatile it is. You get the same bold flavors from Mexican street corn, but in a pasta form that’s perfect for BBQs, picnics, and potlucks. Whether you’re a fan of the traditional corn salad or just looking for a new way to enjoy pasta, this recipe will hit the spot and quickly become a favorite at your table!

Why You’ll Love This Mexican Street Corn Salad Recipe

You’ll love this Mexican Street Corn Salad because it is a total crowd-pleaser! It combines the bold, smoky flavor of grilled corn with a creamy dressing that’s perfectly balanced by the tanginess of lime. The addition of cotija cheese gives it a salty, savory richness, making every bite irresistible. It’s a dish that brings a taste of elote in a fresh, easy-to-serve form.

The best part? It’s incredibly versatile and customizable to suit your tastes. Whether you prefer a bit more spice, want to add extra veggies, or love a little more tang, this salad can easily be adjusted to match your flavor profile. It’s the perfect way to bring some Mexican-inspired flair to any meal.

Ingredients

• Pasta: Choose your favorite type of pasta—short varieties like rotini or elbow macaroni work best for holding onto all that creamy goodness.
• Fresh Corn: Fresh corn is the key to this salad. Its sweet, juicy crunch adds great texture and flavor, perfectly complementing the creamy dressing and tangy lime.
• Mayonnaise: This is the base of the creamy dressing, adding smoothness and richness.
• Lime Juice: A splash of lime juice balances out the richness of the mayo with a tangy kick.
• Cotija Cheese: This crumbly Mexican cheese adds a salty, savory flavor that’s a key element of the dish.
• Chili Powder: Adds just the right amount of heat and flavor to kick it up.
• Fresh Cilantro: A sprinkle of cilantro brightens the salad and enhances the overall flavor with its fresh, citrusy taste.
• Smoked Paprika: For an extra smoky touch, a pinch of smoked paprika can be added. While optional, it’s delicious if you want more depth.

You can find the exact ingredient measurements in the recipe card below.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Street Corn Pasta Salad

1. Step 1: Boil and cook pasta as per package instructions, drain, and let it cool.

2. Step 2: Sauté corn in a pan over medium heat until golden and slightly charred.

3. Step 3: Combine pasta, corn, mayo, lime juice, cotija, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well. Refrigerate 30 minutes before serving.

Tips for Roasting Corn for the Best Salad

Use Fresh Corn Kernels or Corn on the Cob: For the best flavor, you can use either fresh corn kernels or corn on the cob. If you’re roasting or grilling, it's easiest to use corn on the cob. If you choose to use kernels, simply cut them off the cob after roasting or grilling.

Pan-Roasting on the Stove: For this recipe, I used the stove-top method. Heat a cast-iron skillet or non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Add fresh corn kernels and sauté them for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until golden and slightly charred. This quick method gives the corn a smoky flavor that is perfect for the salad.

Grill or Roast for Extra Char: If you're grilling or roasting, start with corn on the cob. For grilling, place the cobs directly on the grill, turning occasionally for about 10-12 minutes until the kernels are golden and lightly charred. For roasting, preheat your oven to 400°F and roast the cobs for 20-25 minutes, turning them halfway through.

Let It Cool Before Adding: Once your corn is roasted or grilled, let it cool for a few minutes before cutting the kernels off and adding them to the salad. This ensures your salad stays at the perfect temperature and keeps the corn’s flavor intact.

Variations of This Pasta Salad

Add Protein with Grilled Chicken or Black Beans: If you're looking to make this salad more protein-rich, adding grilled chicken is a great way to introduce a lean source of protein. Alternatively, for a vegetarian twist, you can swap in black beans. Both options give the flavor and make this salad a more substantial meal.

Spice It Up: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, it's easy to adjust the smoked paprika to your preferred spice level. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat. Additionally, tossing in diced jalapeños will give the salad a zesty punch. To balance the heat, consider adding more lime juice for freshness.

Add Extra Crunch with Fresh Veggies: To enhance both the flavor and texture, why not toss in some chopped bell peppers, red onions, or even cucumber? These fresh veggies introduce a nice crunch and bring a new layer of freshness, making your salad even more exciting.

Make It Creamier: If you want a creamier version of this salad, consider swapping the mayo with Mexican crema, or even using a combination of both. For an even richer taste, you could also add a dollop of sour cream. This will make the salad even more velvety and satisfying.

Serving Suggestions for Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

Serve It as a BBQ Side: This dish pairs perfectly with grilled meats like burgers, hot dogs, and chicken. You can also try this Mexican Street Corn Guacamole as an additional side. These creamy, tangy flavors complement smoky BBQ dishes, making it a must-have at summer cookouts. For an even more delicious pairing, serve it with Oven Shrimp Skewers and a side of Spicy Garlic Aioli Dip for a flavorful seafood option.

Bring It to Potlucks and Picnics: Since it stays fresh for hours, this pasta salad is a great choice for gatherings along with this Instant Pot Mac and Cheese with Frozen Veggies. Plus, it’s easy to make ahead, so you can spend less time cooking and more time enjoying.

Add Extra Toppings: Right before serving, sprinkle on more cotija cheese, fresh cilantro, or a drizzle of Mexican crema for extra flavor. A dash of chili powder or lime zest takes it to the next level.

Pair It with Tacos or Grilled Veggies: This pasta salad pairs perfectly with tacos, quesadillas, or grilled veggies. For dessert, enjoy Cake Batter Puppy Chow, a sweet treat with just 5 ingredients, and soft Lemon Blueberry Cookies with tangy citrus and blueberries for a refreshing finish.

How to Store Street Corn Pasta Salad for Freshness

Refrigeration: To keep your Street Corn Pasta Salad fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before serving, give it a good stir and, if needed, add a little mayo or lime juice to refresh the flavors.

Freezer: Freezing is not recommended, as the creamy dressing may separate and change the texture. However, you can prep ahead by cooking the pasta and roasting the corn in advance. Store them separately in the fridge, then mix everything fresh when you're ready to serve.

FAQ

Related

Craving more? Try these delicious recipes: Instant Pot Mac and Cheese with Frozen Veggies, Easter Mini Cheesecakes, Blueberry Cheesecake Overnight Oats, and Street Corn Guacamole!

Pairing

This Street Corn Pasta Salad brings a twist on Mexican street corn in pasta form. For more tasty treats, try my Healthy Brownie Batter Dip or Lemon Blueberry Cookies – both are perfect additions to any spread!

Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

Madhu

Make this easy Street Corn Pasta Salad with grilled corn, creamy mayo, lime juice, cotija cheese, and chili powder. Perfect for BBQs, picnics, and casual gatherings. Quick, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing!

5 from 9 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Salad

Cuisine American

Servings 4 People

Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

• Skillet
• Sauce pan
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1 cup rotini pasta dry, uncooked
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 cup fresh corn kernels
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 2 tablespoons Cotija cheese crumbled
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro chopped
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

 

• Boil the pasta according to the package instructions, drain it, and let it cool for a few minutes.
• Roast the corn kernels in a pan on the stovetop over medium heat until they turn golden brown and slightly charred. Stir occasionally for even roasting, then set aside.
• In a large bowl, add mayonnaise, cooked pasta, corn, lime juice, crumbled cotija cheese, chili powder, and smoked paprika, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Then stir well to coat everything evenly.
• Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors blend.
• Before serving, garnish with extra cotija cheese, fresh cilantro, and a sprinkle of smoked paprika if preferred. Enjoy!

Video

Notes

1. Use short pasta like rotini, penne, or bowtie for the best texture.
2. I pan-roasted corn kernels, but you can also grill or broil corn on the cob.
3. This salad tastes even better after chilling for at least 30 minutes.

 

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 7gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 3.5gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 220mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3g

Keyword BBQ side dish, Easy Recipes, salad, Street corn pasta

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