Looking for a side dish that’s creamy, spicy, tangy, and absolutely unforgettable? Try Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad—a fusion of classic elote (Mexican street corn) and comforting pasta salad. This dish is perfect for BBQs, potlucks, weeknight dinners, or anytime you want to impress with minimal effort.
Inspired by the bold street food flavors of Mexico, this recipe features roasted corn, tender pasta, creamy dressing, a touch of chili, lime, and crumbled cotija cheese. It’s everything you love in Mexican corn, now pasta-powered!
📝 Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 cups cooked pasta (elbow, rotini, or penne)
- 1½ cups roasted or grilled corn (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- ½ cup mayo
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
- ½ cup crumbled cotija or feta cheese
- Optional: jalapeño, red onion, or diced avocado
👨🍳 How to Make Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad – Step by Step
✅ Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Boil the pasta until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking. Set aside to cool.
✅ Step 2: Prepare the Corn
If using fresh corn, grill or sauté until lightly charred for that signature smoky flavor. Canned or frozen corn works too—just drain and lightly toast in a skillet.
✅ Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a large bowl, whisk together:
- Mayo
- Sour cream
- Chili powder
- Lime juice
- Minced garlic
- Salt and pepper
This creamy base gives the salad its bold and zesty flavor.
✅ Step 4: Toss Everything Together
Add cooled pasta and corn to the dressing. Mix well until fully coated. Stir in chopped cilantro and cotija cheese.
✅ Step 5: Chill and Serve
Let the salad chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to blend and intensify.
Top with extra cheese, lime wedges, or jalapeños for a punch!
Read alos:-Thai Peanut Noodles: 7 Irresistible Reasons You’ll Love This Flavor-Packed Dish
🧠 LSI Keywords Used Naturally
- creamy corn pasta salad,
- elote pasta salad,
- summer side dish ideas,
- corn and pasta fusion,
- easy potluck recipes,
- zesty Mexican salad,
- grilled corn pasta mix,
🌮 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for hot weather and BBQs
- Budget-friendly and easy to make
- Can be made ahead and served cold
- Customizable with protein or veggies
- Vegetarian-friendly and crowd-pleasing
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I use canned corn?
Yes! Just drain and dry it before lightly toasting in a pan to mimic that roasted flavor.
Q2: Is there a dairy-free version?
Yes! Just drain and dry it before lightly toasting in a pan to mimic that roasted flavor.
Q3: Can I make it in advance?
Absolutely. It actually tastes better after chilling for a few hours!
Q4: What other add-ins work well?
Try diced avocado, red onion, black beans, or shredded chicken for extra texture and protein.
Q5: What pasta shape is best?
Short shapes like rotini, bowtie, or penne work great as they hold dressing and mix-ins well.
🎯 Final Thoughts
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a must-try twist on two beloved classics. With the creamy, spicy flair of elote and the comfort of pasta, this salad is easy to prepare and even easier to love. Whether you’re prepping a side dish or making it the star of the table, it’s guaranteed to wow your guests—and your taste buds.
