Fiesta-Fresh Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe

Summer barbecues come alive with a delightful Mexican street corn pasta salad that blends tangy, creamy flavors in every bite.

Elote-inspired ingredients dance through this colorful dish, creating a mouthwatering experience for taste buds craving bold southwestern notes.

Fresh corn kernels and zesty lime juice add brightness to each forkful of perfectly cooked pasta.

Crisp cilantro and crumbled cotija cheese provide authentic Mexican street food flair to this crowd-pleasing recipe.

The combination of smoky, sweet, and sharp flavors makes this salad an instant hit at any gathering.

Chilled and packed with robust seasonings, this pasta salad promises to be the star of your next outdoor meal.

You’ll want to savor every delicious spoonful of this irresistible summer sensation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 310 kcal

Servings: 6

Inside the Pantry for Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

• Pasta: Provides hearty foundation, choose short shapes like rotini or shells that hold sauce well.
• Corn: Brings signature Mexican street corn flavor, fresh or frozen work perfectly for smoky sweetness.

• Red Bell Pepper: Adds vibrant color and crisp texture, select firm peppers with bright, glossy skin.
• Red Onion: Delivers sharp bite and beautiful purple hue, soak in cold water to reduce intense flavor.
• Jalapeno: Introduces optional spicy kick, remove seeds for milder heat.

• Mayonnaise, Sour Cream: Creates rich, smooth base, choose full-fat versions for best flavor.
• Lime Juice: Provides bright, zesty freshness, roll lime before squeezing to release more juice.
• Chili Powder, Smoked Paprika, Cumin: Blend authentic Mexican spice profile, use fresh ground spices for maximum flavor.

• Cilantro: Adds fresh herbaceous note, chop just before using to maintain brightness.
• Cotija or Feta Cheese: Delivers salty, crumbly texture, authentic cotija offers most traditional taste.
• Tajin or Extra Chili Powder: Optional garnish for extra zing.
• Lime Wedges: Provides optional fresh citrus boost.

Cooking Equipment for Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

• Large Pot: Perfect for boiling pasta to al dente perfection.
• Colander: Essential for draining and rinsing pasta quickly.
• Skillet: Great for charring corn kernels to golden deliciousness.
• Whisk: Needed to blend dressing ingredients smoothly.
• Small Bowl: Ideal for mixing dressing ingredients.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Crucial for combining all salad components.
• Cutting Board: Necessary for chopping veggies and herbs.
• Sharp Knife: Required for precise vegetable and herb preparation.

Making It Happen for Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

• Boil Pasta Brilliantly

Toss your pasta into a rolling boil of salted water, cooking until perfectly tender. Drain and rinse with cool water to stop cooking, then let it chill while you prep other ingredients.

• Char Corn Kernels

Fire up a skillet or grill and toast corn kernels until they develop gorgeous golden-brown edges, releasing a smoky sweetness that’ll make your taste buds dance.

• Whip Up Zesty Dressing

Blend mayonnaise, sour cream, fresh lime juice, and a sprinkle of spices in a bowl. Stir until smooth, creating a creamy sauce that’ll make this salad sing with flavor.

• Mix Magic Together

Combine your cooled pasta, charred corn, crisp bell peppers, zingy red onions, fresh cilantro, and crumbly cheese in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle the creamy dressing and toss everything together until each bite is perfectly coated.

• Chill and Delight

Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes, letting the flavors mingle and meld. Before serving, add a final sprinkle of cheese and a squeeze of lime for an extra burst of excitement.

Helpful Notes for Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

• Corn Charring Pro: Achieve a smoky, street-style flavor by getting nice char marks on corn kernels using a cast-iron skillet or grill pan for maximum caramelization.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare this salad a day in advance to let flavors develop and intensify, making it perfect for potlucks and summer gatherings.
• Protein Power-Up: Add grilled chicken, shredded rotisserie chicken, or black beans to transform this side dish into a complete protein-packed meal for heartier appetites.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Swap cotija cheese with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese crumbles, and use dairy-free mayo and sour cream alternatives to create a plant-based version that doesn't compromise on traditional Mexican street corn flavors.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust heat by removing jalapeno seeds for a milder version or adding extra chili powder and cayenne for those who love a spicier kick to their pasta salad.

How to Serve It for Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

• Fiesta-Ready Serving Ideas
• Backyard BBQ Buddy: Pair this zesty pasta salad with grilled chicken, steak, or shrimp for a complete Mexican-inspired meal that'll steal the show at your next outdoor gathering.
• Picnic Perfect Companion: Pack this colorful dish in a portable container for beach trips, park lunches, or potluck parties – it travels like a champ and tastes even better after marinating.
• Tailgate Touchdown Treat: Serve alongside classic cookout favorites like burgers and hot dogs, adding a vibrant and flavorful twist that'll have everyone coming back for seconds.
• Taco Night Sidekick: Transform your regular taco spread by including this pasta salad as a fresh, creamy alternative to traditional sides, bringing extra excitement to the dinner table.

Storing Suggestions for Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

• Flavor Lock-In: Refrigerate the pasta salad in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss. Keep for 3-4 days, ensuring maximum taste and texture.
• Quick Refresh Trick: Before serving leftovers, stir in a tiny splash of lime juice and extra cheese to revive the salad's vibrant flavors and restore its creamy consistency.
• Smart Meal Prep Strategy: Prepare components separately and combine just before serving to keep ingredients crisp. Store dressing, chopped vegetables, and cooked pasta in separate containers for optimal quality.
• Temperature Control Tip: Always keep the salad chilled between 40-45°F to prevent bacterial growth and maintain food safety. Use a cooler or ice pack when transporting to picnics or outdoor gatherings.

Vibrant Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Savory Mexican street corn pasta salad blends zesty flavors of grilled corn, creamy cotija cheese, and tangy lime dressing. Summer gatherings welcome this colorful side dish that brings southwestern flair to your table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 cups (250 g) pasta (rotini, penne, or bowtie)
• 2 cups (300 g) corn kernels (fresh or frozen, grilled or roasted)
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• ½ red onion, finely diced
• ¼ cup (30 g) cilantro, chopped
• ¼ cup (30 g) cotija or feta cheese, crumbled
• 1 jalapeno, diced (optional)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ⅓ cup (80 ml / 2.7 fl oz) mayonnaise
• ⅓ cup (80 ml / 2.7 fl oz) sour cream or Greek yogurt
• ¼ cup (60 ml / 2 fl oz) lime juice (about 2 limes)
• 1 tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ¼ tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Extra cotija or feta cheese (optional)
• Lime wedges (optional)
• Tajin or extra chili powder (optional)

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Cook pasta to perfect al dente texture, then rapidly cool under cold water to halt cooking process and prevent overcooking. Drain completely.
2. Corn Transformation: Skillfully char corn kernels in a hot skillet or grill pan, creating caramelized edges that unlock deep, smoky flavor profiles. Cool kernels to ambient temperature.
3. Flavor Fusion: Whisk together a vibrant dressing combining mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, and a harmonious blend of spices – chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, and garlic. Calibrate seasoning with salt and pepper for balanced taste.
4. Ingredient Symphony: Merge cooled pasta with roasted corn, crimson bell pepper, ruby-hued red onion, verdant cilantro, crumbled cotija cheese, and optional fiery jalapeno for an electrifying kick.
5. Dressing Integration: Delicately drizzle prepared dressing over mixed components, gently folding to ensure every morsel receives luxurious coating without compromising pasta’s structural integrity.
6. Flavor Maturation: Chill salad for a minimum of 30 minutes, allowing ingredients to harmonize and intensify. Just before serving, embellish with extra cotija, dust with Tajin or chili powder, and garnish with lime wedges for a zesty, eye-catching presentation.

Notes

• Optimize Pasta Texture: Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent mushiness, immediately rinse with cold water to stop cooking process and maintain firm, springy texture.
• Master Corn Charring: Use high heat when roasting corn kernels, allowing slight blackening for deep, smoky flavor without burning, which creates bitter undertones.
• Balance Creamy Dressing: Whisk dressing ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution of spices, adjusting seasoning gradually for perfect tangy-spicy balance.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for lighter version, use gluten-free pasta for celiac-friendly option, or replace cotija with vegan cheese alternative for plant-based diet compatibility.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg