Zesty Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe: A Fiesta in a Bowl

Summer barbecues come alive with this mouthwatering mexican street corn pasta salad that blends zesty flavors and fresh ingredients.

Creamy, tangy, and packed with smoky notes, the dish captures the essence of street food in every delightful bite.

Sweet corn kernels dance with perfectly cooked pasta, creating a symphony of textures and tastes.

Grilled corn adds a charred depth that elevates the entire experience.

Lime juice and cilantro bring a bright, refreshing kick that makes this salad irresistible.

Crumbled cotija cheese sprinkled on top provides a salty finish that ties everything together.

Serve this crowd-pleasing recipe at your next gathering and watch everyone ask for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 7

Zesty Ingredients For Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

• Fusilli Pasta: Twisty pasta that perfectly catches creamy dressing and holds ingredients.
• Fresh Corn Kernels: Sweet, smoky flavor that brings authentic Mexican street food essence.
• Frozen Corn: Quick alternative with same vibrant taste and golden-charred potential.

• Red Bell Pepper: Adds crisp texture and bright color with subtle sweetness.
• Red Onion: Sharp bite that complements creamy dressing and provides zesty undertone.
• Jalapeno: Optional spicy kick for heat lovers, can be adjusted based on personal preference.
• Cilantro: Authentic Mexican herb that brings fresh, citrusy brightness to the dish.

• Mayonnaise: Provides smooth, rich base for the tangy dressing.
• Sour Cream: Adds creamy tang and helps balance spicy elements.
• Lime Juice: Brings bright, citrusy acidity that cuts through richness.
• Cotija Cheese, Feta Cheese: Salty, crumbly cheese that adds authentic Mexican street corn character.
• Chili Powder, Smoked Paprika, Cumin: Spice blend creating deep, complex Mexican-inspired flavor.
• Garlic: Aromatic base that enhances overall depth of the dressing.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and elevate all other ingredients.

Tools You’ll Need For Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

• Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining all ingredients and tossing the pasta salad evenly.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending the creamy, zesty dressing smoothly.
• Small Bowl: Great for mixing the dressing ingredients together.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping vegetables and herbs.
• Sharp Knife: Required for precise chopping of bell peppers, onions, and cilantro.
• Skillet: Used for charring corn kernels to add smoky flavor.
• Colander: Helps drain and rinse pasta after cooking.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions for the dressing.

Simple Steps For Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

• Boil Pasta Perfectly

Cook pasta until it’s tender but still has a slight bite. Rinse with cool water to stop cooking and keep it fresh and springy.

• Fire Up The Corn

Char corn kernels in a hot skillet or grill to unlock deep, smoky flavors. Let corn cool down to room temperature.

• Whip Up Zesty Dressing

Blend creamy mayo, tangy sour cream, zingy lime juice, and a mix of spicy seasonings. Create a sauce that’ll make taste buds dance.

• Mix Magic Together

Toss pasta with roasted corn, crunchy bell peppers, sharp red onions, fresh cilantro, and crumbly cheese. Drizzle dressing and fold everything together until each bite is coated with flavor.

• Chill and Delight

Refrigerate salad for a quick half-hour to let ingredients get acquainted. Before serving, sprinkle extra cheese and a dash of chili powder. Serve with lime wedges for a bright, citrusy kick.

Tips To Elevate Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

• Flavor-Boosting Corn Roasting: Deeply caramelize corn kernels on a hot grill or cast-iron skillet to enhance smoky, sweet undertones that elevate the entire pasta salad's depth of flavor.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare this dish up to 24 hours in advance, allowing spices and dressing to penetrate ingredients, creating an even more intense and harmonious taste profile.
• Dietary Flexibility: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free alternatives like chickpea or rice pasta for celiac-friendly versions. Replace dairy components with vegan mayo and plant-based cheese to accommodate vegetarian and vegan preferences.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust heat by removing jalapeno seeds for milder versions or adding extra chili powder and fresh hot peppers for heat lovers who crave bold, zesty flavors.
• Protein Power-Up: Incorporate grilled chicken, shredded rotisserie meat, black beans, or crispy tofu to transform this side dish into a complete, protein-packed meal perfect for summer gatherings or quick weeknight dinners.

How To Dish Out Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

• Fiesta Feast Pairings: A zesty pasta salad deserves equally bold companions.
• Summer Barbecue Star: Serve alongside grilled chicken, steak, or shrimp for a complete meal that screams backyard party vibes.
• Picnic Perfect Platter: Pack this colorful dish in a portable container for outdoor gatherings, potlucks, or beach days – it travels like a champ and keeps everyone happy.
• Taco Night Sidekick: Complement your Mexican-inspired dinner by placing this vibrant pasta salad next to tacos, quesadillas, or enchiladas for a flavor-packed spread that will impress your guests.

Keep Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Fresh

• Culinary Chill Strategy: Refrigerate the pasta salad in an airtight container for optimal flavor development and texture preservation.
• Flavor Boost Technique: Store dressing separately from salad ingredients to maintain crispness and prevent soggy textures when prepping ahead.
• Smart Timing Trick: Keep the salad fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring maximum taste and quality during storage.
• Ingredient Separation Secret: Keep cheese and fresh herbs separate until serving to prevent wilting and maintain vibrant colors and textures.

Vibrant Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

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

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Description

Creamy Mexican street corn pasta salad combines zesty flavors from traditional elote with hearty pasta. Fresh cilantro, cotija cheese, and chili powder elevate this crowd-pleasing summer side dish you’ll crave at picnics and potlucks.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Cook pasta in generously salted water until perfectly al dente, then shock in ice-cold water to cease cooking, ensuring optimal texture. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
2. Corn Transformation: Intensely char corn kernels in a scorching skillet or over open flame, developing rich smoky caramelization. Cool kernels completely before integrating into the salad mixture.
3. Dressing Alchemy: Craft a vibrant dressing by whisking mayonnaise, sour cream, fresh lime juice, and a medley of spices including chili powder, smoked paprika, and cumin. Season with salt and pepper, blending until silky smooth.
4. Ingredient Symphony: In a spacious mixing vessel, unite cooled pasta with roasted corn, crimson bell peppers, piquant red onion, verdant cilantro, crumbled cotija cheese, and optional fiery jalapeño slices.
5. Flavor Fusion: Drizzle prepared dressing over the salad components, gently folding to ensure comprehensive coating and harmonious flavor distribution.
6. Final Refinement: Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and intensify. Before presentation, garnish with additional cotija cheese and sprinkle Tajin or chili powder for an electrifying flavor profile.
7. Serving Suggestion: Present chilled or at room temperature, accompanied by zesty lime wedges to elevate the culinary experience.

Notes

• Char Corn Carefully: Use high heat and watch closely to get smoky caramelized edges without burning, rotating kernels frequently for even charring.
• Prevent Soggy Pasta: Rinse pasta with cold water immediately after cooking and drain thoroughly to stop cooking process and maintain perfect al dente texture.
• Balance Dressing Consistency: Whisk dressing ingredients gradually, adjusting mayo and sour cream ratio to achieve creamy yet light coating that doesn’t overwhelm pasta and vegetables.
• Customize Spice Levels: Modify heat by controlling jalapeño quantity or replacing with milder green chiles for sensitive palates while maintaining authentic Mexican street corn flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg