The perfect blend of smoky, creamy, and tangy, this Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad brings a bold street food flavor to your table in the form of a chilled, satisfying pasta dish. Inspired by the beloved flavors of elote, this salad delivers roasted corn, zesty lime, chili spice, and salty cotija cheese wrapped in a cool, creamy dressing that’s irresistibly delicious.
This dish is a crowd-pleaser at potlucks, BBQs, or weekday lunches. With its vibrant mix of textures and colors, it’s not only visually appealing but also incredibly easy to prepare. Pair it with grilled meats, serve it as a vegetarian main, or pack it up for a picnic—either way, this flavorful twist on traditional pasta salad is destined to become a staple in your kitchen.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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8 oz (about 2½ cups) cooked pasta (elbow, rotini, or bow tie)
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1½ cups corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen and thawed)
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1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
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1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
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1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
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1/2 cup cotija cheese, crumbled (or feta)
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1/2 cup mayonnaise
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1/4 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
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2 tablespoons lime juice
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1 teaspoon chili powder
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1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
Directions:
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Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside.
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If using fresh corn, grill or sauté it until slightly charred. Otherwise, skip to step 3.
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In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, corn, red bell pepper, red onion, cilantro, and cotija cheese.
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In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
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Pour the creamy dressing over the pasta mixture and toss to combine until evenly coated.
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Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.
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Garnish with extra cotija, chili powder, and cilantro before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal per serving | Servings: 4
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad – A Flavor-Packed Twist on a Classic Favorite
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a vibrant, flavorful side dish that fuses the beloved flavors of traditional Mexican elote with the comfort and heartiness of pasta salad. This dish is not only visually appealing with its medley of colors and textures, but also offers an irresistible balance of creamy, tangy, spicy, and savory elements. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner, attending a summer cookout, or looking for a show-stopping potluck recipe, this salad fits the bill perfectly.
The Inspiration Behind the Recipe
The heart of this dish lies in the world-famous Mexican street corn—also known as elote. Elote is typically served hot, slathered in mayonnaise or crema, sprinkled with chili powder, and topped with cotija cheese and a squeeze of lime. This street food favorite is a staple in Mexican cuisine and adored for its rich combination of flavors and textures. In this pasta salad, those same signature elements are transformed into a chilled and refreshing dish that is as delicious as it is convenient.
By incorporating al dente pasta, this recipe takes the classic elote concept and turns it into a more substantial, portable, and make-ahead-friendly option. It’s ideal for gatherings and offers a taste experience that is familiar yet excitingly new.
Why You’ll Love This Salad
There’s something deeply satisfying about this Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad. The creamy dressing clings to each piece of pasta and corn kernel, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. The lime juice brightens the dish, the chili powder adds a gentle kick, and the cotija cheese lends a salty depth that ties everything together. It’s bold and refreshing, with a delightful contrast between creamy and crunchy components.
Not only is it delicious, but it’s also incredibly versatile. You can enjoy it warm, at room temperature, or chilled—making it ideal for meal prep, leftovers, or serving at outdoor events. It’s easy to adapt for dietary preferences too: substitute the mayonnaise with vegan mayo, use Greek yogurt for a tangier, protein-rich base, or go gluten-free by swapping the pasta with a rice- or chickpea-based alternative.
Perfect for Any Occasion
This salad is an excellent option for a variety of occasions. Its festive look and bold flavor make it a favorite at barbecues, family reunions, and summer parties. The creamy base ensures it pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like chicken, ribs, or steak, while also standing strong as a vegetarian main when served with avocado slices or black beans.
In a lunchbox, it’s satisfying and energizing, giving you just the right amount of carbs and flavor to power through the day. For picnics, its sturdy texture holds up well, and you won’t have to worry about it becoming soggy or bland as it sits. In fact, the flavors meld beautifully as it chills, often tasting even better the next day.
Customizing the Flavor Profile
While the base recipe is delicious as is, it also invites creativity. If you love spice, you can add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. Craving more protein? Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or black beans. Want it even zestier? A splash of Tajín or extra lime juice will do the trick. For a sweet note, consider adding grilled pineapple or mango chunks to contrast with the chili-lime base.
Vegetable lovers can toss in cherry tomatoes, diced cucumbers, or shredded cabbage for added crunch and nutrition. You can also play around with the herbs—cilantro is the classic choice, but fresh parsley or green onions work well too.
A Nutrient-Rich Side with Balance
Despite its creamy texture and indulgent flavor, Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad can be quite balanced. Corn provides fiber and natural sweetness, while bell peppers and onions add antioxidants and crunch. The lime juice offers vitamin C and a refreshing tang. Using Greek yogurt or light sour cream can cut calories while boosting protein content.
Adding whole-grain or legume-based pasta can further elevate the nutritional profile, giving you complex carbs, fiber, and plant-based protein. You can also make this dish low-fat or dairy-free with simple substitutions, without sacrificing its signature flavor.
Tips for Best Results
To get the most out of this dish, here are a few expert tips:
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Use freshly grilled corn if possible – the char adds an irresistible smoky depth. If not available, frozen or canned corn will still work beautifully.
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Rinse the pasta in cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.
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Let the salad chill for at least 30 minutes before serving – this allows the flavors to meld and the texture to set.
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Add cheese just before serving to maintain its crumbly texture and freshness.
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Toss with a bit of extra lime juice before serving if it’s been sitting in the fridge to refresh the flavor.
Great for Meal Prep and Leftovers
This salad stores exceptionally well in the fridge for 3–4 days, making it a wonderful make-ahead option. It’s also ideal for batch cooking, as the flavors only deepen over time. You can portion it out for lunchboxes, use it as a base for power bowls, or toss it with greens for an even lighter variation.
If you find the salad has thickened in the fridge, simply stir in a spoonful of yogurt or lime juice before serving to bring back its original creamy consistency.
A Dish That Sparks Conversation
This pasta salad isn’t just a dish—it’s a conversation starter. It sparks curiosity and compliments from guests, especially those unfamiliar with Mexican-style street corn. It’s different, memorable, and incredibly satisfying, making it one of those go-to recipes you’ll be asked to make again and again.
It also bridges culinary cultures in a way that feels natural and delicious. You’re blending Italian pasta with Mexican street food flavors—a celebration of fusion cuisine at its finest.
Conclusion
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is more than just a side—it’s a flavor experience. Its combination of creamy dressing, sweet corn, tangy lime, smoky chili, and crumbly cheese wrapped around tender pasta creates a dish that’s as comforting as it is exciting. Whether you’re looking to impress guests, elevate your weekly meal prep, or just try something new, this salad delivers every single time.
What makes it truly special is how easily it adapts to your needs. Want it vegetarian? Done. Need it gluten-free? No problem. Love spice? Bring the heat. It’s a salad that grows with you, evolves with your cravings, and satisfies every time.
If you’re seeking a vibrant, crowd-pleasing recipe that balances bold flavor with creamy comfort, Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad deserves a spot in your recipe collection. Make it once, and it might just become your new go-to favorite.