Discover the perfect blend of flavors with our Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad! Creamy, tangy, and packed with zesty goodness, it’s an easy side dish everyone will love.

Why you will love this recipe

Looking for a crowd-pleasing side dish that’s bursting with flavor? Our Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad combines the zesty tang of traditional elote with the comforting heartiness of pasta. t’s the perfect dish for summer barbecues, potlucks, or a quick family dinner. Packed with creamy dressing, smoky chili powder, fresh cilantro, and tangy cotija cheese, this salad is as versatile as it is delicious. Whether you’re hosting a party or craving something unique for your weeknight menu, this recipe offers the perfect balance of bold flavors and easy preparation. Prepare to impress your palate with this delectable meal!

At WikiDishes, food is our way of connecting with loved ones and celebrating culture, and this Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad holds a special place in our hearts. Inspired by the vibrant flavors of elote, this recipe captures the joy of gathering around a table filled with comforting, flavorful dishes. Whether it’s a sunny backyard barbecue or a casual family dinner, this salad brings a little fiesta to any occasion. It reminds us of those cherished moments spent savoring street food, where every bite is a celebration of flavor and tradition. We’re thrilled to present this recipe to you!

Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe Card

Recipe by tmane

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Calories

320

kcal

Ingredients

For the Salad :
12 oz elbow or rotini pasta
2 cups corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
1 cup cotija cheese, crumbled
1/2 cup red onion, diced
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
For the Dressing :
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1/3 cup sour cream
1/4 cup lime juice (about 2 limes)
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Cook the Pasta: Fill a big pot with water that has salt in it and bring it to a rapid boil. Prepare the pasta as directed on the package until it reaches an al dente texture. Strain the pasta and wash it under cold water to stop the cooking process.
Prepare the Corn: If using fresh corn, grill or sauté the kernels for a smoky flavor. Canned or frozen corn can be used as is or lightly toasted in a skillet.
Make the Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Combine the Ingredients: In a big mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, corn, cotija cheese, red onion, cilantro, and jalapeño (if you're using it). Pour the dressing over the mixture and gently stir to coat evenly.
Chill and Serve: Chill the salad for a minimum of 30 minutes prior to serving to allow the flavors to blend. Optionally, top it with additional cotija cheese and cilantro.

Notes

Substitutions: Swap cotija cheese with feta for a tangy twist or use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter option.
Variations: Add grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a main dish.
Storage: Keep it in a sealed container in the refrigerator for a maximum of 3 days. Stir well before serving.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

Serving Size: 1/6 of the recipe (150g)

Calories: 350

Macronutrients:

Total Fat

14g

18%

Saturated Fat

25%

Trans Fat

–

Cholesterol

30mg

10%

Sodium

620mg

27%

Total Carbohydrate

44g

16%

Dietary Fiber

12%

Sugars

–

Protein

18%

Key Vitamins and Minerals:

Vitamin D

0mcg

Calcium

80mg

Iron

2mg

11%

Potassium

340mg

Additional Notes

This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad offers a balanced blend of carbs, fats, and protein. The corn and lime provide a refreshing tang, while the cheese and pasta add a satisfying richness. Adjust seasoning to fit your preferences and enjoy as a flavorful side dish.

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may vary depending on your calorie needs.

Please note: The nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and preparation methods used.

FAQ

Is it possible to prepare this salad in advance?
Yes! Prepare the salad up to a day in advance but store the dressing separately. Combine them just prior to serving for optimal texture.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Short pasta like rotini, penne, or elbow works best because it holds the dressing and ingredients well.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
For more heat, keep the seeds in the jalapeño or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing.
Can I make this salad dairy-free?
Yes, use a dairy-free mayo and replace cotija cheese with a plant-based alternative or omit it entirely.
What other toppings can I add?
Try adding diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, or crispy bacon bits for extra flavor and texture.
Can I serve this warm?
While it’s typically served cold, you can enjoy it warm by skipping the chilling step. Warm pasta and corn create a deliciously comforting version of this dish.

Conclusion

We hope you’re as excited as we are to try this Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad! It’s the perfect dish to bring bold, fresh flavors to your table, whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a cozy meal at home. If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to share it with your friends and family on social media—they’ll thank you for it! Follow us on our social channels for more delicious recipes, tips, and inspiration. Let’s keep the love for great food going—start by whipping up this irresistible salad today. Your upcoming favorite meal is merely a click away!