Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad – A Flavorful Twist on a Classic

If you’re a fan of bold flavors, vibrant colors, and creamy textures, you’re going to love this Street Corn Pasta Salad. This dish is a delightful fusion of Mexican street corn (elotes) and classic pasta salad, resulting in a creamy, tangy, slightly spicy side that’s perfect for barbecues, potlucks, or family dinners.

Whether you’re looking for a new take on a summer staple or a crowd-pleasing side dish for taco night, this Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad recipe has you covered.

Why You’ll Love This Street Corn Pasta Salad

This isn’t your average pasta corn salad. It’s inspired by traditional elote, Mexican-style grilled corn slathered with mayonnaise, cotija cheese, lime, and chili powder. By combining these flavors with pasta, you get a refreshing and satisfying salad that’s rich, zesty, and smoky.

What sets this elote corn pasta salad apart?

Grilled or roasted corn brings a smoky sweetness.
A creamy chili-lime dressing ties everything together.
Fresh cilantro, lime juice, and a sprinkle of cheese add a perfect finishing touch.
It’s versatile—serve it warm or chilled.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need for this Mexican corn pasta salad recipe:

Pasta (elbow, rotini, or shells work best)
Grilled or roasted corn (fresh or frozen)
Mayonnaise and sour cream or Greek yogurt
Fresh lime juice
Chili powder and smoked paprika
Cotija cheese or feta
Fresh cilantro
Garlic, salt, and pepper

You can also mix in diced red onions, jalapeños, or cherry tomatoes to personalize the dish.

How to Make Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

This street corn pasta salad recipe comes together in under 30 minutes.

Cook the pasta: Boil your favorite short pasta, then drain and let it cool.
Prepare the corn: Grill or roast the corn until charred, then slice off the kernels.
Make the dressing: Whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, garlic, and spices.
Combine everything: Toss the pasta, corn, dressing, and cheese together.
Garnish: Top with cilantro, more cheese, and a sprinkle of chili powder.

For full instructions and more summer recipes, visit our blog section.

Tips for the Best Street Corn Pasta

Use fresh grilled corn if possible for that authentic elote flavor. But roasted or even canned corn works in a pinch.
Let the salad chill for at least 30 minutes to let flavors develop.
Add diced avocado or crumbled bacon for extra richness.
Use gluten-free pasta to make it celiac-friendly.

If you’re interested in a lighter version without mayo, check out our Mango Elote Corn Salad — it’s a tangy, refreshing twist perfect for summer.

Variations to Try

There are many ways to enjoy pasta salad with corn. Here are some fun takes:

Street Corn Macaroni Salad: Use elbow macaroni for a picnic-style vibe.
Grilled Corn Pasta Salad: Charred corn adds extra smokiness.
Roasted Corn Pasta Salad: Roast corn in the oven with butter and chili for depth of flavor.
Mexican Street Corn Macaroni Salad: Swap sour cream with crema for an authentic touch.

Whatever you call it — pasta and corn salad, elotes pasta salad, or Mexican street corn pasta — it’s guaranteed to impress.

Serving Ideas

This corn pasta salad recipe pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, tacos, or even a simple rotisserie chicken. It’s also great as a vegetarian main when served in larger portions.

Want to spice it up? Add a drizzle of hot sauce or some pickled jalapeños for heat lovers.

Storing Your Street Corn Pasta Salad

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Stir before serving, and consider adding a splash of lime juice to freshen it up.

FAQs

1. Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, it tastes even better after chilling for a few hours. Just stir before serving.

2. What type of pasta is best for this salad?
Short pasta like rotini, shells, or macaroni holds the dressing well and makes for easier eating.

3. Can I use canned or frozen corn?
Yes, but grilled or roasted corn will give you the best flavor.

4. How spicy is this salad?
It has a mild kick from chili powder, but you can adjust the spice level to your preference.

5. Is this dish vegetarian?
Yes! It’s completely vegetarian unless you choose to add meat or bacon.

6. Can I add protein?
Absolutely—grilled chicken, shrimp, or black beans are great additions.

7. How do I make it dairy-free?
Use a dairy-free mayo and skip the cheese, or use a vegan alternative.

Final Thoughts

This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is more than just a side — it’s a star in its own right. Bursting with flavor, easy to prepare, and perfect for every occasion, it’s a must-try dish this season.

Ready to bring bold flavors to your table? Try this corn in pasta salad at your next gathering, and you’ll be asked for the recipe again and again.