Street Corn Pasta Salad

Summer’s here, and it’s time to elevate your potluck, BBQ, or casual weeknight dinner with a vibrant, flavor-packed dish: Street Corn Pasta Salad! Inspired by the smoky tang of Mexican elote from Elote King Atlanta’s signature offerings, this pasta salad brings together buttery roasted corn, al dente noodles, fresh herbs, crisp veggies, and a creamy-lime dressing. It’s bold enough to be a star side—or if you’re really feeling it—turns into a light main course.

Why You’ll Love It

• Bold, Summer Flavors – The recipe celebrates seasonal corn with a smoky char, fragrant lime, and chili seasoning reminiscent of our Elote Remy and Esquite.

• Make-Ahead & Crowd-Pleasing – Prep it in advance and serve it chilled, at room temp, or lightly warmed. Great for gatherings or healthy meal prep.

• Allergen-Friendly – Naturally gluten-free (use GF pasta), vegetarian, and adaptable for vegan, dairy-free, or spicy lovers.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Step-by-Step:

1. Cook Pasta

• Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain, rinse briefly under cold water, and toss with a drizzle of neutral oil to keep it from clumping.

2. Roast the Corn

• Preheat a grill, grill pan, or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.

• Toss corn with a tbsp of oil and season lightly with salt and pepper.

• Roast for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the kernels get golden and slightly charred—infusing that street-corn smokiness.

• Tip: Frozen corn works great—just thaw and pat dry thoroughly first.

3. Whip Up the Dressing

• In a large bowl, whisk together mayo, sour cream or yogurt, lime juice and zest, honey/agave (if using), smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Adjust for creamy, tangy balance.

4. Combine All Ingredients

• Add roasted corn, pasta, bell pepper, onion or scallions, jalapeño, herbs, and cheese into the bowl with dressing. Gently fold to coat everything evenly.

5. Chill & Serve

• Let the salad chill for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld. Serve garnished with extra cilantro, a crumble of cheese, and a sprinkling of smoked paprika. A drizzle of lime juice before serving adds a fresh pop.

Variations to Make It Your Own

• Spicy Street Corn Pasta Salad – Swap smoked paprika for chipotle powder or cayenne, and retain jalapeño seeds.

• Vegan / Dairy-Free – Use vegan mayo, plant-based yogurt, and your favorite non-dairy cheese.

• Mexican Street Corn Salad Twist – Stir in black beans, diced avocado, or pico de gallo for texture and color.

• Protein-Packed Power Bowl – Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a hearty meal.

Kitchen Tips & Tricks

1. Cook Pasta Once – Multitask by cooking pasta while roasting corn to save time.

2. Even Charring – Shake the pan often; keep the corn moving.

3. Flavor Melding – The salad tastes best after chilling for 1–2 hours.

4. Make-Ahead Friendly – Store in an airtight container up to 3 days in the fridge. If it dries out, stir in a splash of lime juice or extra mayo to refresh.

5. Keep It Fresh – Add avocado just before serving to avoid browning.

Who Is This For?

• Party Hosts & Caterers: A visually stunning side that pairs well with grilled proteins or other Mexican street food—perfect for hot potlucks.

• Busy Families: Full of fresh veggies and protein, it’s a quick lunch or dinner addition.

• Meal Preppers & Vegetarian Dieters: Reheats well and packs nutrition in each bite.

What to Pair It With

• Beverages: Light and herbal Mexican beers, fruity sangria, watermelon agua fresca, or classic horchata.

• Mains: Grilled shrimp tacos, carne asada, roasted chicken, or easy street corn cups.

• Sides: Reheated elote, guacamole with chips, cactus salad, or grilled pineapple.

Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe

Serves: 8–10

Prep Time: 15 min • Cook Time: 10 min • Rest Time: 30–60 min

Ingredients:

• 12 oz pasta (rotini, fusilli, or shells)

• 3 cups fresh/frozen corn kernels

• 1 tbsp neutral oil

• 1 cup diced red pepper

• ½ cup chopped red onion or scallions

• 1 jalapeño, seeded & finely chopped (optional)

• ¼ cup cilantro (+ extra for garnish)

• 1 cup queso fresco or feta

• ¾ cup mayo (dairy-free if desired)

• ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt

• Juice & zest of 2 limes

• 1 tbsp honey/agave (optional)

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• ½ tsp ground cumin

• Salt & pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta until al dente, drain, rinse with cold water, toss with oil.

2. Roast corn in a hot pan with oil until golden and charred (~6–8 min).

3. Whisk together mayo, sour cream, lime juice/zest, honey, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.

4. Combine pasta, corn, veggies, herbs, and cheese in dressing. Mix well.

5. Chill 30+ minutes, then garnish and serve.

Nutrition Estimates (per 1-cup serving)

• Calories: ~270 kcal

• Fat: 15 g (7 g saturated fat — reduce by using low-fat/dairy-free yogurt or cheese)

• Carbs: 30 g (fiber-rich corn and pasta)

• Protein: 6 g (add black beans, shrimp, or grilled chicken to boost)

Final Thoughts

Street Corn Pasta Salad brings the joy of Mexican street food to your table—bright, creamy, smoky, and so easy to make. Whether you’re lounging by the pool, attending a potluck, or craving something fresh and vibrant, this dish hits all the right notes. Let it be your new summer obsession.

FAQ: Street Corn Pasta Salad

1. What is street corn pasta salad?
Street corn pasta salad is a fusion dish combining Mexican elote (grilled corn with mayo, lime, and cheese) with pasta, vegetables, and creamy dressing.

2. Can I make street corn pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes, it’s best made ahead and chilled for at least 30 minutes. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days.

3. What kind of corn is best for street corn salad?
Fresh corn on the cob is best for flavor, but frozen or canned corn works too. Char the kernels for an authentic taste.

4. How do I make this salad vegan or dairy-free?
Use vegan mayo, plant-based sour cream, and dairy-free cheese or tofu to make it completely vegan.

5. What pasta works best for this recipe?
Short pasta shapes like rotini, shells, or fusilli hold the dressing well and are ideal for pasta salads.

6. Can I add protein to street corn pasta salad?
Yes, add grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, or black beans to turn it into a full meal.

7. How spicy is street corn pasta salad?
It has mild heat from paprika and jalapeño, but you can adjust spiciness by adding or omitting hot ingredients.