This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a deliciously creamy and flavorful dish that brings together the vibrant tastes of fresh corn, lime, and spicy chili powder, all wrapped in a cool, creamy sauce. The richness of mayonnaise and sour cream perfectly complements the smoky paprika and cotija cheese, making every bite irresistible.
Whether you’re serving it as a side at your summer BBQ, a potluck dish, or a quick weeknight dinner, this pasta salad is sure to impress. The combination of textures—soft pasta, crunchy corn, and creamy dressing—creates a delightful balance of flavor that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Plus, the flexibility of this recipe allows you to adjust the spice level and ingredients to suit your taste, making it both customizable and crowd-friendly.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
- 12 oz cooked pasta (such as rotini or penne)
- 2 cups fresh corn kernels (or 1 can of corn, drained)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup cotija cheese, crumbled
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
Directions:
- Cook pasta according to package instructions, then drain and rinse with cold water.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, corn kernels, mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
- Toss everything together until well coated.
- Season with salt, pepper, and hot sauce (if using) to taste.
- Stir in crumbled cotija cheese, cilantro, and parsley.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve cold and enjoy!
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad: A Flavorful Twist on a Classic Side Dish
Mexican street corn, or “Elote,” is a beloved snack sold by street vendors throughout Mexico. It features grilled corn on the cob slathered with creamy mayonnaise, tangy lime, spicy chili powder, and a sprinkle of crumbled cotija cheese. The flavors are bold, bright, and totally irresistible. But what happens when you take these classic ingredients and turn them into a pasta salad? You get a creamy, zesty, and refreshing dish that’s perfect for summer gatherings, barbecues, or even a quick weeknight meal.
This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad blends all the savory goodness of traditional Mexican street corn with the heartiness of pasta. It’s a dish that brings together the best of both worlds, combining textures and flavors that are sure to impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds.
The Origins of Mexican Street Corn
Mexican street corn, or “Elote,” has deep roots in Mexican culture. Vendors have been serving this iconic snack for decades, offering it to hungry pedestrians with a variety of toppings. The preparation involves grilling corn on the cob, smothering it with mayonnaise or crema, and seasoning it with chili powder and lime juice. Crumbled cotija cheese is typically sprinkled on top, providing a rich, salty contrast to the sweetness of the corn.
This combination of flavors has become so popular that it’s now found in various forms across restaurants, food trucks, and even grocery stores worldwide. With its unique balance of spicy, salty, and tangy notes, it’s no wonder that Mexican street corn has taken the food world by storm.
Why Turn Mexican Street Corn into a Pasta Salad?
Turning Mexican street corn into a pasta salad is a creative way to reimagine the classic dish for a different context. While traditional street corn is typically eaten as a handheld snack, pasta salad offers a more versatile and shareable option that works perfectly for gatherings and potlucks. By adding pasta to the mix, you also make the dish more filling and satisfying.
The beauty of this pasta salad lies in its adaptability. The creamy mayo-based dressing brings the same smooth texture found in traditional street corn, while the pasta provides an excellent base to carry all the flavors. The combination of fresh corn, cotija cheese, and spices transforms into a refreshing, savory salad that everyone will enjoy.
Flavor Profile and Texture
The flavor profile of Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is both exciting and comforting. The creamy mayonnaise and sour cream base of the dressing adds a cool, rich texture that coats the pasta and corn perfectly. The tanginess from lime juice balances out the richness, offering a refreshing burst of citrus with every bite. Chili powder and smoked paprika bring a delightful smoky and spicy kick to the dish, without overwhelming the other flavors.
The addition of cotija cheese provides a salty, crumbly contrast to the creaminess, enhancing the overall flavor and adding a deliciously cheesy element. Fresh cilantro and parsley offer a touch of herbaceous brightness, rounding out the dish with a light, green note.
The texture is just as important as the flavor. The pasta acts as a perfect vessel for all the creamy, tangy goodness, and the crunch of the fresh corn adds a delightful bite to the salad. The contrast between the soft pasta and the crisp corn kernels makes each forkful satisfying and texturally interesting.
Serving Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a versatile dish that can be served in many different settings. It’s a perfect side dish for summer barbecues, picnics, and outdoor parties. The dish pairs well with grilled meats, such as chicken, steak, or fish, and makes for an excellent accompaniment to tacos, fajitas, or even burritos.
Beyond casual gatherings, this pasta salad also works well for more formal occasions like holiday dinners or celebratory meals. It’s an ideal dish for potlucks or family reunions, where guests can help themselves and enjoy a hearty, flavorful side. Additionally, it can be served as a light, satisfying main dish for a vegetarian meal.
If you’re preparing this dish ahead of time, it’s easy to store in the fridge. The flavors will only improve as they meld together, so it’s an excellent make-ahead option. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.
Customizing Your Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
One of the great things about this recipe is how customizable it is. You can adjust the ingredients based on your personal preferences or what you have available. Here are a few ways to make this pasta salad your own:
- Protein Add-ins: You can turn this pasta salad into a more substantial meal by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or even black beans for a vegetarian option. These additions will complement the flavors of the dish and make it more filling.
- Spice Level: Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the amount of chili powder or hot sauce. If you prefer a milder version, you can omit the hot sauce altogether.
- Cheese Alternatives: If you can’t find cotija cheese, you can substitute it with crumbled feta or parmesan cheese. These options will still provide a similar salty, crumbly texture.
- Herb Variations: While cilantro and parsley are commonly used in this recipe, you can also try basil or green onions for a slightly different flavor.
- Vegan Version: For a dairy-free and vegan version, simply substitute the mayonnaise, sour cream, and cheese with vegan alternatives. There are plenty of plant-based versions of mayo and sour cream available that will work just as well in this recipe.
Storing and Reheating Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
If you have leftovers, Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad stores well in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days, making it perfect for meal prepping or enjoying as leftovers throughout the week.
When storing, the flavors will continue to meld together, so it may even taste better the next day. However, if you find the pasta absorbing too much of the dressing, you can always add a little extra mayo or sour cream to refresh it. Simply give it a good stir, and you’re good to go!
This dish is best served chilled, so make sure to give it time to chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Conclusion
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a fun, flavorful, and versatile dish that combines the rich and smoky flavors of Mexican street corn with the satisfying texture of pasta. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish at a barbecue or enjoying it as a light meal, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone.
With its creamy dressing, vibrant flavors, and customizable ingredients, this salad is a great way to bring a bit of Mexican flair to your table. It’s easy to make, easy to adjust, and will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation. The combination of creamy, tangy, and spicy notes makes this dish an unforgettable experience every time you make it. So, give it a try at your next gathering, and let the deliciousness unfold!