If you’re searching for a dish that brings a burst of flavor, vibrant colors, and a fun twist on a beloved street food, you have to try this Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe. Imagine all the bold, tangy, and creamy goodness of classic Mexican street corn, tossed together with tender pasta and a zippy dressing—it’s absolutely irresistible and perfect for potlucks, BBQs, or lively family dinners. You get pops of sweet corn, a little spice, lots of freshness, and every bite delivers the satisfying appeal of comfort food with a festive flair.

Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe is in its carefully chosen, easy-to-find ingredients. Each one brings a special pop of flavor, from creamy richness to crunchy freshness and smoky-sweet undertones. Gather these simple essentials, and you’re on your way to a showstopper salad!

Pasta (elbow, rotini, or bowtie): The perfect foundation; these noodle shapes hold the creamy dressing and all those tasty bits of corn and cheese.
Corn kernels (grilled, canned, or thawed frozen): The star of the show; for extra flavor, try grilled or charred corn for that classic street corn sweetness and smoky vibe.
Cotija cheese (crumbled): This salty, crumbly cheese adds richness and a signature street corn tang.
Mayonnaise: Provides the creamy backbone for the dressing and makes everything luscious and smooth.
Sour cream: Adds tang and balances the richness—Greek yogurt works as a lighter alternative.
Lime juice: Bright, zesty acidity wakes up the whole salad and cuts through the creaminess beautifully.
Garlic (minced): A subtle bite that infuses the dressing with robust flavor.
Chili powder: Brings a gentle heat and that unmistakable “elote” flair.
Smoked paprika: Adds a hint of smokiness; it’s the secret to depth in the dressing.
Salt & black pepper: Essential seasonings for boosting every flavor in this bowl.
Red onion (finely diced): Adds crunch and sharpness, keeping each bite interesting.
Jalapeño (seeded and minced): A little kick; adjust to your heat preference, or skip for a milder salad.
Fresh cilantro (chopped): Herby vibrance that makes the dish taste sunny and fresh.
Lime wedges (optional): For squeezing over the top and a pretty presentation.

How to Make Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe

Step 1: Cook and Cool the Pasta

Start by boiling your pasta of choice according to the package directions until it’s just al dente—you want it tender but still slightly chewy, so it holds up in the salad! After draining, rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process and keep the noodles separate. Set them aside to cool completely; this ensures the dressing clings perfectly when you combine everything later.

Step 2: Mix Up the Creamy Dressing

In a big mixing bowl (big enough to hold your final salad!), whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, minced garlic, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. This is the soul of your Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe, so don’t rush it—make sure everything is smooth and evenly blended for the most luscious coating.

Step 3: Add the Veggies and Cheese

To the dressing bowl, add your cooled pasta, juicy corn kernels, crumbled cotija cheese, finely diced red onion, minced jalapeño, and chopped fresh cilantro. Each ingredient brings its own texture and punch, turning the salad into a true fiesta of flavors and colors. Toss everything until every noodle is gleaming with creamy, spiced dressing and the mix-ins are well distributed.

Step 4: Chill and Let the Flavors Mingle

Transfer the combined salad to the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 30 minutes. This step is key for the Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe because it gives the flavors a chance to mingle, deepen, and develop. When it’s time to serve, your pasta salad will be zingy, harmonious, and absolutely crave-worthy.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Just before serving, give your salad a quick toss and then, for extra flair, top with more crumbled cotija, a dusting of chili powder, a bit of fresh cilantro, or a few lime wedges for squeezing. The pops of color and flavor send this salad over the top and make every bowlful extra inviting.

How to Serve Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe

Garnishes

For that wow factor, I love sprinkling extra cotija cheese on top, a shower of chopped cilantro, and an extra pinch of chili powder. Add some lime wedges on the side for anyone who wants even more citrusy zing—these little touches make a big impact both for flavor and presentation!

Side Dishes

This Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe pairs beautifully with grilled meats like chicken or steak, juicy burgers, or veggie tacos. It plays well with other summer staples like watermelon, chips and salsa, or even a simple green salad. The cool, creamy, zesty notes complement almost any BBQ or picnic spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving individual portions in small mason jars for a picnic-friendly option, or pile it onto a big platter and top with extra garnishes for potlucks. You can even use small cups for a fun appetizer-style serving. For a twist, serve it inside roasted bell pepper halves for a colorful and edible bowl!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay delicious and fresh for up to 3 days. Give the salad a good toss before serving again to redistribute the dressing and flavors; sometimes the pasta can soak up some of the moisture as it sits.

Freezing

While it might be tempting, freezing this Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe isn’t ideal—the creamy dressing can separate and the texture of the pasta and fresh veggies might get a bit mushy when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of making.

Reheating

No reheating needed! This salad shines when it’s served chilled or at cool room temperature. If you want to revive it after a day in the fridge, add a splash of lime juice or a little extra dressing to bring back that just-made creaminess.

FAQs

Can I make the Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe in advance?

Absolutely! It’s actually best if you prepare it a few hours ahead, which allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just add fresh garnish before serving for the best texture and color.

What pasta shape works best for this salad?

Choose a short, sturdy pasta like rotini, bowtie, or elbow macaroni. These shapes do a great job of catching all the creamy dressing and chunks of corn, cheese, and veggies in every bite.

Is there a way to make this salad lighter?

Definitely—instead of full-fat sour cream and mayo, try substituting Greek yogurt for part or all of either. The salad stays creamy and satisfying but with a lighter feel.

What can I use if I can’t find cotija cheese?

If cotija isn’t available, feta is a great stand-in thanks to its salty, crumbly qualities. You can also use queso fresco or even a touch of grated parmesan in a pinch.

How spicy is this Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe?

The salad has a gentle kick from the jalapeño and chili powder, but you can adjust the spice to your taste. For less heat, skip the jalapeño or remove all the seeds. For more, add extra chili powder or leave in some seeds!

Final Thoughts

Ready to wow your family and friends? This Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe is truly one of those dishes that turns any gathering into a celebration. It’s easy to make, full of personality, and just plain delicious. Dive in, make it your own, and enjoy every creamy, zesty bite—happy cooking!

Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 6 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Street Corn Pasta Salad recipe is a delightful fusion of flavors, combining pasta with grilled corn, cotija cheese, and a zesty dressing. Perfect for summer gatherings or as a side dish for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

12 oz pasta (elbow, rotini, or bowtie)

Corn Mixture:

2 cups corn kernels (grilled, canned, or thawed frozen)
1 cup cotija cheese (crumbled)
½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup sour cream
juice of 1 lime
1 clove garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ cup red onion (finely diced)
1 jalapeño (seeded and minced)
½ cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
lime wedges for serving (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside to cool.
Prepare the dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, garlic, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Combine ingredients: Add the cooled pasta, corn, cotija cheese, red onion, jalapeño, and cilantro to the bowl. Toss until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
Chill and serve: Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional cheese, cilantro, or lime wedges if desired.