The magic of Mexican street corn meets the comfort of pasta in this flavor-packed salad! It’s a creamy, zesty, and slightly smoky dish that perfectly balances richness with bright lime and fresh herbs. Whether you’re prepping for a summer potluck or need a quick side dish for taco night, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
What makes this dish truly irresistible is the combination of grilled corn, creamy dressing, sharp Cotija cheese, and bold spices like chili powder and smoked paprika. It’s easy to customize—toss in some jalapeños for heat or green onions for crunch. Serve it chilled for a refreshing take on elote, or slightly warm for a heartier meal. Either way, it’s bound to become a favorite!
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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12 oz rotini or fusilli pasta
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1½ cups grilled or roasted corn (fresh, canned, or frozen)
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½ cup mayonnaise
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½ cup sour cream
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½ cup Cotija cheese, crumbled
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¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
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1 clove garlic, minced
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Juice of 1 lime
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1 teaspoon chili powder
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¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Optional: chopped green onions or diced jalapeños for garnish
Directions:
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Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool.
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If using fresh corn, grill or roast it until lightly charred, then slice kernels off the cob. If using frozen corn, thaw and sauté until lightly browned.
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In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, garlic, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
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Add cooked pasta, corn, Cotija cheese, and chopped cilantro to the bowl. Mix until well coated.
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Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
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Garnish with additional Cotija cheese, chili powder, cilantro, and optional jalapeños or green onions before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
The Origin and Inspiration Behind Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
Mexican Street Corn, or “Elote,” is a beloved street food classic across Mexico, cherished for its bold combination of smoky grilled corn, creamy mayonnaise or sour cream, tangy lime, spicy chili powder, and crumbly Cotija cheese. This recipe takes those iconic flavors and creatively reimagines them in the form of a pasta salad, offering a unique twist that marries traditional Mexican street food with a comforting, easy-to-make side dish. By integrating pasta, this dish becomes more substantial, making it perfect not just as a side but as a light main course or picnic offering.
The beauty of this pasta salad is its balance of flavors and textures. The sweetness of the grilled corn contrasts delightfully with the sharpness of Cotija cheese and the bright acidity of lime juice, while the creamy dressing binds everything together with a luscious mouthfeel. The subtle smoky notes from chili powder and smoked paprika give the dish its unmistakable Mexican flair.
Why This Recipe Works for Every Occasion
One of the most appealing features of this Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is its versatility. It’s an ideal dish for summertime gatherings, picnics, and barbecues, as it can be served cold or at room temperature and easily transported. The salad holds up well over time, making it a smart choice for meal prep or as part of a buffet spread.
Because it blends familiar pasta with bold Mexican flavors, it appeals to a wide range of palates, including those who might be hesitant about trying traditional elote on its own. It’s kid-friendly, yet sophisticated enough for foodies and party guests who crave something flavorful and different. You can serve it alongside grilled meats, tacos, or even enjoy it solo as a refreshing lunch or dinner.
The Nutritional Profile and Ingredient Benefits
This pasta salad brings together ingredients that offer not only great taste but also some nutritional perks. Corn is a naturally sweet vegetable high in fiber and antioxidants, which promote good digestion and help fight inflammation. The fresh lime juice adds a boost of vitamin C, essential for immune health and skin vitality.
The use of Cotija cheese adds calcium and protein, contributing to bone health and muscle maintenance. The creamy base of mayonnaise and sour cream brings richness but can be adjusted to lighter versions or substituted with Greek yogurt for a tangier, healthier alternative. Cilantro adds fresh herbal notes and contains vitamins A, K, and C, plus antioxidants.
While this salad is indulgent and creamy, you can customize it to suit your dietary needs by swapping out ingredients or adjusting quantities, making it a flexible dish for a variety of diets including vegetarian and gluten-free (when using gluten-free pasta).
Tips for Perfecting the Pasta Salad
To make this dish truly shine, there are a few helpful tips to keep in mind. First, cooking the pasta al dente is crucial—this means it should be firm to the bite and not mushy. This texture allows it to hold up better when mixed with the creamy dressing and prevents the salad from becoming soggy over time.
Grilling or roasting the corn is a key step that brings authentic smoky flavor and caramelized sweetness to the dish. If fresh corn isn’t available, frozen or canned corn can work, but to get that grilled essence, sauté the kernels in a hot pan until slightly charred.
When mixing the dressing, balancing the flavors is important. The lime juice should provide enough acidity to cut through the richness of the mayo and sour cream, while the chili powder and smoked paprika add depth without overpowering the fresh ingredients. Don’t forget to season generously with salt and pepper to enhance all the layers of flavor.
Finally, letting the salad chill for at least 30 minutes before serving allows the flavors to meld together beautifully and the pasta to soak up the dressing, giving you a harmonious bite every time.
Customization Ideas to Make It Your Own
This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a great foundation recipe that welcomes creativity. If you like more heat, add diced jalapeños, serranos, or a dash of cayenne pepper. For a smoky twist, toss in some chipotle powder instead of regular chili powder.
Adding diced avocado or a handful of toasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds) can provide extra creaminess and crunch, respectively. For a protein boost, grilled chicken, shrimp, or black beans make excellent companions.
Herbs like fresh oregano or even mint can be experimented with alongside the classic cilantro for different aromatic profiles. If you want a vegan version, swap out mayo and sour cream for plant-based alternatives and omit Cotija or use a vegan cheese substitute.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This pasta salad pairs wonderfully with Mexican-inspired dishes like grilled carne asada, shrimp tacos, or spicy black bean burgers. It’s also fantastic as part of a picnic spread with chips and guacamole or alongside a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
For a more casual approach, serve it with tortilla chips as a hearty dip or as a topping for baked potatoes. It’s equally delicious as a lunchbox meal, offering bright, comforting flavors that don’t require reheating.
Conclusion: Why This Recipe Deserves a Spot in Your Repertoire
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is more than just a fun fusion dish—it’s a celebration of flavors that are vibrant, comforting, and perfectly suited for sharing. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, preparing a quick weeknight dinner, or looking to impress at your next potluck, this salad ticks all the boxes.
Its ease of preparation, adaptability, and irresistible taste make it a recipe you’ll return to again and again. By taking the classic elements of elote and pairing them with pasta, it offers a fresh way to enjoy familiar ingredients with a new twist. With the right balance of smoky, creamy, tangy, and spicy flavors, this salad is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a delightful addition to any meal rotation.
Try it as-is or customize it to suit your tastes—either way, it’s sure to bring a little fiesta to your table anytime of year.