Introduction
Do you love corn? And do you love pasta? What if you could enjoy both in one tasty dish? That’s where Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad comes in! This salad is a mix of creamy, cheesy, and tangy flavors with a little kick of spice. Inspired by the popular Mexican street corn, also called Elote, this salad takes those bold flavors and mixes them with soft pasta.
It’s the perfect dish for summer picnics, BBQs, or even as a light lunch or dinner. The best part? It’s super easy to make! You don’t need any fancy cooking skills, just a few simple ingredients and about 30 minutes. Let’s jump into it and learn how to make this tasty and colorful dish.
Ingredients – Corn Pasta Salad
Here’s what you’ll need to make Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad:
For the Salad:
- 2 cups of pasta (elbow, penne, or rotini work well)
- 2 cups of corn (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- ½ cup of chopped red onion
- ½ cup of chopped cilantro
- ½ cup of crumbled cotija cheese (or feta if you can’t find cotija)
- 1 small jalapeño (optional, for a little spice)
For the Dressing:
- ⅓ cup of mayonnaise
- ⅓ cup of sour cream
- 1 tablespoon of lime juice
- 1 teaspoon of chili powder
- ½ teaspoon of garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step by Step Process – Corn Pasta Salad
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s soft but still a little firm (this is called “al dente”). Drain the pasta and rinse it with cold water to cool it down. Set it aside.
Step 2: Cook or Prepare the Corn
- If using fresh corn: Cut the kernels off the cob. Then, cook them in a pan for 5–7 minutes until they start to brown a bit.
- If using frozen corn: Let it thaw, then cook it in a hot pan for a few minutes.
- If using canned corn: Drain the corn and give it a quick fry in a pan to get some color.
Cooking the corn gives it that nice roasted flavor, just like street corn!
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a large bowl, mix together:
- Mayonnaise
- Sour cream
- Lime juice
- Chili powder
- Garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
Stir until everything is smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Add the cooled pasta and cooked corn to the dressing bowl. Then toss in the chopped red onion, cilantro, crumbled cotija cheese, and diced jalapeño (if using).
Mix everything gently until the pasta is fully coated and all the ingredients are spread out evenly.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
For best flavor, cover the bowl and let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 15–20 minutes. This lets the flavors mix together even more. Before serving, give it a quick stir and add a little more cheese or lime juice on top if you like.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Total Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 6g |
| Carbohydrates | 32g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugars | 4g |
| Protein | 8g |
| Sodium | 400mg |
| Calcium | 100mg |
| Vitamin C | 6mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! You can make it a day ahead and keep it in the fridge. In fact, it tastes even better after sitting for a few hours.
2. What type of pasta works best?
Short pasta shapes like elbow, rotini, or penne work great because they hold onto the dressing and mix well with the other ingredients.
3. Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes, plain Greek yogurt is a good swap if you want something lighter with more protein.
4. Is this salad spicy?
It can be! The chili powder and jalapeño add a little heat. If you don’t like spice, just leave out the jalapeño or use less chili powder.
5. What can I serve with this salad?
It goes well with grilled chicken, tacos, burgers, or even on its own as a meal. It’s perfect for BBQs or potlucks.
6. Can I make it vegan?
Absolutely! Use vegan mayo and sour cream, and swap the cheese for a dairy-free version or leave it out.
Final Thoughts
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a colorful, creamy, and flavorful dish that’s easy to make and fun to eat. It’s great for warm weather days or when you want something cool and satisfying. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a picnic with friends, this salad will be a hit!
Plus, it’s easy to adjust. Add some grilled chicken for extra protein, use gluten-free pasta if needed, or mix in some black beans for more texture and taste. Give this recipe a try, and you might just find your new favorite summer side dish!
