Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe | Easy & Flavorful

Name: Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 8 oz elbow macaroni or rotini pasta; 2 cups sweet corn; ½ cup mayo; ½ cup sour cream; 1 cup crumbled queso fresco or feta cheese; 1 lime, juiced; 2 tablespoons chili powder; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh cilantro, chopped; Optional Add-Ins: Red bell pepper, diced; Green onions, sliced; Jalapeño, diced; Avocado

So, you’re looking for a killer side dish that’s not your standard, boring green salad? Well, you’ve hit the jackpot, my friend. Welcome to the Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad that’ll have your taste buds partying like it’s Cinco de Mayo every day! 🎉

I can’t tell you how many summer picnics, barbecues, or just Tuesday night dinners this salad has stolen the show at. It’s the perfect blend of creamy, zesty, and crunchy. Plus, it’s so easy to whip up that you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it before. So grab your apron, and let’s dive into this deliciousness!

What Makes This Pasta Salad So Special?

First off, let’s talk about the star of the show—Mexican street corn, also known as elote. If you’ve ever had it grilled and doused in mayo, cheese, and chili powder, you know it’s like a sweet hug from a corn cob. In this pasta salad, we’re keeping that flavor while making it a bit more filling and perfect for sharing (or not, I won’t judge if you want to hog it all).

Flavor Explosion

Flavor is everything! This salad combines:

Sweet corn for that juicy burst of flavor.
Creamy dressing to make everything come together like a harmonious choir (yes, I’m talking a cappella level here).
Cheese—because cheese. Need I say more?
Fresh cilantro for that herbiness that brightens everything up.

And let’s not forget a pop of lime to get your mouth watering. Seriously, just thinking about it makes me want to drop everything and make some right now!

Ingredients You Need

Alright, let’s lay out the goods you’ll need for our Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad. Don’t worry; this isn’t a TikTok recipe where half the ingredients are a mystery. Here’s what you’ll need:

Pasta Salad Ingredients

8 oz of elbow macaroni or rotini pasta (your choice, but rotini twirls the flavors like a pro)
2 cups sweet corn (frozen, canned, or fresh, you choose your adventure)
½ cup mayo (don’t worry, we’re not using too much)
½ cup sour cream (for that creamy richness)
1 cup crumbled queso fresco or feta cheese (because cheese makes everything better, right?)
1 lime, juiced (zesty goodness)
2 tablespoons chili powder (or more, if you like to live on the wild side)
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro, chopped (makes everything look fancy)

Optional Add-Ins

Red bell pepper, diced (because more colors = more fun)
Green onions, sliced (for that oniony kick without too much bite)
Jalapeño, diced (for the heat-seekers)
Avocado—because avocado makes everything better, am I right? 😋

Let’s Get Cooking!

Time to turn that list into a glorious pasta salad that’ll make you the envy of all your friends!

Cooking the Pasta

Boil some water in a large pot, add a generous amount of salt, and toss in the pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until al dente. Nobody wants mushy pasta, right?
Drain and rinse the pasta under cold water to cool it down. You don’t want everything wilting in the heat!

Sweet Corn Preparation

If you’re using fresh corn, grill it for that smoky flavor. Otherwise, just drain those cans or thaw the frozen stuff. Life’s too short to overthink it.

Mixing It All Up

In a large bowl, combine the pasta, corn, and optional add-ins (if you’re using them).
In a separate bowl, whisk together mayo, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Feel free to be heavy-handed with that chili powder if you want to spice things up!
Pour the dressing over the pasta and corn mixture, toss it all together until covered in creamy goodness.
Finally, sprinkle on the cheese and cilantro, and gently mix until well combined.

This is the part where you might want to have a taste—and by that, I mean grab a spoon and scoop out a portion for yourself. You’re just checking if it’s edible, right? 😏

Chill Time

Pop that bowl in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to marry. Nothing tastes as good as a salad that’s had time to mingle!

Serving Your Pasta Salad

So, the time has come to unveil your culinary masterpiece. 🎉 Serve it cold or at room temperature in a beautiful bowl. If you really want to wow your guests, add some extra lime wedges and a sprinkle of chili powder on top.

Perfect Pairings

Wondering what to serve this with? Here are some ideas:

Grilled chicken or steak: because everything pairs well with meat, right?
Tacos: Build your perfect taco night!
BBQ: Honestly, this pasta salad is like the cool kid at the BBQ party; it just works.

You could even eat it straight from the bowl while binge-watching your latest Netflix obsession—don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone. 😉

Tips for the Best Pasta Salad

Wanna make sure your salad is Instagram-worthy? Here’s some final advice:

Make it ahead: This dish holds up well for 2-3 days in the fridge. The flavors develop even more, which is a win-win!
Customizable: Don’t be afraid to throw in what you have on hand. Peppers, beans, or even some roasted veggies could take it to the next level!
Season to taste: Always taste before serving! Adjust seasoning as necessary.

Why You’ll Love This Salad

Super easy: If you can boil water, you can make this!
Flavorful and filling: It’s a crowd-pleaser that satisfies.
Flexible: Swap ingredients based on your mood or what’s in your fridge.
Perfect for meal prep: Ready for lunches all week—let’s keep it real!

Conclusion

So there you have it—your new favorite Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe that is easy to whip up and packed with flavor. Seriously, it’s a showstopper that’ll make you the star of your gatherings, even if you aren’t. 😜 Whether you’re treating yourself or impressing friends, this salad won’t disappoint.

Next time you’re itching for something delicious, just remember: life is too short for boring salads. Now go make this salad and bask in the compliments!

Enjoy!