Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad – Creamy, Tangy & Full of Flavor!
This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is everything you love about elote—roasted corn slathered in creamy, cheesy, chili-lime goodness—mixed into a cool, zesty pasta salad. It’s loaded with bold flavors and fresh ingredients, perfect for BBQs, potlucks, or a flavorful lunch you’ll look forward to all week. It’s creamy, tangy, a little spicy, and absolutely irresistible!
🛒 Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (elbow, rotini, or shells)
- 2 cups corn (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream or Mexican crema
- ½ cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta)
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt & pepper to taste
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
- ¼ cup finely diced red onion (optional)
- 1 jalapeño, diced (optional for heat)
🔄 Substitutions
Pasta: Use gluten-free pasta or chickpea pasta for a high-protein version
Sour cream: Sub with Greek yogurt for extra protein
Cotija: Use queso fresco, feta, or shredded Parmesan
Corn: Use grilled corn on the cob for extra smoky flavor
Jalapeño: Swap with red pepper flakes or hot sauce for a spicier version
👨🍳 How to Make
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool
- While pasta cooks, char corn in a skillet with a little oil until lightly browned (optional but adds great flavor)
- In a large bowl, whisk together mayo, sour cream, lime juice, garlic, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper
- Add cooled pasta, corn, cotija cheese, cilantro, onion, and jalapeño to the bowl
- Toss everything until evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed
- Chill for 30 minutes before serving for best flavor
- Garnish with extra cotija, cilantro, and a sprinkle of chili powder or Tajín
✅ Recipe Tips
- Char the corn for that authentic street corn flavor—so worth it!
- Don’t skip the lime—it brightens up the whole dish
- Let it chill before serving to meld the flavors
- Add a splash of milk or lime juice if it thickens up in the fridge
📦 Storage
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
Freezer: Not recommended—dairy and pasta don’t freeze well
Make-ahead: Prep everything the night before and toss with dressing right before serving
🌀 Recipe Variations
Add Protein: Toss in grilled chicken, shrimp, or black beans
Avocado Twist: Stir in diced avocado just before serving
Bacon Boost: Add crispy bacon bits for a smoky crunch
Spicy Kick: Use chipotle in adobo instead of chili powder
❓ FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Just give it a stir and fresh squeeze of lime before serving
Is it spicy?
It’s mildly spiced—you can always adjust the heat level to your liking
Can I use canned corn?
Totally! Just drain well and optionally char in a skillet for extra flavor
What should I serve it with?
Great with BBQ meats, tacos, burgers, or as a main with protein added
This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is creamy, tangy, zesty, and loaded with flavor—basically summer in a bowl! 🌽🍝
