Name: Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 8 oz rotini pasta; 2 cups grilled corn kernels; 1/2 cup red onion, chopped; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1/3 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; 1/2 cup Cotija cheese, crumbled; 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup sour cream; 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice; 1 garlic clove, minced; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; Salt, to taste

I have to confess, when I first thought of combining Mexican street corn with pasta salad, I wasn’t sure if it would work. But the result completely blew me away. The creamy tang of the dressing, the crunch of fresh vegetables, the tender pasta, and the irresistible flavor of roasted corn come together in a way that’s just magical. I couldn’t stop eating it straight from the mixing bowl.

This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad became an instant hit in my house. It’s colorful, zesty, and has the perfect balance of spice and creaminess. It works beautifully as a main dish for a light lunch or as a standout side at barbecues, picnics, or potlucks. I especially love how the smoky notes from the chili powder and the bright kick of lime juice bring everything to life. It’s comfort food with a fresh, summery twist.

I use rotini pasta for this salad because the spirals trap all the saucy goodness, but any short pasta would work fine. And let’s talk about the dressing—it’s a dreamy combination of sour cream, mayo, lime juice, and Cotija cheese. Mix that with grilled corn, chopped red onions, bell peppers, and cilantro, and you’ve got yourself one unforgettable salad.

Why You’ll Love This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

This salad is the best of both worlds. It brings the bold flavors of Mexican elote into a creamy, satisfying pasta dish that’s easy to prepare and even easier to devour. The texture is incredibly appealing, with a mix of crisp, juicy, tender, and creamy in every bite.

It’s also super versatile. You can serve it warm or cold, make it ahead of time, and adjust the spice level to your liking. It’s vegetarian, and with a few tweaks, it can be made vegan too. Plus, it pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or stands strong all on its own.

If you love flavorful twists on classic dishes, you’ll want to check out creamy garlic chicken breasts or my cheesy Mexican rice casserole for more delicious inspiration. And if you’re into the bold and spicy side of cooking, candied jalapenos make a fabulous addition to this salad or as a topping!

Ingredients

Rotini Pasta – The spiral shape is perfect for holding onto every drop of that creamy dressing. It gives the salad a hearty, chewy texture.

Grilled Corn Kernels – This is the star ingredient, offering a smoky sweetness and satisfying pop in every bite. You can use fresh corn on the cob or frozen roasted corn for convenience.

Red Onion – Sharp and colorful, red onion adds crunch and bite. If raw onion is too strong for your taste, soak it in cold water for 10 minutes before using.

Red Bell Pepper – A juicy, sweet contrast that enhances the color and crunch of the salad.

Fresh Cilantro – This herb ties the whole salad together with its bright, citrusy notes.

Cotija Cheese – Salty and crumbly, Cotija adds richness and depth. Feta or queso fresco can be used as substitutes.

Mayonnaise & Sour Cream – This combo creates the luscious, creamy dressing that makes this salad irresistible.

Fresh Lime Juice – Brings acidity and a zingy brightness that cuts through the creaminess perfectly.

Chili Powder & Smoked Paprika – These spices add warmth and a smoky kick that mimics the classic Mexican elote flavor.

Garlic – A little bit goes a long way, adding depth and savory notes to the dressing.

How to Make Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini pasta until al dente according to the package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and keep the pasta firm.

Step 2: Grill or Roast the Corn

If using fresh corn, grill it over medium-high heat until charred and smoky, then slice off the kernels. If using frozen corn, roast it in a hot skillet until golden and caramelized.

Step 3: Mix the Dressing

In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, fresh lime juice, minced garlic, chili powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Combine the Ingredients

Add the cooked pasta, grilled corn, chopped red onion, diced red bell pepper, and chopped cilantro into the bowl with the dressing. Toss everything together until evenly coated.

Step 5: Add the Cheese and Chill

Crumble the Cotija cheese over the salad and fold it in gently. For best flavor, cover and chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows all the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Give the salad a final stir, taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then serve it up! Sprinkle with extra Cotija, a squeeze of lime, or even a dash of hot sauce for extra punch.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

This salad is wildly customizable depending on your preferences and what you have in the kitchen. For a protein-packed version, you can toss in grilled chicken, shrimp, or black beans. Want more crunch? Add diced cucumbers or chopped radishes. If you’re a fan of spice, jalapeños or hot sauce will heat things up nicely.

You can swap out the Cotija for feta or queso fresco, or use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter version. Elbow macaroni, penne, or farfalle can stand in for rotini without a problem. If cilantro isn’t your thing, fresh parsley will still add a pop of green and freshness.

To make this vegan, go for plant-based mayo and sour cream, and skip or replace the cheese with a dairy-free alternative.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad works perfectly as a light lunch or a side dish for your grilled summer favorites. It pairs beautifully with BBQ chicken, carne asada, grilled sausages, or even a hearty veggie burger.

For a potluck, it’s always a showstopper because of its bold colors and crowd-pleasing flavor. If you’re making it part of a larger spread, serve it alongside Mexican Potatoes or Authentic 7 Layer Mexican Dip for a truly festive vibe.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen over time, so it often tastes even better the next day. If the pasta absorbs too much dressing, simply stir in a little more sour cream or a splash of lime juice before serving.

This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. However, if you prefer it warm, a brief microwave heat-up works, though the texture will soften slightly.

FAQs

How long does Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad last in the fridge?

Stored properly in an airtight container, this salad stays fresh and delicious for up to 3 days. It actually tastes even better after a few hours of chilling.

Can I make Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prep this salad a day in advance. Just store the dressing separately and mix it in a couple of hours before serving for the best texture.

Is Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad served hot or cold?

Traditionally, it’s served cold or at room temperature. The flavors are most vibrant that way, but if you enjoy a warm pasta salad, you can give it a light heat before serving.

What can I substitute for Cotija in Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad?

If Cotija isn’t available, feta cheese or queso fresco work beautifully. They bring a similar salty, crumbly texture to the dish.

Related Recipe You’ll Like

If you loved this Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad, you might also enjoy my One-Pan Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Pasta. It delivers that same creamy comfort factor with a completely different flavor profile, making it perfect for dinner rotation.

Another great companion is the Taco Spaghetti Casserole. It’s hearty, spicy, and just as easy to make ahead and bring to gatherings. Both recipes bring big flavor with minimal fuss.

Save and Share This Recipe for Later

Don’t forget to pin this Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad to your favorite Pinterest board! It’s a guaranteed hit for summer cookouts, picnics, or any night you crave a bold and creamy pasta dish.

Share this recipe with friends and family on Facebook or Instagram. Tag someone who needs this dish in their life, and be sure to follow along for even more flavor-packed recipes that bring people together!