This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad takes all the flavors of traditional elote and transforms them into a creamy, zesty pasta dish! The roasted corn adds a smoky sweetness, while Cotija cheese and cheddar bring in a rich, savory element. A tangy lime and Tajín infused dressing coats every bite, making it irresistibly flavorful.
Perfect for summer BBQs, potlucks, or as a side for your favorite Mexican-inspired meal, this dish is easy to prepare and bursting with bold flavors. Serve it chilled for a refreshing bite or at room temperature for maximum creaminess. Either way, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
- 1 pound trotolle pasta
- 6 ears roasted corn, kernels removed
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup jalapeño pepper, diced
- 3/4 cup finely shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 3/4 cup finely shredded Cotija cheese, divided
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1-2 teaspoons Tajín seasoning
Optional Toppings:
- Freshly snipped cilantro
- Extra Tajín seasoning
Directions:
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions in a large pot of salted water. Drain and rinse with cold water. Place the cooled pasta in a large bowl.
- Cut the corn off the cobs and add the kernels to the pasta.
- Add the diced red onion and jalapeño pepper. Stir in ½ cup of each cheese.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, and Tajín (start with 1 teaspoon and add more to taste).
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss to coat evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheeses over the top, garnish with cilantro, and add extra Tajín if desired.
- Cover and chill until serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 8 minutes | Total Time: 23 minutes
Kcal: 339 kcal | Servings: 10
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad – A Flavor-Packed Side Dish for Any Occasion
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a bold, flavorful twist on a classic pasta salad, inspired by the irresistible flavors of elote, or Mexican street corn. This dish is creamy, tangy, a little spicy, and packed with delicious ingredients like roasted corn, Cotija cheese, and a Tajín lime dressing. It’s perfect for summer barbecues, potlucks, and family gatherings, or even as a stand-alone meal when you’re craving something hearty yet refreshing.
This recipe beautifully blends two beloved comfort foods Mexican street corn and pasta salad into one satisfying dish. Whether you’re a fan of traditional elote or simply looking for a new way to enjoy pasta salad, this recipe is a must-try.
What Is Mexican Street Corn?
Mexican street corn, also known as elote, is a popular street food found throughout Mexico and in many Mexican restaurants around the world. It consists of grilled or roasted corn on the cob slathered in a creamy, tangy sauce made of mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, and seasonings like Tajín or chili powder. The corn is then generously sprinkled with Cotija cheese, a crumbly, salty cheese that adds richness and depth to the dish. Some versions also include fresh cilantro, hot sauce, or butter for extra flavor.
Elote is commonly sold by street vendors and is a favorite at summer fairs, festivals, and family gatherings. It’s messy, indulgent, and incredibly delicious. This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad takes all of those bold flavors and transforms them into a dish that is easy to serve, store, and transport, making it ideal for group meals and events.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with Flavor – The combination of roasted corn, creamy dressing, and tangy lime makes every bite a flavor explosion.
- Perfect for Gatherings – This pasta salad is a great dish to bring to potlucks, BBQs, and picnics because it’s easy to make in large batches and can be served chilled or at room temperature.
- Quick & Easy to Prepare – The recipe comes together in about 20 minutes, making it a great last-minute dish when you need something tasty in a hurry.
- Customizable – You can easily adjust the spice level, cheese variety, or even add proteins like grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a more filling meal.
- Great for Leftovers – This pasta salad tastes just as delicious the next day, making it a great meal prep option.
The Key Ingredients That Make This Dish Stand Out
While traditional pasta salads often feature Italian-inspired ingredients like olives, mozzarella, and balsamic dressing, this Mexican-inspired version switches things up with bold, smoky, and tangy flavors. Here’s what makes this pasta salad so special:
- Roasted or Grilled Corn – The charred, slightly smoky taste of roasted corn is what gives this dish its signature flavor. Grilling the corn enhances its natural sweetness and adds a depth of flavor that sets it apart from regular boiled corn.
- Cotija Cheese – This crumbly, salty cheese is a staple in Mexican cuisine. It provides the perfect contrast to the sweet corn and creamy dressing. If you can’t find Cotija, you can substitute it with feta cheese, though Cotija is highly recommended for authenticity.
- Tajín Seasoning – Tajín is a popular Mexican spice blend made from chili peppers, lime, and salt. It’s tangy, slightly spicy, and enhances the flavors of the corn and dressing beautifully. If you don’t have Tajín, a mix of chili powder, lime zest, and a pinch of salt can work as a substitute.
- Jalapeño Peppers – Adding fresh diced jalapeños gives the dish a spicy kick. If you prefer a milder version, you can use bell peppers instead or remove the jalapeño seeds before dicing.
- Lime Juice – Fresh lime juice is essential for achieving the signature zesty, tangy taste that balances out the creaminess of the dressing.
How to Serve Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
This pasta salad is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways:
- As a Side Dish: Serve it alongside grilled meats like carne asada, barbecue chicken, or fish tacos for a complete meal.
- At a Summer Picnic: This dish is great for outdoor dining because it can be served cold or at room temperature. Just be sure to keep it chilled if it will be sitting out for a long time.
- For Meal Prep: Make a big batch and store it in the fridge for up to three days. It makes for a great quick lunch or snack when you don’t have time to cook.
- As a Main Dish: Add grilled shrimp, shredded rotisserie chicken, or black beans to turn it into a heartier meal.
Tips for Making the Best Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
- Use Fresh, Roasted Corn for Maximum Flavor – If you have time, grilling or roasting fresh corn on the cob before cutting off the kernels will enhance the overall taste of the dish. However, if you’re in a hurry, frozen fire-roasted corn or even canned corn (drained and patted dry) will work as substitutes.
- Chill Before Serving – Letting the pasta salad sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving allows the flavors to meld together and makes the dish even more delicious.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta – Cook the pasta slightly past al dente, but not too soft, so that it absorbs the dressing without getting mushy.
- Adjust Spice Levels to Taste – If you love spice, add extra jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing. If you prefer a milder flavor, stick to just a hint of Tajín or use sweet bell peppers instead.
- Make It Dairy-Free – Substitute the Cotija cheese with a dairy-free cheese alternative and use vegan mayo and sour cream to make this recipe completely dairy-free.
Conclusion
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a game-changer for pasta salad lovers and Mexican food enthusiasts alike. It takes the classic flavors of elote and transforms them into a creamy, flavorful, and slightly spicy dish that’s perfect for summer gatherings.
With its combination of roasted corn, tangy lime dressing, and Cotija cheese, this dish offers a perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors. It’s easy to prepare, highly customizable, and pairs well with a variety of main courses, making it an excellent addition to your recipe collection.
Whether you’re bringing it to a BBQ, meal prepping for the week, or just looking for a new and exciting pasta salad recipe, this Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad will not disappoint. Try it out and enjoy a fresh, vibrant dish that’s sure to be a hit with family and friends!