The bold, tangy essence of Mexican street corn (elote) meets the creamy comfort of pasta in this irresistible fusion dish. Packed with chili-lime flavor, Cotija cheese, and fresh herbs, it’s the kind of salad that steals the spotlight at any potluck or summer cookout.
Whether served chilled or at room temperature, this pasta salad delivers a burst of vibrant flavor in every bite. It’s easy to prepare, completely satisfying, and endlessly customizable, perfect for vegetarians and flavor-lovers alike. Whip it up for your next gathering or make it ahead for weekday lunches that don’t skimp on taste.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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8 oz rotini or fusilli pasta
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2 cups frozen or fresh corn kernels (preferably fire-roasted)
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1/2 cup mayonnaise
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1/4 cup sour cream
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1/2 cup crumbled Cotija cheese (or feta as substitute)
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1/4 cup chopped cilantro
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2 green onions, sliced
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1/4 teaspoon chili powder
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1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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Juice of 1 lime
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside to cool.
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In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the corn until slightly charred, about 5–7 minutes. If using fresh corn, you can grill or sauté it; if frozen, sauté until defrosted and golden.
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In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
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Add the cooked and cooled pasta, charred corn, green onions, chopped cilantro, and Cotija cheese to the bowl. Toss until everything is evenly coated.
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Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Chill for 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 390 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Discover the Ultimate Summer Side: Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
When it comes to crowd-pleasing dishes that marry flavor, texture, and convenience, Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad checks all the boxes. It takes the bold and zesty flavors of traditional elote, a popular Mexican street food of charred corn slathered in a creamy chili-lime sauce and combines them with pasta to create a delicious, satisfying, and portable side dish. Whether you’re preparing for a backyard barbecue, hosting a potluck, or simply meal-prepping for the week, this pasta salad offers a fresh, flavorful twist on a classic.
Mexican cuisine is famous for its vibrant ingredients and bold seasoning, and this dish doesn’t disappoint. With just a few pantry staples and fresh produce, you can whip up something that feels indulgent yet balanced. The mix of sweet corn, creamy dressing, sharp Cotija cheese, aromatic herbs, and perfectly cooked pasta creates a harmonious balance of flavors and textures that appeals to almost everyone.
The Origins: Inspired by Elote (Mexican Street Corn)
Elote, or grilled Mexican street corn, is a beloved staple in Mexico and across Latin American communities. Traditionally, ears of corn are grilled until slightly charred and smoky, then brushed with a tangy mix of mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, and crumbled Cotija cheese. The flavor is salty, creamy, smoky, and spicy everything you could want in a single bite.
In recent years, elote-inspired dishes have exploded in popularity, making their way into dips, tacos, soups, and now pasta salads. This pasta salad variation maintains the iconic flavor profile of elote while adding the heartiness and convenience of pasta, making it suitable for larger servings and great for feeding a hungry crowd.
Ingredients That Make It Special
One of the reasons this Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad stands out is its use of accessible yet flavorful ingredients. Let’s break down some of the key components that elevate this dish:
1. Corn: Corn is the star ingredient. While traditional elote uses corn on the cob grilled over open flames, this recipe adapts for home cooking by using fire-roasted frozen corn, fresh grilled corn, or even canned corn if needed. The slight char on the corn kernels brings that smoky depth that makes the salad irresistibly good.
2. Pasta: Short pasta like rotini, fusilli, or elbow macaroni works perfectly in this dish. These shapes hold onto the creamy dressing well and create a hearty base that transforms a simple side dish into a filling meal if desired. For added texture, you can also try whole wheat or legume-based pasta for a nutritional upgrade.
3. Cotija Cheese: Cotija is a firm, crumbly cheese with a salty punch, similar to feta but distinctly Mexican in its flavor profile. It contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the corn and the richness of the dressing. If you can’t find Cotija, feta or Parmesan can be substituted without sacrificing too much authenticity.
4. Creamy Chili-Lime Dressing: The dressing brings it all together: mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, and spices like chili powder, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. It’s bold, creamy, and tangy with just the right level of heat. This is where the magic of elote gets reimagined in salad form.
5. Fresh Herbs and Aromatics: Adding chopped cilantro and green onions introduces a burst of freshness and balances the richness of the dish. Cilantro especially adds that classic Mexican herbal aroma, while green onions provide a subtle sharpness that complements the creamy base.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
There are endless reasons why Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad deserves a spot in your weekly meal rotation or holiday spread. Here are just a few:
- Easy to Make
This recipe comes together quickly and can be made ahead of time, which is a huge plus for busy weekdays or event prep. Once the pasta and corn are cooked, the rest is just mix-and-go.
- Customizable
This dish is incredibly flexible. Prefer a vegan version? Use vegan mayo and sour cream, and skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative. Want to add protein? Toss in some shredded grilled chicken or black beans. Need more crunch? Add diced bell peppers or red onions. The possibilities are endless.
- Portable and Picnic-Perfect
Since it doesn’t wilt or get soggy like green salads, this pasta salad is ideal for outdoor events. It travels well in containers, can be served cold or at room temperature, and pairs well with grilled meats, sandwiches, or tacos.
- Flavor-Packed and Satisfying
Unlike many pasta salads that rely heavily on vinaigrettes or single-note flavors, this one delivers a punch with every bite. The creaminess, the zest, the heat, and the savory notes from the cheese all work in harmony to create something deeply satisfying.
How to Serve It
This dish shines brightest as a side dish, but it’s more than capable of standing alone as a light meal or lunch option. Serve it alongside:
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Grilled meats like chicken, steak, or ribs
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Tacos or enchiladas
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BBQ favorites like burgers and hot dogs
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As part of a vegetarian spread with black bean salad, guacamole, and chips
You can also serve it in lettuce cups, stuffed tomatoes, or as a dip with tortilla chips for creative presentation ideas.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days in an airtight container. In fact, it often tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together. If you’re prepping ahead, you can also mix everything except the dressing and fold it in just before serving to maintain maximum freshness and texture.
For large batches, consider doubling the dressing to keep the salad creamy even after a day or two in the fridge. If the pasta absorbs too much moisture overnight, a splash of lime juice or a tablespoon of sour cream can easily freshen it back up.
Nutritional Highlights
Though creamy, this pasta salad can still be part of a balanced meal. Corn offers fiber, antioxidants, and natural sweetness. Cotija provides protein and calcium, while the dressing, though rich, is portion-controlled. You can make it even lighter by using Greek yogurt in place of sour cream or using reduced-fat mayonnaise.
Want to make it gluten-free? Simply swap the pasta with your favorite gluten-free variety, such as brown rice pasta or chickpea pasta.
Conclusion
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a celebration of flavor and texture that captures the essence of summer. It’s bold yet balanced, indulgent yet fresh, and easy to make yet impressive enough to serve at any gathering. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or prepping a flavorful lunch for the week, this salad delivers on all fronts.
From the smoky-sweet charred corn to the creamy chili-lime dressing and salty Cotija cheese, every bite brings a taste of sunshine and fiesta to your plate. The next time you’re looking to wow your guests or just treat yourself, remember that you don’t need a street cart to enjoy the irresistible magic of elote.
This pasta salad brings it straight to your kitchen.