How to Make Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

Prepare Base Ingredients

Cook pasta and char corn for that authentic street corn flavor.

Mix Creamy Dressing

Combine mayonnaise, sour cream, lime, and seasonings.

Assemble the Salad

Toss pasta with vegetables, corn, and dressing.

Finish and Serve

Add cheese, avocado, and garnishes just before serving.

Baking Tips

For best flavor, make the salad a few hours ahead of time to allow the flavors to develop.

Add the avocado just before serving to prevent it from browning.

If you can't find cotija cheese, feta or queso fresco make good substitutes.

For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for some or all of the mayonnaise.

Adjust the heat level by adding more or less jalapeño and cayenne pepper.

Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

Name: Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Mexican-American, Fusion
Ingredients: 16 ounces short pasta (rotini, farfalle, or cavatappi); 4 ears fresh corn, husked (or 3 cups frozen corn, thawed); 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1 jalapeño, seeds removed and finely diced; 1/2 red onion, finely diced; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/3 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (plus more for garnish); 1 avocado, diced (optional); 1/2 cup cotija cheese, crumbled (or substitute feta); 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup sour cream; 3 tablespoons lime juice (about 2 limes); 1 teaspoon lime zest; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste); 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; Tajin seasoning for garnish (optional)

A vibrant pasta salad inspired by elote (Mexican street corn), featuring charred corn, creamy dressing, tangy cotija cheese, and a medley of colorful vegetables. This crowd-pleasing dish combines the beloved flavors of Mexican street corn with pasta for a perfect side dish at barbecues, potlucks, or as a refreshing summer meal.

Prep Time

20 Minutes

Cook Time

15 Minutes

Total Time

35 Minutes

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

Custard Cream

16 ounces short pasta (rotini, farfalle, or cavatappi)

4 ears fresh corn, husked (or 3 cups frozen corn, thawed)

3 tablespoons olive oil, divided

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 jalapeño, seeds removed and finely diced

1/2 red onion, finely diced

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/3 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (plus more for garnish)

1 avocado, diced (optional)

1/2 cup cotija cheese, crumbled (or substitute feta)

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1/4 cup sour cream

3 tablespoons lime juice (about 2 limes)

1 teaspoon lime zest

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon chili powder

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Tajin seasoning for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water, and toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside to cool completely.

If using fresh corn, brush with 1 tablespoon olive oil and grill over medium-high heat for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until charred in spots. Alternatively, sauté frozen corn in a skillet with 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat until lightly charred, about 5-7 minutes. Let corn cool, then cut kernels off the cobs if using fresh corn.

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to make the dressing.

In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, corn kernels, diced bell pepper, jalapeño, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and cilantro.

Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.

Fold in most of the crumbled cotija cheese, reserving some for garnish.

Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Just before serving, add diced avocado (if using), sprinkle with remaining cotija cheese, additional cilantro, and a dusting of Tajin seasoning if desired.

Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

JUE

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

How to Make Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

Ingredients

Instructions