If you’re craving a side dish that’s creamy, tangy, smoky, and loaded with flavor, you’ve just hit the jackpot. Street Corn Pasta Salad takes all the best things about Mexican street corn (elote) and transforms them into a vibrant, hearty pasta salad that you’ll want to bring to every barbecue, potluck, and summer gathering.
This dish is more than just a salad—it’s a flavor explosion that combines fire-roasted corn, al dente pasta, creamy dressing, spices, and zesty lime. It’s bold. It’s creamy. It’s got that perfect charred corn crunch. And once you make it, you’ll be asked to bring it every single time.
Table of Contents
💥 Why You’ll Love STREET CORN PASTA SALAD
- Incredible flavor – sweet corn, smoky chili, creamy sauce, and tangy lime in every bite
- Quick & easy – ready in under 30 minutes
- Crowd-pleaser – guaranteed to disappear fast at any event
- Customizable – add chicken, bacon, avocado, or make it vegetarian or vegan
🧾 Ingredients for STREET CORN PASTA SALAD
Here’s what you’ll need to create this irresistible salad:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Elbow macaroni (or rotini) | 12 oz (about 3 cups) |
| Fresh or frozen corn kernels | 3 cups (about 4 ears) |
| Mayonnaise | ½ cup |
| Sour cream or Greek yogurt | ½ cup |
| Fresh lime juice | 2 tablespoons |
| Cotija cheese, crumbled | ½ cup |
| Fresh cilantro, chopped | ¼ cup |
| Garlic powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Smoked paprika | 1 teaspoon |
| Chili powder | ½ teaspoon |
| Salt & black pepper | To taste |
| Jalapeño (optional), minced | 1 small |
| Red onion, finely diced | ¼ cup |
🍝 How to Make STREET CORN PASTA SALAD
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring salted water to a boil.
- Cook pasta until al dente according to the package.
- Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
Step 2: Char the Corn
- If using fresh corn, cut kernels off the cob.
- Sauté corn in a dry skillet over medium-high heat for 6–8 minutes until slightly charred.
- You can also grill the corn on the cob or use canned fire-roasted corn for convenience.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a large bowl, whisk together:
- Mayonnaise
- Sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
- Lime juice
- Garlic powder
- Smoked paprika
- Chili powder
- Salt & pepper
Step 4: Toss and Chill
- Add cooked pasta, corn, red onion, jalapeño, cotija cheese, and cilantro to the dressing.
- Toss to combine until everything is evenly coated.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors mingle.
🔁 Easy Variations & Add-Ins
Want to customize your Street Corn Pasta Salad? Try these delicious ideas:
🥑 Add-Ins:
- Diced avocado – for creamy texture
- Grilled chicken or shrimp – for a protein boost
- Bacon crumbles – for smoky, savory flavor
- Black beans – for fiber and richness
- Cherry tomatoes – for juicy sweetness
🧀 Cheese Options:
- Feta – if you can’t find cotija
- Queso fresco – milder Mexican cheese alternative
🌱 Make It Vegan:
- Use vegan mayo and dairy-free sour cream
- Replace cheese with vegan feta or omit entirely
🧠 Pro Tips for the Best STREET CORN PASTA SALAD
- Char the corn properly – That roasted flavor is key.
- Cool your pasta before mixing – Helps prevent sogginess.
- Use fresh lime juice – Bottled lime just doesn’t cut it.
- Chill before serving – The flavor improves with time.
- Make ahead – It keeps well for 2–3 days in the fridge.
🍴 When to Serve STREET CORN PASTA SALAD
This salad is perfect for:
- Summer BBQs and cookouts
- Tailgate parties
- Potlucks and picnics
- Taco nights
- Weeknight dinners
It’s bold enough to stand on its own but also pairs beautifully with grilled meats, tacos, or burgers.
❓ STREET CORN PASTA SALAD FAQs
Can I make STREET CORN PASTA SALAD ahead of time?
Absolutely. It actually tastes better after sitting for a few hours or overnight in the fridge.
Can I use canned corn?
Yes! Use fire-roasted canned corn for the best flavor. Drain it well and lightly sauté for more texture.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Give it a stir and add a splash of lime juice before serving again.
Is cotija cheese necessary?
Cotija adds authentic flavor, but you can substitute feta or queso fresco, or leave it out if you need a dairy-free version.
What pasta shape works best?
Short pasta like elbow, rotini, or penne works great because it holds the dressing well and is easy to eat.
📋 Nutrition Info (Per Serving – Approx. 1 Cup)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~320 |
| Protein | ~8g |
| Carbs | ~36g |
| Fat | ~16g |
| Fiber | ~3g |
Note: Values are estimates and vary by ingredients.
🌟 Final Thoughts: Make STREET CORN PASTA SALAD Your New Go-To Dish
So now you know—Street Corn Pasta Salad isn’t just another side dish. It’s vibrant, full of life, and packed with the kind of flavor that makes people ask, “Can I have the recipe?”
From the smoky sweetness of corn to the creamy, tangy dressing that brings it all together, this salad is the ultimate summer must-have. It’s easy, it’s impressive, and it’s about to become your signature dish.
📣 Call to Action
Ready to wow your next dinner crowd? Try this Street Corn Pasta Salad and tag your creation on social media. Got your own twist on it? Share your version in the comments—we’d love to feature your ideas in a future update!
👉 Want more summer salad recipes like this one? Let me know, and I’ll send you the top 5 crowd-pleasers everyone’s talking about!