Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe

Name: Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 6 ears fresh corn (or equivalent frozen/canned corn); 8 oz dry pasta (fusilli or farfalle); ¼ cup mayonnaise; 3 tablespoons sour cream; 2 medium jalapeños; ½ cup red onion; ¼ cup fresh cilantro; ½ cup cotija cheese

Recipe By:

Juniper

Posted:

July 31, 2025

Updated:

July 31, 2025

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This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe combines vibrant flavors and textures, making it a delightful addition to any gathering. Perfect for summer barbecues, potlucks, or family dinners, this salad features fresh corn, spicy jalapenos, and a tangy chili lime dressing that will leave everyone wanting more. With only 30 minutes of prep time required, you can whip it up quickly and impress your guests with minimal effort!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it a great choice for busy days.
Bursting with Flavor: The combination of charred corn, zesty lime, and creamy dressing creates an irresistible taste.
Versatile Dish: Perfect as a side dish or main course; it complements various meals and occasions.
Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for parties or family gatherings; it’s sure to be a hit with guests of all ages.
Fresh Ingredients: Made with wholesome ingredients like fresh corn and vegetables for a nutritious option.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience seamless, gathering the right tools is essential.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large pot
Skillet
Grill (optional)
Mixing bowl
Whisk
Sharp knife

Importance of Each Tool

Large pot: Necessary for boiling pasta to achieve the perfect al dente texture.
Skillet: Ideal for cooking corn to enhance its flavor through caramelization.
Whisk: Helps blend the dressing ingredients smoothly for even flavor distribution.

Ingredients

For the Pasta Salad

1 tablespoon vegetable oil or melted butter
6 ears corn (husks removed – approximately 4 ½ to 5 cups of corn kernels or frozen/canned corn)
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
8 oz. dry uncooked pasta (such as fusilli or farfalle)
¼ cup mayonnaise
3 tablespoons sour cream (or Mexican crema)
½ teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon lime zest (from one lime; optional)
¼ cup lime juice (freshly squeezed from 1 ½ to 2 limes)
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
2 medium jalapenos (seeded and sliced/chopped)
½ cup red onion (chopped finely)
¼ cup fresh cilantro (chopped; more for garnish)
½ cup cotija cheese (crumbled)

How to Make Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Corn

You have two options for cooking the corn:
* Grill Corn: Heat a gas grill to 400°F. Peel back the husks and remove silk. Brush with oil. Grill for about 15–20 minutes until lightly charred, turning every 5 minutes. Cool slightly before cutting kernels off the cob.
* Cook in Skillet: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cut kernels from the cob and cook them in the skillet for about 8–10 minutes until caramelized.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

While the corn is cooling, fill a large pot with water and season generously with salt. Bring it to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside in a large mixing bowl.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Add the cooked corn to the bowl with pasta.

Step 4: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, chili powder, lime juice, lime zest, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.

Step 5: Assemble the Salad

Drizzle dressing over pasta and corn mixture. Toss well to coat evenly. Add jalapenos, red onion, and cilantro; stir to combine. Garnish with additional cilantro if desired. Taste again for seasoning adjustments.

Enjoy your flavorful Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe, perfect for any occasion!

How to Serve Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe

Serving your Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is all about enhancing the vibrant flavors and colors of the dish. This salad can be enjoyed in various ways, making it a versatile addition to any meal or gathering.

As a Standalone Dish

A perfect light lunch: Enjoy it chilled on its own for a refreshing midday meal.
Ideal for picnics: Pack it into containers for an easy-to-carry option that everyone will love.

As a Side Dish

Great alongside grilled meats: The creamy dressing complements BBQ chicken or steak beautifully.
Pair with tacos: It serves as a delightful side when you’re enjoying your favorite taco night.

Garnished with Extras

Top with extra cotija cheese: A sprinkle adds a nice salty finish.
Add sliced avocados: They provide creaminess and enhance the flavor profile.

How to Perfect Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe

To ensure your Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad reaches its full potential, consider these helpful tips for preparation and serving.

Use fresh corn: Freshly grilled corn delivers the best flavor. If using frozen or canned corn, ensure they are well-drained and rinsed.
Adjust spice levels: Feel free to add more jalapenos for extra heat or reduce them for milder flavors.
Chill before serving: Letting the salad sit in the fridge for about 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Experiment with herbs: Try adding fresh mint or parsley alongside cilantro for an interesting twist.
Customize dressings: If you prefer, swap out sour cream for Greek yogurt for a lighter option while still maintaining creaminess.
Save some dressing: Keep extra dressing on hand to drizzle over individual servings just before eating for added moisture.

Best Side Dishes for Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe

This pasta salad pairs wonderfully with several side dishes, enhancing its deliciousness while providing variety to your meal. Here are some top recommendations:

Grilled Chicken Tacos: Juicy grilled chicken wrapped in soft tortillas is a satisfying match.
Black Bean Salsa: A fresh salsa made with black beans, tomatoes, and cilantro adds protein and flavor.
Chips and Guacamole: The crunch of tortilla chips with creamy guacamole is always a hit at gatherings.
Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with spices complements the pasta salad perfectly.
Stuffed Peppers: Colorful bell peppers filled with grains, beans, and spices make for a vibrant side dish.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add color and nutrients to balance your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making the Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe, it’s easy to overlook some important details. Here are common mistakes to watch out for:

Using raw corn: Always cook the corn before adding it to your salad. Grilling or sautéing enhances the flavor and adds a delicious char.
Not salting pasta water: Forgetting to salt your boiling water can lead to bland pasta. A generous amount of salt helps flavor the pasta itself.
Overdressing the salad: Adding too much dressing can make the salad soggy. Start with a little and add more as needed for balanced flavor.
Skipping fresh ingredients: Using dried herbs instead of fresh can dull the taste. Fresh cilantro, jalapenos, and lime juice elevate the dish significantly.
Not letting flavors meld: Serving immediately after making may not give enough time for flavors to combine. Letting it chill for at least 30 minutes enhances taste.

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container.
The salad will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Keep the dressing separate if you plan to store leftovers for more than a day to maintain freshness.

Freezing Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe

Freezing is not recommended due to the creamy dressing and fresh ingredients.
If necessary, freeze only the components separately (pasta and corn) for up to 1 month.
Avoid freezing dressed salad as it changes texture when thawed.

Reheating Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish covered with foil for about 15 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Transfer portions into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until warm.
Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over low heat, stirring frequently until warmed through. Add a splash of lime juice for extra zest while reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen corn in this Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe?

Yes, frozen corn works well! Just ensure it’s thawed before adding it to your salad for even mixing.

How can I customize my Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad?

Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or avocado. You can also substitute cotija cheese with feta or omit it entirely for a vegan version.

What type of pasta is best for this recipe?

Fusilli or farfalle are great choices! They hold onto the dressing and ingredients well, enhancing every bite of this Mexican street corn pasta salad recipe.

How spicy is this dish?

The level of spice depends on how many jalapenos you include. For less heat, use fewer or omit them altogether.

Final Thoughts

This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is not only vibrant but also incredibly versatile. It’s perfect for summer gatherings or as a side dish any time of year. Feel free to customize it based on your preferences—add more veggies or adjust seasoning levels! Give this refreshing recipe a try; you’ll love its unique blend of flavors!