This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a vibrant twist on the classic street food favorite, Elote. Combining the smoky sweetness of grilled corn, the creamy tang of Cotija and lime dressing, and the satisfying bite of pasta, this dish brings a festive flavor to every forkful. It’s quick to make and perfect for warm-weather meals, potlucks, or even lunch on the go.
Whether you’re looking for a side dish for your BBQ or a satisfying lunch that’s both light and indulgent, this pasta salad checks all the boxes. Customizable with your favorite add-ins like avocado or jalapeños, it’s a refreshing yet rich dish that celebrates bold Mexican flavors in a comforting form.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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8 oz rotini or fusilli pasta
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1 ½ cups corn kernels (grilled or roasted preferred)
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½ cup red bell pepper, diced
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¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
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¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
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½ cup Cotija cheese, crumbled
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⅓ cup sour cream
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⅓ cup mayonnaise
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Juice of 1 lime
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1 tsp chili powder
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¼ tsp smoked paprika
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Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions:
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Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside.
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In a large bowl, mix the sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
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Add the cooked pasta, corn, red bell pepper, red onion, cilantro, and Cotija cheese to the bowl.
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Gently toss everything together until well coated with the dressing.
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Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
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Garnish with extra Cotija cheese, chili powder, and cilantro if desired before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 375 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
The Ultimate Guide to Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad, inspired by the vibrant and beloved flavors of Elote, is the perfect marriage of creamy, tangy, spicy, and savory. It’s a dish that blends the bold seasoning and simplicity of traditional Mexican street food with the heartiness and comfort of a pasta salad. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a summer BBQ or need a make-ahead option for weekday lunches, this dish is a versatile go-to that’s sure to satisfy a crowd.
What Makes This Pasta Salad So Special?
What sets this pasta salad apart from your standard side dish is the Elote-inspired dressing. Mexican street corn is typically grilled and slathered in a creamy mixture of mayonnaise, lime juice, Cotija cheese, chili powder, and often some crema or sour cream. When you take those bold, creamy, zesty flavors and combine them with pasta and fresh vegetables, you end up with a dish that’s unexpected, exciting, and comforting all at once.
The rich dressing clings beautifully to every twist and curve of rotini (or your pasta of choice), ensuring every bite is infused with flavor. Add to that the smoky sweetness of grilled corn, the slight crunch of fresh peppers and red onion, and the crumbly, salty tang of Cotija cheese, and you have a salad that’s as texturally delightful as it is flavorful.
A Flavor Profile That Balances Every Bite
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad excels in balancing contrasting elements. The pasta provides a neutral, starchy base that absorbs the tangy, creamy dressing. Fresh lime juice offers brightness and acidity, cutting through the richness of the mayo and sour cream. Chili powder and smoked paprika bring subtle heat and earthiness, while Cotija cheese adds a salty, aged sharpness that binds it all together.
The red onion and bell pepper introduce crunch and freshness, making sure the salad isn’t overly heavy. And cilantro? It gives a herby lift that enhances the brightness of the lime and rounds out the flavor profile beautifully.
It’s a thoughtful layering of flavor that is rich, tangy, spicy, savory, and fresh, all at the same time.
Perfect for Any Occasion
One of the best things about this dish is its versatility. It’s simple enough to whip up for a weeknight dinner or weekend meal prep, but impressive enough to bring to potlucks, barbecues, picnics, or holiday gatherings. Since it’s served cold or at room temperature, it travels well and doesn’t require reheating, ideal for summer get-togethers or lunchboxes.
You can serve it as a side to grilled meats, tacos, or burgers, or you can enjoy it on its own for a light yet satisfying vegetarian meal. Need a little protein boost? It pairs excellently with grilled chicken, black beans, or even shrimp.
Ingredient Spotlight
- Corn
The heart of the dish, corn brings natural sweetness and subtle smokiness especially if you roast or grill it before mixing it in. You can use canned, frozen, or fresh corn, but grilled corn on the cob truly elevates the dish by adding a charred flavor that mimics authentic Elote.
- Cotija Cheese
Cotija is a crumbly, aged Mexican cheese that has a salty, tangy flavor similar to feta but drier and more intense. It adds that unmistakable street corn finish to the salad. If you can’t find Cotija, you could use feta or even Parmesan in a pinch, but Cotija is worth seeking out for authenticity.
- Chili Powder & Smoked Paprika
These spices are essential for that earthy, smoky flavor that balances the creamy base. Adjust the chili powder to taste — if you want a spicier version, you can add a pinch of cayenne or even diced jalapeños.
- Cilantro
Fresh cilantro adds brightness and an herbaceous note that ties the dish together. For those who dislike cilantro, you could substitute parsley or simply reduce the amount.
- Lime Juice
Nothing beats the zing of fresh lime. It cuts through the creaminess and helps bring out the brightness of the corn and peppers.
Customization Ideas
One of the joys of this recipe is how easy it is to adapt to your tastes or dietary needs. Here are some great ways to customize it:
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Make it spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the dressing.
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Make it vegan: Use vegan mayo and sour cream, and swap Cotija for a dairy-free cheese alternative or omit it.
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Add protein: Toss in grilled chicken, black beans, or shrimp to turn this side dish into a complete meal.
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Use different pasta shapes: Fusilli, farfalle, or even small shells all work great.
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Add avocado: Diced avocado brings creaminess and a healthy fat boost.
Storage Tips
This pasta salad stores beautifully. Keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. In fact, the flavors intensify as it chills, making it even tastier the next day. If the salad thickens too much over time, simply stir in a spoonful of sour cream or lime juice to loosen it up before serving.
Nutritional Benefits
While this is a comfort food dish, it still offers a decent nutritional profile. You’re getting fiber and vitamin C from the corn and bell peppers, protein and calcium from Cotija cheese, and healthy fats from the mayonnaise and sour cream. Opt for whole grain pasta to increase fiber, and add black beans or avocado for extra nutrients.
Why This Dish is Loved by All Ages
This salad is incredibly family-friendly. Kids love the creamy, cheesy flavor, and adults appreciate the complexity and bold seasoning. It’s a great way to introduce children to new tastes like chili powder or Cotija without overwhelming them. And because it can be made ahead and scaled up easily, it’s a stress-free dish to serve for large gatherings or meal prep.
Conclusion
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is more than just a side dish, it’s a celebration of texture, taste, and culture in one vibrant bowl. It captures the soul of Mexican street food while adding the comfort and convenience of pasta salad. Bursting with bold flavors, this salad is creamy yet fresh, spicy yet balanced, and versatile enough for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a summer cookout, a potluck, or your weekday lunchbox, this is a recipe that’s guaranteed to impress and satisfy.
With just a few simple ingredients and 30 minutes of your time, you’ll have a dish that’s as stunning to serve as it is delicious to eat. So go ahead and make a batch, grab a fork, and enjoy a little taste of street food magic from the comfort of your own kitchen.