This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe is a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings the essence of summer to your table. With its combination of sweet corn, spicy jalapenos, and creamy dressing, it’s perfect for barbecues, potlucks, or just a fun weeknight dinner. This salad is not only quick to prepare—taking just 30 minutes—but it also offers a delightful blend of textures and tastes that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This pasta salad can be ready in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of fresh corn, zesty lime, and creamy dressing creates a deliciously unique taste that stands out.
- Versatile Dish: Serve it as a side at BBQs, potlucks, or make it a main dish for lunch by adding grilled chicken or shrimp.
- Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to adjust the spice level or add your favorite veggies—this recipe is flexible!
- Crowd-Pleaser: With its colorful presentation and bold flavors, this Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is sure to impress your guests.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start making this delicious pasta salad, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline the cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Skillet
- Sharp knife
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta evenly and efficiently.
- Skillet: Perfect for charring the corn to enhance its flavor.
- Sharp knife: Necessary for cutting corn kernels off the cob accurately and safely.
Ingredients
This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is bursting with the flavors of fresh summer corn, jalapenos, red onion, and a creamy chili lime dressing. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s the perfect dish for feeding a crowd!
- 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 (optional)
- ¼ cup lime juice (freshly squeezed from 1 ½ to 2 limes)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 medium jalapeno (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 degrees F. Peel back the husks of the corn and remove the silk. Brush them with oil on all sides. Place them on the grill and cook for about 15–20 minutes until lightly charred, turning every 5 minutes. Let cool slightly before cutting off the kernels.
* Cook in Skillet: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove corn kernels from the cob using a sharp knife. Add them to the skillet and cook for about 8–10 minutes until slightly caramelized.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
While the corn cools, fill a large pot with water and add salt. Bring it to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta with cooked corn.
Step 4: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together:
* Mayonnaise
* Sour cream
* Chili powder
* Lime juice
* Lime zest (if using)
* Salt & pepper
Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
Step 5: Assemble the Salad
Drizzle your dressing over the pasta and corn mixture. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated. Add chopped jalapenos, red onion, and cilantro. Stir well to combine and garnish with extra cilantro if desired. Taste again for seasoning adjustments before serving!
Enjoy your vibrant Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad!
How to Serve Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe
This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a vibrant dish that shines at any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or a family dinner, here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your meal.
As a Standalone Dish
- This pasta salad can be served by itself as a light and refreshing lunch option. The combination of flavors makes it satisfying and filling.
Paired with Grilled Proteins
- Serve alongside grilled chicken, shrimp, or steak. The smoky flavors complement the creamy dressing beautifully, making for a well-rounded plate.
As a Side for Tacos
- This pasta salad is an excellent side dish for taco night. It adds a twist to the traditional sides and pairs perfectly with spicy taco fillings.
In Lettuce Wraps
- For a low-carb option, serve the salad in crisp lettuce leaves. This adds crunch and freshness while keeping it light.
As Part of a Potluck Spread
- This dish is perfect for potlucks. Its vibrant colors and flavors will attract attention and please guests of all ages.
How to Perfect Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe
To make this Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad truly exceptional, consider these helpful tips for perfection.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh corn kernels provide the best flavor and texture. If using frozen or canned corn, ensure they are high quality for optimal taste.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Modify the amount of jalapenos based on your heat preference. Start with less if you’re unsure, as you can always add more later.
- Chill Before Serving: Letting the salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes allows flavors to meld together beautifully, enhancing overall taste.
- Mix Dressings Well: Whisk the dressing thoroughly to ensure even distribution when mixed with salad ingredients. This prevents clumps and enhances flavor throughout.
- Garnish Generously: A sprinkle of extra cilantro or crumbled cotija cheese on top before serving enhances presentation and flavor complexity.
- Experiment with Add-Ins: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or avocado for additional textures and flavors that complement the main ingredients.
Best Side Dishes for Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe
This colorful pasta salad pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that elevate your meal experience. Here are some great options to consider:
- Grilled Vegetables: Zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus tossed in olive oil and grilled until tender provide a healthy complement.
- Black Bean Salsa: A zesty black bean salsa adds protein and fiber while blending well with the salad’s flavors.
- Guacamole: Creamy guacamole offers richness that pairs nicely with the tangy elements of the pasta salad.
- Mexican Rice: Flavored rice cooked with spices brings an authentic touch that rounds out your meal.
- Chips and Salsa: Crispy tortilla chips served with fresh salsa offer crunch and additional flavor layers.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad made with seasonal fruits provides sweetness that balances savory dishes perfectly.
- Cornbread Muffins: These sweet muffins make an excellent side that echoes the corn theme in your pasta salad.
- Grilled Shrimp Skewers: Lightly seasoned shrimp skewers add protein while keeping your meal light and flavorful.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making the Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad, it’s easy to overlook a few key details that can affect the final dish. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
- Using frozen corn without thawing: Frozen corn should be thawed and drained before using. This prevents excess water from diluting the flavors of your salad.
- Overcooking the pasta: Cooking pasta for too long can lead to a mushy texture. Always follow the package instructions and aim for al dente for the best results.
- Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning your pasta and corn can result in bland flavors. Be generous with salt and pepper while cooking to enhance the overall taste.
- Neglecting fresh ingredients: Using stale or wilted vegetables can diminish your salad’s appeal. Always opt for fresh cilantro, jalapeños, and corn for vibrant flavors.
- Not letting the flavors meld: Serving immediately after preparation may miss out on enhanced flavors. Allow the salad to chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- The Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe
- Freezing is not recommended due to the creamy dressing separating upon thawing.
- If needed, store components separately (pasta, corn, and dressing) to maintain texture and flavor.
Reheating Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), spread the salad on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Place a portion in a microwave-safe container, cover loosely, and heat for 1-2 minutes until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat, stirring frequently until heated evenly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe?
This recipe combines elements of traditional elote with pasta, featuring grilled corn, creamy dressing, jalapeños, and spices for a refreshing side dish.
Can I make this Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare this salad up to a day in advance. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
What can I substitute for cotija cheese?
If you can’t find cotija cheese, feta or queso fresco works well as alternatives while still providing a similar flavor profile.
How do I customize my Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad?
Feel free to add extra ingredients like diced bell peppers, black beans, or avocado for added texture and flavor according to your preference.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This salad is great for meal prep since it stores well and stays flavorful over a few days when kept refrigerated.
Final Thoughts
The Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is not only delicious but also versatile enough to suit various occasions. Its combination of fresh ingredients and zesty dressing makes it an ideal side dish for barbecues or potlucks. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite add-ins! Try this recipe today and enjoy its burst of flavors!
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that captures the essence of summer in every bite. Bursting with sweet, charred corn, spicy jalapeños, and a creamy chili-lime dressing, this pasta salad is not only quick to prepare—taking just 30 minutes—but also incredibly versatile. Perfect as a side for barbecues or potlucks, or enjoyed as a light main course, it promises to impress guests and family alike. With its colorful presentation and delightful blend of flavors, this salad is sure to become a favorite at any gathering.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Ingredients
- 6 ears corn (or 4 ½ to 5 cups 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
Instructions
- Cook corn: Grill or sauté until charred.
- Cook pasta: Boil in salted water until al dente; drain and cool.
- Combine: In a large bowl, mix cooked pasta and corn.
- Make dressing: Whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, chili powder, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble: Toss salad with dressing, jalapeños, red onion, and cilantro.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling/Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 20mg