Name: Easy Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 8 oz rotini pasta; 2 cups corn (fresh or frozen; grilled preferred); 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup cotija cheese (or feta); 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; 1 green onion, sliced; 1 tbsp lime juice; 1 tsp chili powder; Salt and pepper to taste

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If you’re looking for a dish that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for any occasion, then you’ll love this Easy Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad! This recipe combines the delightful taste of elote, or Mexican street corn, with the comforting twist of pasta. It’s creamy, zesty, and oh-so-satisfying. Whether you’re enjoying a sunny picnic, hosting a family barbecue, or just wanting a quick and tasty meal during a busy weeknight, this salad is sure to be a hit.

What I love most about this dish is how simple it is to prepare while still making a huge impression. With fresh ingredients and a vibrant mix of flavors, it’s like summer on a plate. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: With just a bit of prep work, you can whip up this salad in no time—perfect for those busy days!
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the creamy goodness and sweet corn flavor.
Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare this salad ahead of time; just let it chill in the fridge and serve when you’re ready!
Deliciously Versatile: Great as a side dish or even as a light main course, it fits into any meal plan.
Vibrant Flavor: The combination of lime juice, chili powder, and fresh cilantro brings an exciting taste that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully in this salad. You likely have many of these staples at home already!

For the Pasta Salad:

8 oz rotini pasta
2 cups corn (fresh or frozen; grilled preferred)
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sour cream
1/2 cup cotija cheese, crumbled (plus extra for garnish)
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
1 green onion, sliced
1 tbsp lime juice
1 tsp chili powder (plus extra for garnish)
Salt and pepper, to taste

Variations

This Easy Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to customize it based on what you have available or your personal preferences.

Add Protein: Toss in some black beans or grilled chicken for added protein.
Spice it Up: If you love heat, add diced jalapeños or sprinkle with hot sauce before serving.
Change the Cheese: Swap out cotija cheese for feta or queso fresco if desired.
Mix in Veggies: Try adding diced bell peppers or avocados for extra freshness.

How to Make Easy Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Draining and rinsing it under cold water helps cool it down quickly so that your salad stays fresh.

Step 2: Prepare the Corn

If you’re using fresh corn, grill it until lightly charred; this adds amazing depth of flavor. Once it’s cooled slightly, cut the kernels off the cob. If you’re using frozen corn instead, just make sure it’s thawed and well-drained so your salad doesn’t get watery.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise and sour cream with lime juice and chili powder. Adding salt and pepper will enhance all those delicious flavors! Mix until smooth; this dressing brings everything together beautifully.

Step 4: Combine the Salad

Now it’s time to bring all our ingredients together! Add in the cooked pasta along with grilled corn, crumbled cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, and sliced green onion. Gently toss everything until well-coated in that creamy dressing—you want every bite to be packed with flavor!

Step 5: Taste and Chill

Before serving, taste your salad! Adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lime juice if needed. Then pop the salad into the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows those wonderful flavors to meld together perfectly.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Just before serving your beautiful salad, top it off with extra cotija cheese, freshly chopped cilantro, and a sprinkle of chili powder for that final touch. Enjoy every delicious bite!

Pro Tips for Making Easy Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

Creating the perfect Easy Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a breeze with a few simple tips to enhance flavor and texture!

Choose the right pasta: Using rotini or another short pasta helps the dressing cling to each piece, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
Grill your corn: If possible, grilling the corn adds a smoky sweetness that elevates the dish. If you can’t grill, just make sure to use fresh or well-thawed frozen corn for the best texture.
Adjust the creaminess: Feel free to adjust the ratio of mayonnaise to sour cream based on your taste preference. This allows you to customize the level of creaminess in your salad.
Add some heat: If you love a bit of spice, consider adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. This will give your pasta salad an extra kick that complements the other flavors beautifully.
Let it chill: Allowing the salad to chill for at least 30 minutes before serving not only melds the flavors but also enhances its refreshing quality—perfect for warm days!

How to Serve Easy Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

This pasta salad is not only delicious but also visually appealing, making it a great centerpiece for any meal. Here are some ideas on how to present it:

Garnishes

Chopped Avocado: Adding fresh diced avocado just before serving brings creaminess and a pop of color.
Lime Wedges: Present lime wedges on the side for guests who might want an extra squeeze of citrus for brightness.
Fresh Cilantro: A sprinkle of additional cilantro gives a fresh look and enhances that vibrant flavor profile.

Side Dishes

Grilled Chicken Skewers: Juicy grilled chicken skewers marinated in lime and spices pair perfectly with this pasta salad, making it a balanced meal.
Mexican Black Bean Salad: A zesty black bean salad adds protein and complements the flavors of the pasta salad while providing an additional layer of texture.
Corn Tortilla Chips with Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips served alongside fresh salsa offer a delightful contrast in texture and are great for scooping up any leftover salad!
Roasted Vegetable Platter: Seasonal roasted vegetables add color and nutrition, making this a wholesome meal option that everyone can enjoy.

Enjoy making this delightful Easy Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad! It’s perfect for summer gatherings, BBQs, or even as a satisfying lunch throughout the week. Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Easy Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is perfect for meal prep! You can whip it up ahead of time, making it an ideal side dish for picnics, potlucks, or weekday lunches.

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
The salad will keep well for up to 3 days, but it’s best enjoyed fresh.
If the pasta absorbs too much dressing while stored, simply add a splash of lime juice and a bit more mayonnaise before serving.

Freezing

It’s not recommended to freeze this pasta salad as the texture of the ingredients may change upon thawing.
If you do choose to freeze it, place in a freezer-safe container and consume within one month.
Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving; be prepared for slight changes in texture.

Reheating

This pasta salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat.
If you prefer a warm dish, gently warm individual servings in the microwave for about 30 seconds, but be cautious not to overheat.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making this delicious salad!

Can I make Easy Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad without mayonnaise?

Absolutely! You can use Greek yogurt or a dairy-free alternative for a healthier or vegan option. Adjust the seasoning accordingly for flavor.

How long does Easy Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad last in the fridge?

This pasta salad will last up to 3 days when stored properly in an airtight container. Enjoy it fresh for the best taste!

Can I use other types of cheese instead of cotija?

Yes! Feta cheese or a dairy-free cheese alternative can work well in this recipe. Just crumble it on top like cotija for that delicious flavor.

Is Easy Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad suitable for vegetarian diets?

Definitely! This recipe is vegetarian-friendly and packed with flavors that everyone will enjoy.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is not just a dish; it’s a celebration of flavors that brings people together. Whether you’re enjoying it at a summer barbecue or packing it for lunch, I hope you find joy in every bite. Don’t hesitate to try making this delightful recipe yourself—it’s sure to become a favorite! Happy cooking!

Easy Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

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Author: Autumn
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Category: Side Dish
Method: No cooking required after initial pasta and corn preparation
Cuisine: Mexican

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Description

Discover the delightful flavors of Easy Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad, a creamy and zesty dish that brings the essence of summer to your table. This vibrant salad combines tender rotini pasta with sweet corn, tangy lime juice, and fresh cilantro for a refreshing bite. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or a simple weeknight dinner, this dish is not only easy to prepare but also a crowd-pleaser. With its colorful ingredients and bold flavors, every mouthful is sure to leave you wanting more. Treat yourself and your loved ones to this deliciously satisfying salad that’s both comforting and invigorating!

Ingredients

Scale

8 oz rotini pasta
2 cups corn (fresh or frozen; grilled preferred)
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sour cream
1/2 cup cotija cheese (or feta)
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 green onion, sliced
1 tbsp lime juice
1 tsp chili powder
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Cook the rotini pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
If using fresh corn, grill until lightly charred, then cut kernels off the cob. For frozen corn, ensure it's thawed and well-drained.
In a large bowl, mix mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Add cooked pasta, corn, cotija cheese, cilantro, and green onion to the bowl. Toss gently until everything is well-coated.
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Garnish with extra cotija cheese, cilantro, and chili powder just before serving.