If you’re craving a vibrant, flavorful dish that combines the best of Mexican street corn and pasta salad, look no further than Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad!

This dish is an irresistible combination of sweet, smoky, and tangy flavors, all tossed together with tender pasta, fresh vegetables, and the iconic ingredients that make Mexican street corn (elote) so popular.

Whether you’re planning a backyard BBQ, a summer picnic, or just a casual weeknight meal, this pasta salad will be the star of the show.

Packed with flavor, this dish is a perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and savory elements that will tantalize your taste buds. It’s quick and easy to prepare, and it can be made ahead of time for a stress-free meal.

So, let’s dive into why you’ll love this Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad and how you can make your own version at home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Bold and Flavorful: The combination of smoky grilled corn, tangy lime, creamy mayo, and spicy chili powder will give your taste buds an exciting kick. It’s the perfect side dish to pair with grilled meats or a standalone vegetarian option.

Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this pasta salad can be made in under 30 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.

Perfect for Summer: This salad is ideal for summer BBQs, potlucks, or picnics. The fresh, vibrant flavors make it the perfect complement to all your favorite grilled dishes.

Customizable: Want to add extra heat? Toss in some diced jalapeños! Prefer a creamier dressing? Add a little more sour cream or crema. This recipe is versatile and can be adjusted to suit your tastes.

Make-Ahead: The flavors in this pasta salad get even better as they marinate, making it the perfect make-ahead dish. You can easily prepare it the day before and serve it chilled.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad:

8 oz elbow macaroni (or your favorite pasta) 🍝
4 ears of fresh corn (or 2 cups of frozen corn) 🌽

1/2 cup mayonnaise 🧴
1/2 cup sour cream 🥄
1/4 cup fresh cilantro (chopped) 🌿

1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco 🧀
1/2 teaspoon chili powder 🌶️
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika 🧂

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 🧄
1 tablespoon lime juice 🍋
1 tablespoon olive oil 🫒

1/2 teaspoon salt 🧂
1/4 teaspoon black pepper 🧑‍🍳
1-2 tablespoons hot sauce (optional) 🌶️

1 jalapeño pepper (diced, optional for extra heat) 🌶️

How to Make

Making Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is quick and easy! Follow these steps to create a vibrant and flavorful dish:

Cook the pasta: Start by boiling the elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set it aside to cool completely.

Grill the corn: If using fresh corn on the cob, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly brush the corn with olive oil and season it with a pinch of salt. Grill the corn for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until it’s charred and tender. Once grilled, let the corn cool and then slice the kernels off the cob. If using frozen corn, simply thaw it and sauté in a pan with a bit of olive oil until lightly charred.
Prepare the dressing: In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, lime juice, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until smooth. For an added kick, you can also stir in some hot sauce to taste.
Combine the ingredients: In the same large bowl, add the cooked pasta, grilled corn kernels, crumbled queso fresco, chopped cilantro, and diced jalapeños (if using). Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy dressing.

Chill the salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. For even better flavor, let it chill for a few hours or overnight.
Serve and garnish: Before serving, give the pasta salad a quick toss. Garnish with extra cilantro, crumbled queso fresco, and a sprinkle of chili powder for an extra pop of color and flavor. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Variations

While Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is already bursting with flavor, here are a few variations you can try to make it your own:

Add protein: For a more filling meal, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even black beans to the salad. It’s a great way to turn it into a main dish.

Spicy twist: If you love spice, add more diced jalapeños or drizzle the salad with extra hot sauce. You can also sprinkle in some cayenne pepper for a fiery kick.

Use different cheese: While queso fresco is traditional, you can also swap it for cotija cheese or feta for a different flavor profile. Both cheeses are salty and crumbly, making them perfect additions to this dish.

Make it vegan: To make this recipe vegan, swap out the mayo and sour cream for plant-based versions. You can also use vegan queso fresco or skip the cheese altogether for a lighter salad.

How to Serve

Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a versatile dish that pairs well with almost anything. Here are some ideas for how to serve it:

As a side dish: This pasta salad is the perfect accompaniment to grilled meats, such as chicken, steak, or shrimp. It also pairs wonderfully with BBQ dishes like ribs or grilled vegetables.
As a main dish: Add some protein, such as grilled chicken or black beans, and turn this salad into a light yet satisfying meal.
For potlucks and picnics: This pasta salad is an ideal make-ahead dish for potlucks, picnics, and family gatherings. It holds up well in the fridge and is sure to be a hit with everyone!

As a side dish: This pasta salad is the perfect accompaniment to grilled meats, such as chicken, steak, or shrimp. It also pairs wonderfully with BBQ dishes like ribs or grilled vegetables.
As a main dish: Add some protein, such as grilled chicken or black beans, and turn this salad into a light yet satisfying meal.
For potlucks and picnics: This pasta salad is an ideal make-ahead dish for potlucks, picnics, and family gatherings. It holds up well in the fridge and is sure to be a hit with everyone!

FAQs

1. Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes, this pasta salad actually gets better as it sits in the fridge! You can make it a few hours or even a day ahead of time for maximum flavor.

2. Can I use canned corn instead of fresh or frozen?
Yes, canned corn works just fine for this recipe. Just be sure to drain and rinse the corn thoroughly before using it.

3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

4. How long will this pasta salad last in the fridge?
This pasta salad will last for up to 3-4 days in the fridge when stored in an airtight container.

Conclusion

Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a fun and delicious twist on a classic pasta salad, combining the bold flavors of Mexican street corn with creamy, tangy dressing and crunchy elements.

It’s perfect for any occasion, from casual dinners to potlucks, and will leave everyone asking for the recipe. With its fresh ingredients, vibrant colors, and irresistible taste, this dish is sure to become a summer favorite.

So grab your ingredients, fire up the grill, and get ready to enjoy a flavorful dish that’s sure to impress! 🌽🍝