Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is the perfect fusion of creamy, smoky, and tangy flavors. Inspired by the beloved elote, this dish transforms street food into a hearty, satisfying salad. The combination of charred corn, tangy chipotle lime dressing, and salty cotija cheese creates an explosion of taste in every bite. Whether served warm or cold, it’s guaranteed to be a hit!
This pasta salad is easy to make and incredibly versatile. Serve it as a light meal, a side dish for taco night, or bring it to your next BBQ for a guaranteed crowd pleaser. With its bold flavors and irresistible creamy texture, this dish will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
- 2 cups ditalini pasta (uncooked) or any small pasta shape
- 2-3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cups fresh corn kernels (from 4-6 ears of corn)
- Salt and fresh cracked black pepper to taste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ fresh jalapeño, minced (seeds and ribs removed)
- 1 bunch cilantro, finely chopped (reserve some for garnish)
- 1 bunch scallions, sliced (reserve some for garnish)
- ¼ cup cotija cheese, crumbled (reserve some for garnish)
Chipotle Lime Dressing
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 whole chipotle peppers in adobo
- ⅓ cup fresh lime juice + zest of 1 lime
- Salt and fresh cracked black pepper to taste
Directions:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Heat a large skillet over high heat and add the olive oil. Spread the corn in an even layer, season with salt and pepper, and let it char for about 5 minutes without stirring. Stir, then add minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
- In a blender, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, chipotle peppers, lime juice, lime zest, salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- In a large bowl, mix the cooled pasta, charred corn, jalapeño, cilantro, scallions, and crumbled cotija cheese. Pour the chipotle lime dressing over the salad and toss well.
- Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with reserved cilantro, scallions, and cotija cheese. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to eat.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad: A Flavorful Twist on a Classic Favorite
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a bold, creamy, and delicious fusion of Mexican street food flavors and classic pasta salad. Inspired by elote (Mexican street corn), this dish takes all the best elements of the popular street food charred sweet corn, creamy dressing, lime juice, cotija cheese, and a smoky kick of chipotle and blends them with pasta for an irresistible side dish or light meal. Whether you’re planning a summer cookout, a taco night, or simply looking for a new, exciting way to enjoy pasta salad, this recipe is sure to impress.
The Inspiration Behind the Dish
Elote, or Mexican street corn, is a beloved street food in Mexico and beyond. Typically served on the cob, this dish features grilled or boiled corn slathered in a creamy mixture of mayonnaise, crema (Mexican sour cream), lime juice, and cotija cheese, often finished with chili powder or Tajín seasoning. The result is a combination of smoky, tangy, creamy, and slightly spicy flavors that create an unforgettable bite.
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad takes this concept and turns it into a more versatile and shareable dish by incorporating pasta, making it easy to serve at gatherings or as a quick meal. The addition of pasta gives the salad more substance while still maintaining the balance of flavors that makes elote so beloved.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to make this dish a regular in your meal rotation:
- Bursting with Flavor – The smoky sweetness of charred corn, the tangy kick from lime, and the creamy, slightly spicy dressing create an addictive combination of flavors.
- Perfect for Gatherings – Whether it’s a BBQ, a picnic, or a casual family dinner, this pasta salad is a crowd pleaser that complements a variety of dishes.
- Quick and Easy to Make – With just a few steps, this recipe comes together in about 25 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last minute meal prep.
- Customizable – Want it spicier? Add more chipotle peppers. Prefer a tangier bite? Increase the lime juice. You can easily tweak this dish to fit your taste preferences.
- Great as a Side or a Main Dish – Serve it as a side to grilled meats, tacos, or fajitas, or enjoy it as a stand alone meal by adding protein like black beans, grilled chicken, or shrimp.
Key Components of the Dish
1. Charred Corn for Smoky Sweetness
The corn is the star of this dish, and charring it brings out a deep, caramelized flavor that makes the salad irresistible. The easiest way to achieve this is by pan searing fresh corn kernels over high heat. If fresh corn isn’t available, frozen corn can be used as a substitute just be sure to cook it directly from frozen without thawing, so it chars properly.
2. Creamy Chipotle Lime Dressing
The dressing is what ties everything together. A combination of sour cream, mayonnaise, chipotle peppers in adobo, and fresh lime juice creates a luscious, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce that coats the pasta and corn perfectly. This dressing not only adds depth to the dish but also enhances the natural sweetness of the corn.
3. Cotija Cheese for a Salty Kick
Cotija cheese is a traditional Mexican cheese known for its crumbly texture and salty flavor. It adds a punch of umami to the salad. If cotija is unavailable, queso fresco or even feta cheese can be used as a substitute.
4. Fresh Herbs and Jalapeños for Brightness
Chopped cilantro, scallions, and jalapeños bring freshness and contrast to the rich, creamy elements of the dish. The jalapeño adds a mild heat, while the scallions and cilantro brighten up the flavors. For those who don’t enjoy cilantro, it can be omitted or replaced with fresh parsley.
5. Pasta for Hearty Texture
Small pasta shapes like ditalini, mini shells, or even elbow macaroni work best for this dish, as they match the size of the corn kernels and allow for an even distribution of flavors in every bite. The pasta provides a chewy, satisfying texture that turns this salad into a complete meal.
Pairing and Serving Suggestions
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad pairs well with a variety of dishes, making it a versatile addition to any meal. Here are some great ways to serve it:
- As a Side Dish – Serve it alongside grilled chicken, steak, or shrimp for a delicious BBQ meal. It also pairs wonderfully with tacos, burritos, or enchiladas.
- As a Standalone Meal – Enjoy it as a light lunch or dinner by adding a protein source like grilled chicken, black beans, or even crispy tofu for a vegetarian option.
- As a Party Dish – Bring it to a summer potluck, picnic, or tailgate party this dish is sure to be a hit with guests!
- Topped with Extras – Customize your plate by adding diced avocado, crispy tortilla strips, or a drizzle of hot sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
Customization and Variations
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to tweak based on personal preferences or dietary needs:
- Make It Spicier – Add extra chipotle peppers or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing.
- Lighten It Up – Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and mayonnaise for a healthier alternative.
- Make It Vegan – Substitute dairy free mayonnaise and sour cream, and use nutritional yeast or vegan feta in place of cotija cheese.
- Add More Crunch – Toss in diced bell peppers, toasted pumpkin seeds, or crispy tortilla strips.
- Increase the Protein – Mix in grilled chicken, shrimp, or black beans to turn this into a more filling main course.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
This pasta salad stores well and can be made in advance, making it a great meal prep option. Here’s how to store it properly:
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen over time, making it even more delicious the next day.
- Prevent Drying Out: If making ahead, reserve some of the dressing and mix it in just before serving to keep the pasta moist and fresh.
- Serving Cold or Room Temperature: While best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, it can also be slightly warmed before serving if preferred.
Conclusion:
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is the ultimate fusion of bold Mexican flavors and creamy pasta salad goodness. It combines the smoky sweetness of charred corn, the zesty tang of lime, the creaminess of chipotle dressing, and the salty bite of cotija cheese all in one delicious and easy to make dish.
Perfect as a side dish for summer cookouts, taco nights, or even as a standalone meal, this pasta salad is guaranteed to be a favorite. Its balance of flavors, quick preparation, and versatility make it a must try for anyone who loves bold, fresh, and satisfying meals.
So, next time you’re looking for a new pasta salad recipe, give this one a try you won’t be disappointed!