Zesty Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe for Summer Fun

Summer gatherings buzz with excitement when mexican street corn pasta salad hits the table.

Kernels dance with zesty spices, creating a flavor explosion that captures street food magic.

Creamy textures blend seamlessly with tangy lime and smoky chili powder.

Fresh ingredients leap from plate to palate, promising deliciousness in every bite.

Crisp corn and tender pasta form a vibrant canvas of culinary creativity.

Each forkful whispers stories of mexico’s rich street food culture.

Come savor this irresistible dish that turns ordinary meals into memorable feasts.

Ingredients for Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

• Rotini Pasta: A twisted pasta shape that holds dressing and other ingredients exceptionally well.
• Corn Kernels: Sweet and charred corn that provides a classic Mexican street corn flavor profile.
• Cotija Cheese: A crumbly Mexican cheese that adds a salty and tangy taste to the pasta salad.

• Mayonnaise, Sour Cream: Creamy base that creates a rich and smooth dressing for the pasta salad.
• Lime Juice: Bright citrus element that adds freshness and balances the creamy dressing.

• Chili Powder, Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Spices that enhance the overall flavor and provide a classic Mexican street corn seasoning.
• Red Onion, Fresh Cilantro: Aromatic ingredients that add sharpness and herbal notes to the pasta salad.

How to Prepare Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Cook rotini pasta following package directions until it reaches al dente texture. Drain the pasta and rinse thoroughly with cold water to stop cooking and cool it down quickly.

Step 2: Prepare Corn

• Fresh corn: Grill or roast until slightly charred, then slice kernels off the cob
• Frozen corn: Thaw and lightly roast in a skillet
• Canned corn: Drain and quickly roast in a pan to enhance flavor

Step 3: Create Creamy Dressing

• Mayonnaise
• Sour cream
• Lime juice
• Chili powder
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend until the mixture becomes smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

• Cooled pasta
• Roasted corn kernels
• Diced red onion
• Crumbled cotija cheese
• Chopped fresh cilantro

Toss everything thoroughly to ensure even coating with the creamy dressing.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the pasta salad for a minimum of 30 minutes, allowing flavors to develop and meld together. Serve cold and enjoy the vibrant Mexican-inspired dish.

Expert Tips for Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

• Roast corn to enhance its smoky flavor and caramelize natural sugars for a deeper taste profile.
• Use fresh lime juice for brightness and zest, avoiding bottled alternatives that lack vibrant citrus notes.
• Opt for high-quality cotija cheese to add authentic Mexican tangy richness to the pasta salad.
• Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes to let flavors blend and develop a more harmonious taste.
• Adjust seasoning to personal preference, adding extra chili powder or cilantro for bolder flavor dimensions.

Flavorful Variations of Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

• Smoky Southwest Spin: Replace cotija with pepper jack cheese, add diced jalapeños, and sprinkle smoked paprika for extra heat and depth.
• Grilled Veggie Edition: Incorporate charred bell peppers, zucchini, and red onions alongside corn for a robust vegetable-packed version.
• Protein Power Boost: Mix in shredded rotisserie chicken or crispy bacon bits to transform the pasta salad into a more substantial meal.
• Mediterranean Makeover: Swap cotija for crumbled feta, add kalamata olives, and use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a Mediterranean-inspired variation.

Best Pairings for Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

• Spice Up with Margaritas: Zesty lime margaritas complement the tangy, creamy pasta salad, balancing its bold Mexican-inspired flavors with a refreshing citrus kick.
• Crisp Cerveza Pairing: Mexican lager beers like Modelo or Corona offer a light, crisp counterpoint to the rich, creamy dressing, cutting through the salad's heaviness.
• Grilled Protein Companion: Serve alongside grilled chicken or shrimp to transform this side dish into a complete meal, enhancing the corn and chili-spiced elements with additional protein.
• Crunchy Tortilla Contrast: Add crispy tortilla chips on the side to provide a satisfying textural contrast, echoing the street corn's traditional street food roots and adding a salty crunch.

Storage Advice for Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the pasta salad chilled to maintain its fresh flavor and prevent bacterial growth.
• Pack the salad in a freezer-safe container, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 1 month. Note that the texture might slightly change due to mayonnaise and vegetables.
• Thaw frozen pasta salad in the refrigerator overnight. Gently stir before serving to redistribute ingredients. For best results, add a splash of fresh lime juice or a bit of extra dressing to refresh the flavors.

Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad FAQs

• What makes cotija cheese unique in this recipe?

Cotija is a Mexican cheese with a crumbly, salty texture that adds a tangy, rich flavor to the pasta salad, providing an authentic street corn experience.

• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the cotija cheese or replace it with a vegetarian cheese alternative like feta or plant-based cheese crumbles.

• How spicy is this pasta salad?

The chili powder provides a mild kick, but you can adjust the heat by adding more or less powder, or including fresh jalapeños for extra spice.

• Is this a good make-ahead dish?

Absolutely! This pasta salad tastes even better after chilling for a few hours, allowing the flavors to blend and develop more depth.

Why Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Is a Must-Try

• Blast Mexican Flavors: Dive into a zesty pasta salad bursting with authentic street corn vibes that transport your taste buds straight to a vibrant Mexican marketplace.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Prepare this crowd-pleasing dish with minimal cooking skills, requiring just basic chopping and mixing techniques perfect for beginners or busy home cooks.
• Versatile Party Pleaser: Ideal for summer barbecues, potlucks, picnics, and gatherings where guests crave a refreshing side dish that stands out from typical pasta salads.
• Customize Your Crunch: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping ingredients or adjusting spice levels to match personal preferences, making it a flexible and fun culinary adventure.

Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Summer gatherings find their perfect companion in Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad, blending zesty street corn flavors with creamy pasta. Crisp corn, tangy cotija cheese, and smoky spices create a crowd-pleasing dish you’ll crave at every cookout.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) rotini pasta
• 2 cups (300 grams) corn kernels
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) cotija cheese

Dairy and Creamy Components:

• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup (60 grams) sour cream

Herbs, Spices, and Seasonings:

• 1/4 cup (15 grams) fresh cilantro
• 1/4 cup (40 grams) red onion
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) lime juice
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt
• Pepper

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Instructions

1. Cook rotini pasta in boiling water for 8-10 minutes until perfectly tender, then drain and quickly rinse under cold water to halt cooking process.
2. Prepare corn by either grilling fresh corn until lightly charred and slicing kernels off the cob, roasting thawed frozen corn, or pan-toasting drained canned corn for enhanced flavor.
3. Create a creamy dressing by whisking together mayonnaise, sour cream, tangy lime juice, zesty chili powder, aromatic garlic powder, and seasoning with salt and pepper until smooth and well-combined.
4. Combine cooled pasta with roasted corn kernels, finely diced red onion, crumbled cotija cheese, and freshly chopped cilantro in the large mixing bowl.
5. Gently fold the prepared dressing into the pasta mixture, ensuring every ingredient is evenly coated and distributed throughout the salad.
6. Chill the pasta salad in the refrigerator for 30-45 minutes to allow flavors to meld and develop, creating a more harmonious taste profile.
7. Before serving, give the salad a quick gentle stir and garnish with additional cilantro or a sprinkle of cotija cheese for extra visual appeal and flavor.

Notes

• Char corn carefully to enhance smoky flavor without burning, which adds depth to the pasta salad.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting chili powder amount for personal spice preference.
• Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter, protein-rich alternative that maintains creamy texture.
• Make ahead and store in refrigerator for up to 2 days, allowing flavors to develop and intensify.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 310 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 11 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg