Lunch

Street Corn Pasta Salad

Name: Street Corn Pasta Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican-American
Ingredients: 8 oz elbow macaroni or rotini pasta; 2 cups corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen and thawed); 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup sour cream; 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro; 1/4 cup crumbled cotija or feta cheese; 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon lime juice; 1/2 teaspoon chili powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking corn if using fresh)

ByGrace Sullivan April 20, 2025April 20, 2025

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You know that magical mix of charred corn, creamy dressing, lime, and a little kick of spice that makes Mexican street corn totally addictive? Now imagine that same flavor party… but with pasta. Welcome to your new favorite side dish: Street Corn Pasta Salad! It’s vibrant, zesty, loaded with texture, and it brings serious energy to the table. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or whipping up something quick for a BBQ, this salad always delivers.

Plus, it’s the kind of recipe that screams summer—but tastes amazing all year round.

Why You’ll Love Street Corn Pasta Salad

This isn’t just a salad—it’s a total flavor explosion. Sweet corn, creamy dressing, bold spices, and tender pasta come together for something way more exciting than your average side dish.

Flavor-Packed: Tangy, creamy, a little spicy, and super fresh—every bite is loaded with contrast and crunch.
Easy to Make: Just cook the pasta, toss everything together, and boom—done.
Meal-Prep Friendly: Stays delicious in the fridge for days.
Great for Gatherings: Perfect for potlucks, picnics, BBQs, or lunchboxes.
Customizable: Add grilled chicken, avocado, or beans to make it a main dish.

Ingredients in Street Corn Pasta Salad

You don’t need anything fancy—just bold, simple ingredients that shine together:

Pasta: Short pasta like rotini, fusilli, or bowtie works great. It holds the creamy dressing perfectly.
Corn: Fresh grilled corn is amazing, but canned or frozen works too. The key is getting that char for that street corn vibe.
Cotija Cheese (or Feta): Crumbly, salty, and perfect for adding that creamy-salty contrast.
Red Onion: Adds crunch and a little bite.
Cilantro: Fresh and vibrant—totally essential for that classic flavor.
Jalapeño: Optional, but adds just the right heat.
Lime Juice: Bright and tangy—this wakes everything up.
Mayo + Sour Cream: The creamy base for the dressing. Greek yogurt works too.
Spices: Chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper for that smoky, savory kick.

Instructions

Let’s make this magic happen—step by step:

Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.

Char the Corn:
If using fresh corn, grill or sauté it until it gets a nice char. Canned or frozen? Just toss it in a hot skillet until it starts to brown a bit. That little char adds SO much flavor.

Make the Dressing:
In a large bowl, whisk together mayo, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Combine Everything:
Add the cooked pasta, charred corn, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and Cotija cheese to the bowl. Toss until everything is evenly coated in the dressing.

Chill It:
Let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. It gets even better as it sits.

Serve and Enjoy:
Top with extra cheese, cilantro, or a sprinkle of chili powder. Serve chilled or at room temp!

Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 6–8
Calories per serving: ~350–400 (depending on your add-ins)

Prep & Cook Time:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: ~55 minutes

How to Serve Street Corn Pasta Salad

This dish is super versatile! Here are a few fun ways to serve it:

As a side for tacos, burgers, or grilled chicken
Stuffed into lettuce wraps for a light lunch
With a sprinkle of Tajín for extra zing
As a base for a Tex-Mex bowl (add beans, avocado, and protein!)
Scooped up with tortilla chips as a party snack

Additional Tips

A few helpful tricks to level up your salad:

Make it a meal: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or black beans.
Make it vegan: Use vegan mayo and skip the cheese or use a plant-based version.
Spice it up: Add hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne for more heat.
Balance the creaminess: Add a splash of vinegar or more lime if it feels too heavy.
Make it ahead: It holds up well in the fridge for 2–3 days—great for meal prep!

FAQ’s

1. Can I use canned corn?
Yes! Just drain it and sauté in a hot skillet to give it some charred edges.

2. What if I don’t like cilantro?
Swap it with fresh parsley or leave it out entirely—it’ll still taste great.

3. Is there a way to lighten it up?
Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and go lighter on the mayo.

4. Can I make it gluten-free?
Totally—just use your favorite GF pasta!

5. How spicy is it?
That’s up to you. Jalapeños and chili powder give it a gentle heat, but you can skip or add more to taste.

6. Can I serve it warm?
It’s best chilled, but you can eat it slightly warm if you prefer—it’s flexible.

7. What’s a good cheese alternative to Cotija?
Feta is a great sub—salty and crumbly, with a similar vibe.

8. How long does it keep in the fridge?
It’ll stay fresh for about 3 days in an airtight container.

9. Can I add avocado?
Yes, but add it right before serving so it doesn’t brown.

10. Is this kid-friendly?
Absolutely! Just adjust the spice level and it’s a total hit with little ones.

CONCLUSION

Street Corn Pasta Salad is where flavor meets fun. It’s creamy, zesty, a little smoky, and loaded with fresh ingredients that come together in the most delicious way. Whether you’re sharing it at a potluck or just making lunch more exciting, this salad brings serious vibes. Trust me—you’ll want to make a double batch.

Grace Sullivan

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Hello! I’m Grace Sullivan, the creator of CookFlash.com and your go-to foodie friend. Growing up in a big family, the kitchen was always the heart of our home, filled with laughter, love, and the smell of something delicious cooking. Today, I carry on that tradition by crafting recipes that celebrate both simplicity and flavor. At CookFlash, you’ll find a mix of timeless favorites and creative twists designed for busy lives and special moments alike. Join me as we turn everyday ingredients into extraordinary meals, one flash at a time!