Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe

If you’re in the mood for a dish that hits ALL the right summer notes, Street Corn Pasta Salad is about to win a place in your regular rotation. Imagine everything you love about classic elote—juicy grilled corn, creamy dressing, bursts of fresh cilantro, a tangy hit from lime, and a bit of heat—transformed into a vibrant, crowd-pleasing pasta salad. This recipe brings together bold flavors, a wonderful mix of textures, and colors so inviting it basically begs for a spot at your next cookout or picnic.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Street Corn Pasta Salad lies in its effortless combo of vibrant, everyday ingredients. Each one brings something unique to the party—don’t skip them if you want the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and lively color!

• Pasta (short shape like rotini or penne): The twisty shapes trap all the dressing and corn, making every bite deliciously coated.
• Fresh corn (grilled or charred): Charring fresh corn gives sweet, smoky pops throughout the salad.
• Mayonnaise: The creamy base that binds everything together and gives that signature street corn richness.
• Sour cream or Mexican crema: Adds tangy smoothness and a light, velvety texture.
• Lime juice and zest: Brings brightness and a mouthwatering zippy finish.
• Cotija or feta cheese: For salty, crumbly goodness that mimics authentic street corn toppings.
• Jalapeño (optional): For those who crave a hint of heat that doesn’t overpower.
• Fresh cilantro: A handful of chopped fresh cilantro adds freshness and a “wow” factor of color.
• Smoked paprika or chili powder: Delivers subtle warmth and that signature speckled color.
• Salt and pepper: Never underestimate a pinch to wake up every other ingredient!

How to Make Street Corn Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook until just al dente—keep an eye on it, because you want every noodle tender but still a bit firm, so they hold up once mixed with the creamy dressing. Drain and rinse with cool water to stop the cooking and keep those lovely shapes separated.

Step 2: Char the Corn

If you’ve never charred corn before, you’re in for a treat! Grab fresh ears and grill them over high heat, turning regularly, until they’re speckled with dark, nutty spots. No grill? No problem—a hot cast iron skillet does the trick too. Cool the ears, then cut off the kernels and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Dressing

In a big mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream (or crema), lime juice, lime zest, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. If you like things spicy, whisk in a bit of finely minced jalapeño here. This dressing should be tangy, creamy, and gently smoky—taste and adjust seasoning to your liking!

Step 4: Combine Everything

Add the cooled pasta and charred corn to the bowl, along with crumbled Cotija cheese and plenty of chopped cilantro. Toss everything together, making sure every noodle and corn kernel gets that luscious dressing. If it looks a bit dry, splash in an extra spoonful of sour cream—pasta always soaks up more than you think!

Step 5: Finish and Chill

Sprinkle with a final dusting of smoked paprika, an extra handful of cheese, and a squeeze of fresh lime. Cover and let your Street Corn Pasta Salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This quick rest lets all those vibrant flavors mingle and develop even further.

How to Serve Street Corn Pasta Salad

Garnishes

To make this salad truly pop, shower it with extra Cotija, a scattering of fresh cilantro, and a sprinkle of chili powder just before serving. A few lime wedges on the side make it easy for guests to dial up the brightness to their preference. The garnishes not only enhance flavor but add irresistible curb appeal.

Side Dishes

Street Corn Pasta Salad shines alongside all sorts of mains. Pile it onto picnic plates with grilled burgers or chicken, offer it as a zesty alternative to potato salad at a barbecue, or let it steal the show as a light lunch with crunchy tortilla chips. Its creamy, tangy crunch pairs beautifully with anything smoky or spicy.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties and potlucks, serve the salad in a wide, shallow platter so all the toppings are visible—a feast for the eyes! You can also pile it into individual mason jars for picnic-ready portions, or tuck spoonfuls into crunchy romaine leaves for a playful, hand-held appetizer. However you serve it, Street Corn Pasta Salad always draws a crowd.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This salad keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to three days, sealed in an airtight container. The flavors only get bolder as they mingle overnight, but if the dressing gets a little thick, simply stir in a splash of lime juice or a spoonful of sour cream before serving to revive that just-made creaminess.

Freezing

Unfortunately, Street Corn Pasta Salad isn’t the best candidate for freezing. The creamy dressing can separate and lose its silky texture once thawed, and the fresh herbs and cheese don’t hold up well in the freezer. For best results, enjoy it fresh and refrigerate any leftovers within the week.

Reheating

While this salad is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature (which makes it the ultimate make-ahead picnic hero), you can take the chill off by letting it rest at room temp for about thirty minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving—it can melt the cheese and alter the texture of the dressing.

FAQs

Can I use frozen or canned corn instead of fresh?

Absolutely! If fresh corn isn’t available, use frozen (thawed) or canned corn. Just try to give it a quick toss in a hot skillet or under the broiler to get a bit of that signature char and flavor before adding it to your Street Corn Pasta Salad.

What’s the best pasta shape for this recipe?

Short, sturdy shapes like rotini, penne, or shells work beautifully—they have plenty of nooks and crannies to grab onto the creamy dressing and the bits of corn. Avoid long pasta types like spaghetti for this salad.

How spicy is Street Corn Pasta Salad?

The spice level is totally up to you! Jalapeño adds noticeable heat, but you can skip it for a kid-friendly version or double down if you like things fiery. Smoked paprika or mild chili powder adds flavor without much heat, so feel free to adjust to your taste.

Can I make this salad dairy free?

Absolutely! Swap in your favorite vegan mayo and dairy-free yogurt or sour cream in place of the traditional ingredients. There are also excellent plant-based cheeses that work as a stand-in for Cotija or feta—just be sure to choose one with a crumbly texture.

Is it possible to make Street Corn Pasta Salad ahead?

Yes—this salad actually improves with a little time in the fridge, making it perfect for prepping ahead for gatherings or lunches. Just save some extra cheese and cilantro for garnishing right before serving for the freshest look and taste.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to shake up your summer salad game, there’s truly nothing quite like Street Corn Pasta Salad. It’s a celebration of bold flavors and fun textures, and always leaves everyone reaching for a second helping. Give it a whirl—you’ll wonder how you ever hosted a picnic without it!

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