street corn pasta salad : If you love the zesty, creamy flavors of Mexican street corn—also known as elote—you’re going to fall head over heels for this Amazing Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe. It takes everything you adore about classic elote: creamy dressing, charred corn, crumbly Cotija cheese, and lime, and blends it into a satisfying, crowd-pleasing pasta salad that’s perfect for BBQs, potlucks, or just an upgraded weeknight side.

This dish is a celebration of texture and flavor: the chewy bite of pasta, the sweetness of corn, the zing of lime juice, and the tangy richness of a mayo-sour cream base. If you’ve never cooked with Cotija cheese before, it’s worth checking out what Cotija cheese is and why it’s so essential to Mexican cuisine. It adds a salty, aged flavor that takes this dish to the next level.

For those unfamiliar with the roots of this dish, elote is grilled Mexican corn on the cob slathered in mayo or crema, dusted with chili powder, and sprinkled with cheese. You can learn more about elote here—it’s a cultural staple and an iconic street food that’s been joyfully adapted into a creamy pasta format.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick prep time—done in under 30 minutes
Pantry-friendly ingredients
Perfectly tangy, creamy, and smoky
Vegetarian-friendly and easily adaptable
Ideal for hot summer days or potluck tables

Ingredients You’ll Need

Pasta

Choose a short cut pasta that holds dressing well, like:

Rotini
Bowtie (farfalle)
Elbow macaroni
Cavatappi

Want that perfect pasta texture? Here’s a handy guide on how to cook perfect al dente pasta.

Corn

Fire-roasted frozen corn (preferred for smokiness)
Grilled corn on the cob, cut off the cob
Canned sweet corn, drained and dried

Cheese

Cotija cheese (salty, crumbly, aged)
Queso fresco (milder, softer alternative)
Feta (for a Mediterranean twist)

Dressing Base

Mayonnaise
Sour cream (full-fat for richness)
Lime juice and zest
Chili powder
Garlic powder
Cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Salt and black pepper

Fresh Additions

Cilantro (a must!)
Diced red onion (optional for bite)
Diced jalapeño (optional for spice)
Chopped avocado (optional for creaminess)

How to Make Street Corn Pasta Salad

1. Cook the Pasta

Boil pasta in heavily salted water until al dente.
Drain, rinse briefly under cold water, and toss with a little olive oil.
Chill in the fridge while you prep the other ingredients.

2. Roast or Prepare Corn

If using frozen fire-roasted corn: heat in a pan or microwave.
If grilling corn: char evenly, then slice off the kernels.
For canned corn: dry it well and sauté for a quick char.

3. Make the Dressing

In a bowl, mix:

1 cup sour cream
½ cup mayonnaise
3 tbsp lime juice
2 tsp lime zest
1 tsp chili powder
½ tsp garlic powder
A pinch of cayenne pepper
Salt and pepper to taste

4. Combine

In a large bowl, mix chilled pasta, corn, cheese, and chopped cilantro.
Pour in most of the dressing and toss to coat.
Drizzle remaining dressing on top before serving.
Garnish with more cotija, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.

Expert Tips for Best Results

Salt your pasta water! It’s the first step to flavorful pasta.
Cook pasta just until al dente—mushy noodles ruin the texture.
Use chilled ingredients so the dressing doesn’t get too thin.
Add cheese last minute to keep it from soaking up the dressing.
Reserve some dressing to refresh leftovers before serving.

Variations to Try

Protein Additions:
- Grilled chicken
- Black beans
- Bacon bits
Make it Vegan:
- Use plant-based mayo and sour cream
- Substitute vegan feta or omit cheese
Add Some Crunch:
- Crushed tortilla chips on top
- Toasted pepitas or sunflower seeds
Spice it Up:
- Mix in chopped jalapeño or hot sauce
- Add smoked paprika for depth

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

Make Ahead: Chill pasta and corn separately, combine with dressing right before serving.
Storage: Keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Refresh Before Serving: Stir in a tablespoon of dressing or sour cream if it dries out.
Avoid Freezing: The mayo-based dressing doesn’t freeze well.

Serving Suggestions

This pasta salad is super versatile. Pair it with:

Grilled burgers or veggie patties
Tacos or fajitas
BBQ ribs or pulled pork
Grilled vegetables or kabobs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, but store the dressing separately and mix before serving for best texture.

What can I use instead of Cotija?
Feta or queso fresco are good substitutes. Learn more about Cotija cheese here.

Is this salad spicy?
It’s mildly spicy. Control the heat by adjusting cayenne and chili powder levels.

How long does it last in the fridge?
Up to 5 days in a sealed container. Stir before serving and add extra dressing if needed.

Can I make this dairy-free or vegan?
Absolutely—use vegan mayo, dairy-free sour cream, and skip the cheese or use a plant-based version.

Can I use canned corn?
Yes! Just be sure to drain and dry it well, then char in a skillet for extra flavor.

This Amazing Street Corn Pasta Salad is the ultimate way to upgrade your summer side dish game. It’s fast, flavorful, and guaranteed to steal the spotlight at any meal. Whether you’re trying it for the first time or making it your signature dish, this creamy, tangy, smoky pasta salad hits all the right notes.