Name: Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 12 oz short pasta; 3 cups corn kernels (charred); 0.5 cup mayonnaise; 0.5 cup sour cream; 1 cup cotija cheese (crumbled); 0.5 cup red onion (finely diced); 0.25 cup cilantro (chopped); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1-2 tbsp lime juice (fresh); 1 tsp chili powder; 0.5 tsp smoked paprika; 0.25 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

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If you love the bold, irresistible flavors of Mexican street corn, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad. Inspired by the iconic flavors of Elote, this creamy, tangy, slightly smoky pasta salad transforms a beloved street food into a crowd-pleasing side dish that’s perfect for potlucks, barbecues, picnics, and weeknight dinners.

This elote pasta salad combines tender pasta, charred sweet corn, creamy dressing, zesty lime, chili spices, and crumbly cotija cheese into one irresistible bowl. It’s vibrant, colorful, and bursting with flavor in every bite.

Whether you’re planning a summer gathering or simply craving something fresh and exciting, this creamy corn pasta salad will quickly become your go-to BBQ side dish recipe.

Let’s dive in.

What Is Mexican Street Corn?

Mexican Street Corn, or Elote, is a popular Mexican street food traditionally made by grilling corn on the cob and coating it with mayonnaise, chili powder, lime juice, and crumbly cheese (usually cotija). It’s smoky, creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy all at once.

This pasta salad version captures all those flavors—but in a fork-friendly, make-ahead dish that feeds a crowd.

Why You’ll Love This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

Creamy but not heavy
Bright and zesty with fresh lime
Slight smoky kick from chili powder and paprika
Perfect make-ahead dish
Easy to customize
Ideal for BBQs, picnics, and summer parties

It’s everything you love about elote—just transformed into a hearty, satisfying pasta salad.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to make this bold and flavorful Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad:

12 oz short pasta (rotini, penne, or shells)
3 cups corn kernels (fresh, grilled, or frozen and thawed)
½ cup mayonnaise
½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
1 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta as substitute)
½ cup finely diced red onion
¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 cloves garlic, minced
1–2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
1 teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil (for charring corn if needed)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool completely.
Char the Corn
If using fresh or thawed corn, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add corn and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly charred. This step adds smoky depth and mimics authentic street corn flavor. Let cool.
Make the Creamy Dressing
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, minced garlic, chili powder, smoked paprika, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Combine Everything
Add cooled pasta, charred corn, diced red onion, chopped cilantro, and most of the cotija cheese (reserve some for garnish) to the bowl with the dressing.
Toss Thoroughly
Mix until everything is evenly coated in the creamy dressing.
Chill for Best Flavor
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
Garnish and Serve
Before serving, sprinkle remaining cotija cheese, a dash of chili powder, and extra cilantro on top. Add lime wedges for a fresh finishing touch.

Tips for the Best Elote Pasta Salad

1. Don’t Overcook the Pasta

Al dente pasta holds up better once mixed with dressing and chilled.

2. Char for Maximum Flavor

Even if using frozen corn, charring it adds authentic smoky notes.

3. Adjust the Heat

Add more cayenne for spice lovers or omit it entirely for a milder version.

4. Let It Rest

This salad tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge.

Variations to Try

Spicy Jalapeño Version

Add finely diced jalapeño for extra kick.

Grilled Chicken Addition

Turn it into a main dish by adding chopped grilled chicken.

Avocado Twist

Fold in diced avocado just before serving for creamy richness.

Vegan Option

Use vegan mayo, dairy-free yogurt, and skip the cheese or use plant-based alternatives.

Serving Suggestions

This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad pairs beautifully with:

Grilled burgers
BBQ chicken
Tacos
Grilled steak
Fish tacos
Pulled pork sandwiches

It’s especially popular at summer cookouts and backyard BBQs.

Make-Ahead & Storage

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Stir before serving as dressing may settle.
Add a splash of lime juice if it needs refreshing.

Not recommended for freezing due to the creamy dressing.

Nutritional Highlights

This creamy corn pasta salad offers:

Carbohydrates for energy
Protein from cheese and yogurt
Healthy fats from olive oil
Vitamin C from lime juice
Fiber from corn

You can lighten it up further by using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.

The Cultural Inspiration Behind This Dish

Street food culture plays an important role in Mexican cuisine. Elote vendors are a common sight in cities like Mexico City, where grilled corn is served fresh off the cob with vibrant toppings.

This pasta salad celebrates those traditional flavors while adapting them into a dish that works beautifully for gatherings and Western-style meals.

It’s a delicious example of how food traditions can travel and evolve.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned corn?
Yes. Drain well and char in a skillet for best results.

What pasta works best?
Short shapes like rotini, shells, or penne hold the dressing well.

Can I make it ahead of time?
Absolutely. In fact, it tastes better after chilling for at least 30 minutes.

Is it spicy?
It has mild warmth, but you can easily adjust spice levels.

Final Thoughts

This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is bold, creamy, tangy, and perfect for warm-weather gatherings. It captures the essence of authentic street corn while offering the convenience and heartiness of a pasta salad.

It’s vibrant enough to impress guests yet simple enough for everyday meals.

Once you try it, you’ll understand why this elote pasta salad quickly becomes a favorite summer staple.