Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe

Name: Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 6 ears corn (fresh or frozen); 8 oz. dry pasta (fusilli or farfalle); ¼ cup mayonnaise; 3 tablespoons sour cream; 2 medium jalapenos; ½ cup red onion; ¼ cup fresh cilantro; ½ cup feta cheese (or another cheese option)

Published: June 24, 2025

by Amelia

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it a great last-minute dish.
Bursting with Flavor: Fresh corn and zesty jalapenos create a deliciously bold flavor profile.
Versatile: Serve it as a side dish, main course, or even at potlucks and barbecues.
Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for feeding large groups with its hearty ingredients and flavorful dressing.
Customizable: Adjust spice levels and toppings to suit your taste preferences.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, gather these essential tools before you start.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large pot
Grill or skillet
Sharp knife
Mixing bowls
Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta evenly and efficiently.
Grill or skillet: Provides options for cooking corn to enhance its natural sweetness through charring.
Sharp knife: Necessary for easily cutting corn kernels from the cob or chopping vegetables.
Mixing bowls: Needed for combining ingredients without spills or mess.

Ingredients

This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is bursting with the flavors of fresh summer corn, jalapenos, red onion, and a creamy chili lime dressing. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s the perfect dish for feeding a crowd!

For the Corn

1 tablespoon vegetable oil or melted butter
6 ears corn (husks removed – approximately 4 ½ to 5 cups of corn kernels or frozen/canned corn)
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

For the Pasta Salad

8 oz. dry uncooked pasta (such as fusilli or farfalle)
¼ cup mayonnaise
3 tablespoons sour cream (or Mexican crema)
½ teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon lime zest (from one lime; optional)
¼ cup lime juice (freshly squeezed from 1 ½ to 2 limes)
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

For the Mix-Ins

2 medium jalapenos (seeded and sliced/chopped)
½ cup red onion (chopped finely)
¼ cup fresh cilantro (chopped; more for garnish)
½ cup cotija cheese (crumbled)

How to Make Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Corn

You have two options for preparing the corn:
1. Grill Corn: Heat a gas grill to 400°F. Peel back the husks of the corn and remove the silk. Brush with oil on all sides. Grill for about 15-20 minutes until lightly charred, turning every 5 minutes. Let cool slightly before cutting the kernels off.
2. Cook in Skillet: Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cut kernels from the cobs and cook in the skillet for about 8-10 minutes until slightly caramelized.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

While the corn cools, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and transfer to a large mixing bowl.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Add the cooked corn into the bowl with pasta.

Step 4: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, chili powder, lime juice, lime zest (if using), salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.

Step 5: Assemble the Salad

Drizzle dressing over pasta and corn mixture; toss well to coat evenly. Stir in jalapenos, red onion, and cilantro. Garnish with extra cilantro if desired. Taste again for seasoning adjustments before serving.

Enjoy your refreshing Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad at your next gathering!

How to Serve Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe

This vibrant Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is not only delicious but also versatile in how you can serve it. Whether for a summer barbecue, picnic, or family dinner, these serving suggestions will elevate your dining experience.

As a Side Dish

Pair the pasta salad with grilled chicken or steak to balance flavors.
Serve alongside tacos or burritos for a festive meal.

In a Lettuce Wrap

Spoon the pasta salad into crisp lettuce leaves for a refreshing, low-carb option.
This makes for a fun, hand-held version of the dish that’s perfect for gatherings.

Topped with Avocado

Add slices of avocado on top for a creamy texture that complements the salad’s crunch.
Season with lime juice and salt for extra flavor enhancement.

As a Main Course

Enjoy it as a light lunch or dinner option by adding protein such as shredded chicken or black beans.
This transforms the side dish into a satisfying main course.

How to Perfect Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe

To make your Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad even more delightful, consider these helpful tips that enhance flavor and texture.

Use Fresh Corn: Opt for fresh corn rather than frozen or canned for superior taste and crunch.
Adjust Spice Level: Customize the heat by adding more jalapenos or using mild chili powder if you prefer less spice.
Chill Before Serving: Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.
Add More Veggies: Incorporate additional veggies like bell peppers or cherry tomatoes for extra color and nutrition.
Experiment with Cheese: Substitute cotija cheese with feta or queso fresco based on your preference.
Make Ahead: Prepare it a day in advance; just add fresh cilantro before serving to keep it vibrant.

Best Side Dishes for Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe

Complement your Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad with these delightful side dishes that pair perfectly together.

Grilled Chicken Skewers: Tender chicken marinated in spices and grilled to perfection offers a great protein pairing.
Black Bean Tacos: Flavorful black bean tacos bring earthy notes that match well with the salad’s freshness.
Guacamole and Chips: Creamy guacamole served with crunchy tortilla chips adds another layer of flavor and fun.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables provide hearty texture while remaining healthy and colorful on your plate.
Mexican Quinoa Salad: A protein-packed quinoa salad with similar flavors enhances your meal’s overall theme.
Vegetable Fajitas: Sautéed bell peppers and onions served in warm tortillas make an excellent companion to your pasta salad.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad, keep these common mistakes in mind to ensure the best results.

Using canned corn without rinsing: Canned corn can be high in sodium. Always rinse it under cold water before adding to the salad for a fresher taste.
Overcooking the pasta: Cook the pasta just until al dente. Overcooked pasta can make the salad mushy. Follow package instructions carefully.
Skipping the seasoning: Don’t forget to season each component of your dish. Adding salt and pepper at different stages enhances flavor throughout.
Not letting the corn cool: Allowing the grilled or sautéed corn to cool before mixing it with the pasta prevents the salad from becoming soggy.
Ignoring garnish options: Adding fresh cilantro not only enhances flavor but also adds a pop of color. Don’t skip this final touch!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Keep away from direct sunlight or heat sources.

Freezing Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe

This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Use a freezer-safe container and leave some space at the top, as it may expand.

Reheating Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and cover with foil. Heat for about 15 minutes or until warmed through.
Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Stovetop: Heat on medium-low with a splash of broth or water, stirring frequently until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making and enjoying this delightful salad.

How long does Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad last?

This pasta salad can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator when stored properly in an airtight container.

Can I use frozen corn for this recipe?

Yes! Frozen corn works well as a substitute. Just thaw and drain it before adding it to your salad.

Is there a vegan option for Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe?

You can easily make this dish vegan by substituting mayonnaise and sour cream with plant-based alternatives.

What can I substitute for cotija cheese?

If you can’t find cotija cheese, feta cheese is a great alternative that offers similar flavor and texture.

How spicy is this Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe?

The spiciness comes from jalapenos. You can adjust the amount based on your preference or omit them altogether for a milder version.

Can I customize my Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to add ingredients like diced bell peppers, avocado, or black beans for added flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is not only vibrant and flavorful but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables or proteins, making it suitable for any occasion. Give it a try at your next gathering!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card