Street Corn Pasta Salad – Charred Corn and Zesty Lime Dressing

I still remember the first time I made a dish inspired by Mexican street food for my family—it was a hit, and everyone asked for seconds. Street Corn Pasta Salad brings that same excitement to the table with its creamy dressing, charred sweet corn, and tender farfalle. Quick, easy, and customizable, it’s perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or even a picnic. You’ll love how simple and flavorful this pasta salad is.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Street Corn Pasta Salad is a must-try for anyone looking for a quick, flavorful, and family-friendly dish that combines the best of Mexican street corn with tender pasta. This street corn pasta salad is creamy, zesty, and packed with roasted corn, fresh herbs, and tangy lime dressing, making it a perfect one-pot meal for busy weeknights or summer gatherings. Whether you’re craving a street corn pasta salad with chicken, a vegetarian version, or a protein-packed option, this recipe is highly customizable. It’s ideal for meal prep, picnics, or dinner parties and brings bold, authentic flavors to your table without complicated steps. With ingredients like farfalle, cotija cheese, and a creamy chili-lime dressing, this Mexican street corn pasta salad is both comforting and visually appealing. Easy to make, packed with flavor, and loved by adults and kids alike, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again. Try this street corn pasta salad recipe today for a taste of Mexican-inspired goodness.

Ingredients for This Recipe

The magic of this street corn pasta salad starts with fresh, high-quality ingredients that balance flavor, texture, and color. The pasta serves as a hearty base, while sweet roasted corn adds that classic Mexican street corn taste. Red bell pepper and red onion bring crunch and freshness, and crumbled cotija cheese adds a creamy, salty bite. Fresh cilantro brightens the dish, and chicken can be added for a protein boost. The creamy dressing of mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, and spices ties everything together, giving this Mexican street corn pasta salad its signature tangy, slightly spicy flavor. Garnishes like extra cotija, lime wedges, and cilantro make it visually appealing and elevate every bite. With simple, easy-to-find ingredients, this street corn pasta salad is not only quick and customizable but also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for family meals, summer gatherings, or weeknight dinners.

🛒 Ingredients (serves 4–6)

For the Pasta Salad:
12 oz (340 g) farfalle or rotini pasta
2 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
1 red bell pepper, diced
½ cup red onion, finely chopped
½ cup cotija cheese (or feta), crumbled
¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1–2 cooked chicken breasts, diced (optional for protein)

For the Dressing:
½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Salt & pepper, to taste

For Garnish:
Extra cotija cheese
Lime wedges
Fresh cilantro sprigs
Dash of chili powder

How to Make This Recipe

Making street corn pasta salad is simple, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. This Mexican street corn pasta salad combines tender pasta, charred sweet corn, and a creamy chili-lime dressing that coats every bite. By using farfalle or rotini pasta, each piece holds the dressing and flavors perfectly. Fresh red bell pepper and red onion add crunch, while cotija cheese brings a salty, creamy balance. Chicken can be added for a protein boost, making this street corn pasta salad with chicken a hearty, family-friendly option. The lime juice, chili powder, and smoked paprika in the dressing give authentic Mexican street corn flavor in every bite. Garnish with extra cotija, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for a visually appealing, delicious salad that’s perfect for summer picnics, weeknight dinners, or meal prep.

🛒 Steps:

Step 1: Cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions, then drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.

Step 2: Sauté or grill the corn until slightly charred to enhance the Mexican street corn flavor.

Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream or Greek yogurt, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to make the creamy dressing.

Step 4: Combine cooked pasta, roasted corn, red bell pepper, red onion, cotija cheese, cilantro, and chicken if using, in a large bowl.

Step 5: Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly with the tangy, creamy mixture.

Step 6: Garnish with extra cotija cheese, fresh cilantro, a dash of chili powder, and lime wedges for a colorful, flavor-packed Mexican street corn pasta salad presentation.

Step 7: Chill for 15–20 minutes or serve immediately for the best taste and texture.

Expert Cooking Tips

Street corn pasta salad is easy to make, but a few expert tips can take it from good to unforgettable. Choosing the right pasta, like farfalle or rotini, ensures the creamy chili-lime dressing clings perfectly, giving every bite maximum flavor. Roasting or grilling the corn intensifies the sweet, smoky flavor, making this Mexican street corn pasta salad taste authentic. Fresh ingredients like red bell pepper, red onion, and cilantro add crunch and brightness, while cotija cheese brings a creamy, salty balance. For a protein boost, add chicken or beans, creating a hearty, family-friendly street corn pasta salad with protein. Adjust spices and lime juice to suit your taste and garnish generously for a visually stunning dish. Following these expert tips will make your street corn pasta salad recipe a go-to for summer picnics, weeknight dinners, or meal prep.

💡 Expert Tips:

Choose farfalle or rotini pasta to hold the creamy dressing well
Char or grill the corn to enhance the Mexican street corn flavor
Use fresh red bell pepper, red onion, and cilantro for crunch and brightness
Add cotija cheese for a creamy, salty balance
Include chicken or beans for a protein-packed version of street corn pasta salad
Adjust chili powder and lime juice for desired spice and tang
Garnish generously with extra cotija, cilantro, and lime wedges for presentation

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Street corn pasta salad is a delicious, versatile, and easy-to-make dish that brings the flavors of Mexican street corn to your table. With tender pasta, sweet charred corn, creamy chili-lime dressing, and fresh ingredients like red bell pepper, red onion, and cilantro, this street corn pasta salad recipe is perfect for family dinners, summer gatherings, or meal prep. Customize it with chicken or beans for added protein, and garnish with cotija cheese and lime wedges for a colorful, flavor-packed finish. This Mexican street corn pasta salad is quick, crowd-pleasing, and a recipe you’ll return to again and again.

Street Corn Pasta Salad

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• Author: Savannah
• Total Time: ~35 minutes
• Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

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Description

A creamy, zesty pasta salad inspired by Mexican street corn (elote). Sweet roasted corn, tender pasta, and a tangy lime-mayo dressing come together with cotija cheese, fresh cilantro, and a hint of chili powder. Perfect as a summer side dish, picnic favorite, or easy weeknight meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

🛒 Ingredients (serves 4–6):

For the Pasta Salad:

• 12 oz (340 g) farfalle or rotini pasta

• 2 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels

• 1 red bell pepper, diced

• ½ cup red onion, finely chopped

• ½ cup cotija cheese (or feta), crumbled

• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

• 1–2 cooked chicken breasts, diced (optional for protein)

For the Dressing:

• ½ cup mayonnaise

• ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt

• 2 tablespoons lime juice

• 1 teaspoon chili powder

• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• Salt & pepper, to taste

For Garnish:

• Extra cotija cheese

• Lime wedges

• Fresh cilantro sprigs

• Dash of chili powder

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Instructions

📝 Instructions:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

• Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.

• Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Corn

• Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.

• Add corn and sauté for 5–7 minutes until slightly charred. (You can also grill the corn for extra smoky flavor.)

Step 3: Make the Dressing

• In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

• In a large bowl, combine pasta, corn, red bell pepper, red onion, cotija cheese, cilantro, and diced chicken (if using).

• Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat evenly.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve

 

• Sprinkle extra cotija cheese and chili powder on top.

• Serve with lime wedges and additional cilantro.

Notes

• Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken or add black beans for extra protein.
• Make Ahead: Can be prepared 1 day in advance; store dressing separately and toss before serving for best texture.
• Spicy Kick: Add a minced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne for more heat.
• Pasta Choice: Farfalle, rotini, or penne all work well to hold the dressing.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Side Dish / Salad
• Method: Boiled / Sautéed / Mixed
• Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired / Fusion