why make this recipe
This salad is quick, fresh, and full of bold flavors. It mixes creamy dressing, sweet corn, and salty cotija cheese. It works for picnics, potlucks, and weeknight dinners. The salad stays good after chilling so you can make it ahead.
introduction
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad brings the taste of elote into a cool pasta dish. If you like corn with char and bright lime flavor, you can also cook corn quickly using an air fryer corn on the cob method before adding it to the salad. This recipe uses simple ingredients and little work, and it serves many people.
how to make Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
Make sure pasta is cool before mixing. Stir the dressing well so it coats every piece of pasta and corn. Chill the salad to let flavors blend. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or lime before serving.
Ingredients :
- 8 oz pasta (macaroni or rotini)
- 1 cup corn (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup cotija cheese (crumbled)
- 1/4 cup cilantro (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions :
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside to cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, corn, mayonnaise, sour cream, cotija cheese, and cilantro.
- In another small bowl, whisk together lime juice, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Drizzle the dressing over the pasta salad and toss until fully combined.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
how to serve Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
Serve cold or at room temperature. Add extra cilantro or a squeeze of lime on top. This salad pairs well with grilled chicken, tacos, or chips and salsa.
how to store Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays good for 3 to 4 days. Stir before serving. If it looks dry after chilling, add a little more sour cream or mayonnaise and mix.
tips to make Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
- Cool the pasta fully so the dressing does not get thin.
- Use fresh or roasted corn for a smoky flavor.
- Taste and add salt last because cotija cheese is salty.
- Chop cilantro small so it mixes evenly.
- Chill at least 30 minutes for best flavor.
variation (if any)
- Add diced red bell pepper or jalapeño for crunch and heat.
- Swap cotija for feta if you cannot find cotija.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter version.
- Add black beans for more protein and color.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen corn?
A: Yes. Thaw and drain it, or cook it briefly before mixing.
Q: Can I make this vegan?
A: Use vegan mayo and vegan sour cream, and skip the cotija or use a vegan cheese.
Q: Do I need to cook the corn?
A: You can use raw fresh corn, roasted corn, or cooked frozen corn. Roasting or charring adds more flavor.
Q: How long can I keep the salad?
A: Store it in the fridge for 3 to 4 days in an airtight container.
Q: Can I make this ahead for a party?
A: Yes. Make it a few hours or a day ahead and chill. Mix again before serving.
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing pasta salad that combines creamy dressing, sweet corn, and cotija cheese, perfect for picnics and potlucks.
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (macaroni or rotini)
- 1 cup corn (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup cotija cheese (crumbled)
- 1/4 cup cilantro (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside to cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, corn, mayonnaise, sour cream, cotija cheese, and cilantro.
- In another small bowl, whisk together lime juice, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Drizzle the dressing over the pasta salad and toss until fully combined.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
Cool the pasta fully to avoid thinning the dressing. Use fresh or roasted corn for enhanced flavor. Adjust seasoning before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
