The Zesty Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe You’ll Love

Whipping up a zesty mexican street corn pasta salad brings summer vibes right to your plate.

Kernels of sweet corn dance alongside creamy, tangy dressing for an explosion of flavor.

Pasta becomes the perfect canvas for bold, vibrant ingredients that sing with authentic street food inspiration.

Lime juice and cotija cheese add a punch of brightness that makes this dish irresistible.

Rich, smoky spices weave through each bite, creating a memorable culinary experience.

Perfectly balanced and incredibly satisfying, this recipe promises to be the star of any gathering.

Why Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe Is a Zesty Delight

• Craft Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: Bursting with zesty Mexican street corn-inspired ingredients, this pasta salad delivers bold, tangy tastes that will have everyone asking for seconds.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or adjust spice levels to match personal preferences, making this recipe super adaptable for different dietary needs and taste buds.
• Quick Prep Magic: Minimal cooking required means you can assemble this vibrant dish faster than ordering takeout, perfect for last-minute gatherings or busy weeknights.
• Crowd-Winning Potluck Star: Guaranteed to be the talk of any barbecue, picnic, or summer get-together with its irresistible combination of creamy, spicy, and fresh flavors.

Ingredients for Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe

• Pasta (Rotini): A spiral-shaped pasta that perfectly captures and holds the creamy, zesty dressing.
• Fire-Roasted Corn: Adds a smoky, sweet flavor and authentic Mexican street corn character to the salad.
• Cotija Cheese: A traditional Mexican cheese that provides a salty, crumbly texture and authentic flavor.
• Cilantro: Brings a fresh, bright, and herbaceous note to the pasta salad.

• Sour Cream, Mayonnaise: Create a rich, creamy base for the dressing.
• Olive Oil: Helps to blend the dressing ingredients and adds a smooth texture.
• Lime Juice, Lime Zest: Provide a tangy, citrusy brightness to the dressing.

• Chili Powder, Garlic Powder, Cayenne: Deliver a warm, spicy kick and depth of flavor to the dressing.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Enhance and balance the overall taste of the pasta salad.

How to Prepare Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe

Step 1: Boil and Cool Pasta

Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain completely and drizzle with olive oil to prevent sticking. Spread pasta on a large tray to cool quickly or refrigerate for faster cooling.

Step 2: Create Creamy Dressing

• Sour cream
• Mayonnaise
• Olive oil
• Chili powder
• Garlic powder
• Cayenne pepper
• Lime juice
• Lime zest
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk ingredients until smooth and well-blended. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 3: Prepare Corn and Cheese

Heat fire-roasted corn kernels if using frozen or canned. Crumble Cotija cheese into small pieces. Chop fresh cilantro leaves.

Step 4: Mix Pasta Salad

• Cooled pasta
• Corn kernels
• Crumbled Cotija cheese
• Chopped cilantro

Pour most of the prepared dressing over the ingredients. Gently toss until everything is evenly coated.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Transfer pasta salad to a serving dish. Drizzle remaining dressing on top. Garnish with additional cilantro leaves. Serve immediately or chill for later enjoyment.

Pro Tips for Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe

• Pasta Perfection: Cook pasta al dente and rinse with cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking, ensuring a perfect texture every time.
• Flavor Boost: Roast corn on a grill or cast-iron skillet for deeper, smokier flavor that mimics authentic Mexican street corn.
• Cheese Tip: Use fresh Cotija cheese and crumble it just before adding to maintain its crumbly texture and prevent clumping.
• Spice Control: Adjust cayenne and chili powder to match your heat preference, starting with small amounts and tasting as you go.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the salad a few hours in advance to let flavors meld, but add fresh cilantro and extra dressing just before serving for maximum freshness.

Variation Ideas for Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe

• Vegan Mexican Corn Pasta Salad: Replace Cotija cheese with nutritional yeast or vegan feta. Swap sour cream and mayo with cashew cream or silken tofu-based dressing. Use plant-based alternatives to create a dairy-free version.
• Gluten-Free Corn Pasta Delight: Substitute regular pasta with gluten-free corn or rice pasta. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Maintain the same zesty Mexican-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Jalapeño Corn Pasta Remix: Add diced fresh jalapeños or roasted green chiles to increase heat. Incorporate diced red onions for extra crunch. Sprinkle extra cayenne for those who love intense spiciness.

Pairing Suggestions for Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe

• Flavor Boosting Beverage Pairing: Crisp Mexican lager like Modelo Especial cuts through the creamy, spicy pasta salad, refreshing your palate with each sip.
• Complementary Wine Selection: Bright, zesty sauvignon blanc mirrors the lime and chili notes, enhancing the dish's vibrant Mexican street corn flavors.
• Perfect Protein Partner: Grilled chicken or blackened fish creates a balanced meal, adding lean protein that harmonizes with the pasta salad's rich, tangy dressing.
• Summer Side Companion: Fresh, herbal green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a crisp contrast to the creamy, spicy pasta, adding textural variety to your plate.

Storage Advice for Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe

• Transfer leftover pasta salad to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain freshness.
• Gently warm in microwave for 30-45 seconds, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly. Add a splash of olive oil to restore moisture and prevent dryness.
• Enjoy straight from the refrigerator as a chilled pasta salad. The flavors often intensify after sitting overnight, making it even more delicious.
• Not recommended due to creamy dressing and fresh ingredients. Pasta and corn may become watery and lose texture when thawed.

FAQs About Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe

• What makes the dressing special in this recipe?

The dressing combines tangy sour cream, zesty lime, creamy mayo, and a blend of spices like chili and cayenne powder, creating a rich, complex flavor that perfectly complements the pasta and corn.

• Can I use frozen corn instead of fire-roasted corn?

Yes, you can! If fresh fire-roasted corn isn’t available, use frozen corn that’s been thawed and quickly sautéed to get a slight char and enhance its flavor.

• What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Rotini is ideal because its spiral shape helps capture and hold onto the creamy dressing, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor. However, other short pasta shapes like fusilli or penne will also work well.

Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy Mexican street corn pasta salad brings summer’s zesty flavors to your table with a delightful twist. Crisp corn, tangy cheese, and spicy seasonings dance together, creating a crowd-pleasing dish you’ll crave at every gathering.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 16 ounces (454 grams) rotini pasta
• 4 (10 ounces/283 grams) bags fire-roasted corn or 3 cans, drained
• 1 cup crumbled cotija or queso fresco cheese
• 1/3 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Dairy and Creamy Components:

• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:

• 3 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 teaspoons lime zest
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• Couple of pinches cayenne pepper
• Kosher salt to taste
• Fresh cracked black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the pasta in a large pot of boiling water until perfectly tender, about 8-10 minutes. Drain thoroughly and gently coat with olive oil to prevent clumping. Allow pasta to cool completely at room temperature or expedite cooling in the refrigerator.
2. Create the vibrant dressing by whisking together sour cream, mayonnaise, olive oil, chili powder, garlic powder, cayenne, fresh lime juice, and lime zest. Season with salt and pepper, blending until smooth and well-incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed for a zesty, balanced flavor.
3. In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with fire-roasted corn kernels. Sprinkle in crumbled Cotija cheese and freshly chopped cilantro. Pour approximately 90% of the prepared dressing over the mixture, gently tossing to ensure every component is evenly coated and infused with the creamy, tangy sauce.
4. Transfer the pasta salad to a serving dish, drizzling the remaining dressing on top for an extra burst of flavor. Garnish with additional cilantro for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately at room temperature or chill for 30 minutes to let flavors meld together before serving.

Notes

• Ensure pasta is perfectly al dente by tasting during cooking to prevent overcooking, which can make the texture mushy and unappealing.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting cayenne and chili powder quantities to suit personal spice preferences or dietary needs.
• Consider vegetarian modifications by replacing Cotija cheese with plant-based alternatives like vegan feta or nutritional yeast for added flavor.
• Maximize flavor development by allowing the pasta salad to rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving, letting ingredients meld together deliciously.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 359
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 17 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg