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Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad – Easy, Creamy, and Irresistible


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  • Author: Chef Alma
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 portions 1x

Description

Creamy pasta tossed with charred corn, lime, and smoky spices for a refreshing summer side.


Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 12 oz short pasta (penne, fusilli, or rotini)

Vegetables

  • 2 cups corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen and thawed)
  • ½ small red onion, finely diced
  • 1 small red bell pepper, diced
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced

Dressing

  • ⅓ cup mayonnaise
  • ⅓ cup sour cream
  • ½ cup cotija cheese, crumbled (or feta as substitute)
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 lime, zested and juiced
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp ground cumin
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Garnish (optional)

  • Extra cotija cheese
  • Additional cilantro
  • Lime wedges
  • Chili powder or Tajín for sprinkling

Instructions

1. Boil the pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.

2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add corn kernels and sauté, dry or with a touch of oil, for 3 to 4 minutes until slightly charred. Let cool.

3. In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, cotija cheese, minced garlic, lime zest and juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper until smooth.

4. Add cooled pasta, charred corn, diced red onion, bell pepper, chopped cilantro, and sliced green onions to the dressing. Toss thoroughly to coat evenly.

5. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or spices as desired.

6. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with extra cotija cheese, additional cilantro, a sprinkle of chili powder or Tajín, and lime wedges if preferred. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Serve this dish chilled or at room temperature for best flavor.

Use gluten-free pasta if avoiding wheat.

Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a lighter option.

Adjust spice level by increasing or reducing chili powder or Tajín.

Can be made a few hours ahead—store in fridge until ready to serve.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Mixed
  • Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 portion
  • Calories: 340
  • Fat: 14g
  • Carbohydrates: 44g
  • Protein: 10g