Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad – The Perfect Side Dish

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Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad combines the smoky, tangy flavors of traditional elote with tender pasta, creating a deliciously unique side dish. This recipe brings the bold and vibrant taste of Mexican street corn to your table in a creamy, savory, and slightly spicy pasta salad. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, attending a potluck, or simply craving a flavorful lunch, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about making this Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad, including ingredient breakdowns, step-by-step instructions, variations, serving suggestions, and storage tips.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold Flavors: Inspired by elote (Mexican street corn), this dish has a smoky, creamy, and tangy taste.
• Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• Vegetarian-Friendly: This pasta salad is naturally meat-free, but you can easily customize it with protein options.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for summer BBQs, picnics, potlucks, or even as a meal prep option.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Scale (1x, 2x, 3x)

Pasta & Vegetables

• 8 ounces rotini pasta – The spiral shape helps hold onto the creamy dressing.
• 2 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned) – Adds sweetness and crunch.
• 1/2 cup cotija cheese, crumbled – Brings a salty, tangy contrast.
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced – Adds a sharp, slightly sweet bite.
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped – A must-have herb for freshness.

Creamy Dressing

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise – Creates a creamy, rich base.
• 1/4 cup sour cream – Balances out the mayo with tanginess.
• 1 tablespoon lime juice – Brightens the flavors.
• 1 teaspoon chili powder – Gives a mild heat.
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika – Enhances the smoky taste.
• Salt and pepper, to taste – Essential for seasoning.

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How to Make Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil water in a large pot and cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
2. Drain and rinse the pasta under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside to cool.

Step 2: Char the Corn

1. Heat a dry skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the corn kernels and stir occasionally for 5-7 minutes until slightly charred.
3. Once done, remove from heat and let the corn cool.

Step 3: Prepare the Dressing

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
   • Mayonnaise
   • Sour cream
   • Lime juice
   • Chili powder
   • Smoked paprika
   • Salt & pepper
2. Mix until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Combine Everything

1. Add the cooled pasta, charred corn, cotija cheese, red onion, and cilantro into the dressing.
2. Toss everything together until evenly coated.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

• Taste the salad and adjust seasoning if needed.
• Serve immediately or refrigerate until chilled.

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Tips & Variations

Make It Spicy

• Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce for extra heat.
• Sprinkle in cayenne pepper if you like it fiery.

Healthier Alternatives

• Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a protein boost.
• Swap light mayo or avocado mayo to reduce calories.

Protein Add-Ins

• Grilled chicken, shrimp, or bacon can turn this into a full meal.
• Black beans add a great vegetarian protein option.

Make It Vegan

• Substitute vegan mayo and dairy-free sour cream.
• Use vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste.

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Serving Suggestions

This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad pairs well with:

• Grilled meats like chicken, steak, or shrimp.
• Tacos, burritos, or enchiladas for a complete Mexican-inspired meal.
• Fresh fruit or guacamole to balance out the creamy texture.
• Tortilla chips for a fun, crunchy topping.

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Storage & Meal Prep Tips

How Long Does It Last?

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Make Ahead: Prep the dressing and ingredients separately, then mix before serving.
• Do Not Freeze: The creamy texture doesn’t hold up well after thawing.

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Final Thoughts

Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a game-changer when it comes to flavorful side dishes. It’s creamy, smoky, tangy, and loaded with texture, making it perfect for any occasion. Plus, with easy swaps and add-ins, you can customize it to fit your dietary needs.

Ready to try this delicious pasta salad? Let us know how it turned out in the comments below!

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Recipe Recap

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Category: Side Dish

Method: Mixing

Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 350mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 7g
• Cholesterol: 20mg

History & Inspiration Behind Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

Mexican Street Corn (Elote) is a popular street food in Mexico, typically made with grilled corn slathered in creamy mayo, tangy lime, crumbly cotija cheese, and a sprinkle of smoky chili powder. This pasta salad takes those bold flavors and transforms them into a hearty, creamy, and satisfying dish.

The idea of turning elote into a pasta salad stems from the growing popularity of fusion dishes that blend Mexican street food with classic American comfort foods. The charred corn, creamy dressing, and zesty spices all work together to create a salad that’s both nostalgic and innovative.

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Best Pasta Types for This Salad

While rotini pasta works great in this recipe, you can experiment with different pasta shapes to suit your preference:

• Fusilli – Holds onto the creamy dressing just like rotini.
• Bowtie (Farfalle) – Adds a fun texture and visual appeal.
• Elbow Macaroni – Gives it a classic macaroni salad feel.
• Penne – A sturdier option that works well for meal prep.

If you’re looking for a gluten-free alternative, opt for chickpea or lentil pasta for added protein.

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What to Serve with Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

This pasta salad pairs wonderfully with many dishes, making it a versatile side dish. Here are some ideas:

Main Course Pairings

• Grilled Meats: BBQ chicken, steak, or shrimp.
• Tacos & Burritos: Complements carne asada, carnitas, or vegetarian tacos.
• Enchiladas: A perfect side to cheesy enchiladas.
• Burgers & Hot Dogs: Great for a summer cookout.

Side Dish Ideas

• Guacamole & Chips – A classic pairing with fresh avocados.
• Mexican Rice – Adds even more depth to your meal.
• Refried Beans – A traditional favorite that balances out the creamy pasta.

Beverage Pairings

• Horchata: A sweet and creamy Mexican rice drink.
• Agua Fresca: Light and refreshing fruit-infused water.
• Margaritas: If you’re serving this at a party, a classic lime margarita is a great match!

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How to Store & Meal Prep This Pasta Salad

Since this pasta salad contains dairy-based dressing, it needs to be stored properly to maintain its freshness.

Storage Tips

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• No Freezing: The mayonnaise and sour cream will separate, making the texture unappetizing.
• Meal Prep Tip: Keep the dressing and pasta separate until just before serving to prevent the pasta from absorbing too much moisture.

How to Refresh Leftover Pasta Salad

• Stir in an extra squeeze of lime juice and a little mayo or sour cream to bring back the creamy consistency.
• If the salad has dried out, a drizzle of olive oil can also help freshen it up.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though this recipe is simple, there are a few things to watch out for:

1. Overcooking the Pasta

Make sure to cook your pasta al dente so that it holds up well in the salad. Overcooked pasta can become mushy when mixed with the dressing.

2. Skipping the Charred Corn

Charring the corn brings out a smoky sweetness that makes this salad truly taste like Mexican street corn. Don’t skip this step!

3. Not Letting the Pasta Cool Completely

If the pasta is too hot when you mix it with the dressing, it can cause the mayonnaise to become runny. Let it cool first for the best texture.

4. Not Seasoning Properly

Salt and pepper are essential for balancing out the flavors in this dish. Taste as you go and adjust seasoning if needed.

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Ways to Customize Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

This recipe is super versatile, meaning you can easily adjust it to fit your dietary needs or personal tastes.

Add More Protein

• Grilled Chicken: Adds extra heartiness.
• Bacon Bits: Gives a smoky crunch.
• Black Beans: Keeps it vegetarian while adding protein.

Make It Vegan

• Use vegan mayo and dairy-free sour cream.
• Swap cotija cheese with nutritional yeast or vegan feta.

Increase the Heat

• Dice up jalapeños for extra spice.
• Add chipotle powder for a smoky heat.
• Drizzle with hot sauce before serving.

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Health Benefits of This Pasta Salad

While this dish is creamy and indulgent, it also includes several healthy ingredients:

• Corn: High in fiber and antioxidants.
• Cilantro: Great for digestion and detoxifying the body.
• Lime Juice: A good source of vitamin C for immune support.
• Red Onion: Contains anti-inflammatory properties.

For a lower-calorie version, simply substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream and use light mayonnaise.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I Make This Pasta Salad Ahead of Time?

Yes! For the best results, store the dressing separately and mix it with the pasta right before serving.

2. How Do I Make It Less Spicy?

Simply reduce or omit the chili powder and smoked paprika.

3. Can I Use Canned Corn Instead of Fresh?

Yes! Just be sure to drain and pat it dry before charring.

4. Can I Use a Different Cheese?

If you don’t have cotija, try feta, Parmesan, or queso fresco.