If you love the flavors of Mexican street corn, you’re going to be obsessed with this street corn pasta salad! It’s creamy, tangy, a little spicy, and packed with corn, cotija cheese, and fresh herbs. Whenever I bring this to a BBQ or party, it disappears in a flash! Here’s my favorite way to make it—quick, easy, and loaded with flavor.
Quick Facts
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6–8
Why You’ll Love This Salad
This salad turns classic street corn into a crowd-pleasing, make-ahead pasta dish. I love how the smoky corn pairs with creamy dressing and tender pasta, making every bite bursting with flavor and texture. It’s the best of both worlds—comfort food and summer side in one bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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12 oz (340g) rotini or bowtie pasta
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3 cups corn kernels (fresh, roasted, canned, or frozen)
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3 green onions, thinly sliced
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1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
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½ cup cilantro, chopped
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1 small red onion or shallot, finely diced
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¾ cup cotija cheese, crumbled (plus more for topping)
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1 cup sour cream
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½ cup mayonnaise
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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Juice and zest of 2 limes
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika
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1 teaspoon chili powder
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½ teaspoon ground cumin
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1 teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Corn
For the best flavor, I prefer roasting corn on the cob in a skillet or on the grill for 10–15 minutes until slightly charred, then cutting off the kernels. If you’re short on time, sauté canned or frozen corn in a pan until golden.
2. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add pasta, and cook until al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water, and toss with a bit of olive oil to keep it from sticking.
3. Mix the Dressing
In a medium bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic, lime juice and zest, smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. This dressing is the secret to that street corn flavor!
4. Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, roasted corn, green onion, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and cotija cheese. Pour the dressing over everything and toss gently to coat. Top with extra cheese and fresh herbs if you like.
Serving Suggestions
Street corn pasta salad is perfect as a BBQ or picnic side, but I love eating leftovers for lunch! It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, roasted veggies, burgers, or tacos. For a protein boost, add black beans or diced grilled chicken.
Tips for Customization
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Add diced avocado or crispy bacon for extra richness.
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Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter version.
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Make it vegan by using dairy-free mayo and cheese.
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For extra smoky flavor, add a pinch of chipotle or smoked paprika.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, 1 of 8)
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Calories: ~310
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Protein: 9g
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Fat: 15g
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Carbs: 36g
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Fiber: 3g
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Sugar: 6g
FAQ
Can I make it ahead?
Yes! Make the salad one day ahead. Add more fresh herbs and cheese before serving for the best flavor.
How do I keep pasta salad from drying out?
Stir in a splash of milk or more dressing just before serving if needed.
Can I use different pasta shapes?
Absolutely! Bowties, shells, penne, or cavatappi all work great.
What if I can’t find cotija cheese?
Use feta or queso fresco as a delicious substitute.
I hope you love this street corn pasta salad as much as I do! Whether it’s for a picnic, party, or just a quick weeknight dinner, it brings amazing flavor and color to the table every single time.
