Street Corn Pasta Salad

A vibrant and creamy pasta salad inspired by classic Mexican street corn (elote). This dish features tender pasta tossed with charred (or roasted) corn, a zesty mayo lime dressing, and salty cotija cheese, rounded out with fresh herbs and optional heat for contrast. It’s perfect for summer gatherings or a fun, flavorful side.

Ingredients

• Pasta (short shape like rotini, ditalini, or penne) cooked al dente

• Corn kernels, either:

  • Roasted from fresh corn on the cob or

  • Fire‑roasted frozen corn or canned corn, charred or sautéed for flavor

• Mayonnaise as a creamy base

• Optional creamy substitutes: sour cream, Mexican crema, or Greek yogurt

• Flavor enhancers: lime juice (and zest, if available), chili powder, smoked paprika, Tajín, cumin, garlic powder, salt and pepper

• Cheese: cotija or queso fresco (crumbled) for authentic salty bite

• Fresh add-ins: diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, green onions, jalapeños, red onions or pickled red onions

• Optional: chunks of cheddar‑jack cheese or creamy cheese for extra richness

Directions

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water (or toss hot, depending on desired meld).

2. Roast or sauté the corn: If using fresh corn, roast or sauté until charred. Fire‑roasted or frozen corn also works just heat briefly for flavor.

3. Prepare the dressing: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise (or mayo + crema), lime juice (and zest), chili powder, smoked paprika, Tajín (if using), optional sugar or pickled onion brine, and salt/pepper until smooth.

4. Combine salad components: Add the cooked pasta, corn, cheese (cotija/queso fresco), tomatoes (optional), onions, cilantro, and any heat elements like jalapeños into a large bowl.

5. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated with the dressing. If it seems a bit thick, loosen it with olive oil or a splash of pasta water or pickled onion brine.

6. Taste and season, adding extra salt, lime juice, or chili powder as needed.

7. Serve immediately, or chill before serving to allow flavors to meld—it often tastes even better the next day.

Nutrients (Approximate per Serving)

• Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad (Isabeleats):

  • 410 kcal

  • 57 g carbohydrates

  • 11 g protein

  • 15 g fat

• High‑Protein Chili Lime Dressing version (Kalejunkie):

  • 322 kcal

  • 36 g carbohydrates

  • 12 g protein

  • 15 g fat

Why Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is the Perfect Dish for Any Occasion

Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad (also known as Elote Pasta Salad) is a crowd-pleasing dish that combines the bold flavors of Mexican street corn with the comfort and versatility of pasta. It’s a fusion of two beloved food traditions—classic Mexican street food and a popular American side dish. The best part about this salad is that it’s customizable, full of flavor, and a hit at any gathering, be it a summer barbecue, a picnic, or even a simple weeknight dinner.

This vibrant pasta salad brings together the sweet smokiness of charred corn, the creaminess of a zesty mayo-lime dressing, and the rich, salty bite of cotija cheese, with just the right balance of spice. In addition, the blend of fresh herbs, crisp vegetables, and optional heat from jalapeños makes this salad an irresistible dish. Whether you’re craving something fresh, creamy, or with a little kick, this recipe checks all the boxes.

The Evolution of Mexican Street Corn

Mexican Street Corn, or Elote, is a popular street food that can be found at food carts throughout Mexico. Traditionally, it is grilled corn on the cob, slathered with mayonnaise, rolled in crumbled cotija cheese, and sprinkled with chili powder and lime juice. It’s a perfect balance of smoky, spicy, tangy, and creamy, all in one bite.

The version of this dish we’re discussing today, the Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad, takes the core elements of elote and turns them into a deliciously creamy pasta salad. The pasta serves as a great base for all the flavors, and the dressing adds a luscious, tangy contrast to the sweetness of the corn.

The Key Ingredients That Make This Salad So Special

One of the most important elements of this recipe is the corn. Whether you’re using fresh corn on the cob, fire-roasted frozen corn, or even canned corn, the key is to char the corn to bring out its natural sweetness and smokiness. Roasting or grilling the corn also adds a nice depth of flavor that makes it taste like it’s been cooked on an open flame, even if you’re working with frozen or canned corn.

Another vital ingredient is the creamy dressing, which acts as the glue for the salad. The mayo-based dressing gets its zing from lime juice and zest, while chili powder and smoked paprika add depth and warmth to the dish. If you want to kick it up a notch, you can add some Tajín, a Mexican seasoning made from chili powder, lime, and salt, or cumin for a more earthy flavor.

Cotija cheese is the hallmark of this recipe. It’s a crumbly, salty cheese that holds up well in salads and offers the perfect counterpart to the sweetness of the corn and the tanginess of the dressing. If you can’t find cotija, you can substitute it with queso fresco, though it will be milder in flavor.

Why You Should Make This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

This dish isn’t just about great flavor—it’s also about convenience. It’s a one-bowl wonder that’s easy to assemble and doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. The ingredients are straightforward and accessible, so you can put this dish together even if you’re short on time.

Another advantage of this recipe is its versatility. It can be served warm, at room temperature, or chilled. Making it ahead of time allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the taste even more. Additionally, this dish is perfect for adapting to dietary preferences. You can make it vegetarian by sticking to the basic ingredients or even add some cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra protein.

Customizing the Dish to Suit Your Preferences

While this recipe is already flavorful, part of its appeal is the ability to customize it to your liking. Here are a few ways you can personalize the dish:

• Add Protein: Want to make this dish more filling? Consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or black beans. The combination of pasta and protein will make this salad a full meal, perfect for lunch or dinner.

• Spice It Up: If you love heat, feel free to add more jalapeños or even a splash of hot sauce to the dressing. A sprinkle of cayenne pepper or a bit of chipotle chili powder will add an extra smoky kick.

• Fresh Vegetables: To make this dish even more refreshing, you can toss in some extra vegetables like diced bell peppers, cucumbers, or sweet corn. Avocado slices also make a great addition for a creamy texture.

• Cheese Variations: While cotija is the traditional choice for Mexican street corn, you can try other cheeses, such as feta or goat cheese, for a different flavor profile. If you prefer a creamier texture, adding chunks of cheddar jack cheese or a soft cheese like mozzarella will also work well.

• Make It Vegan: If you’re looking to make the recipe vegan, simply swap out the mayo for a plant-based version, and use a non-dairy cheese substitute. You can also use cashew cream or avocado as a creamy base in place of the mayo.

How to Serve Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

This pasta salad is ideal for serving at a variety of occasions. It’s perfect for summer cookouts, barbecues, or potlucks because it can be prepared ahead of time and served either cold or at room temperature. It’s also an excellent side dish for grilled meats like steak, chicken, or fish.

You can also serve this dish as a light meal on its own, especially if you add protein. It’s satisfying yet light, and the combination of creamy dressing, crunchy vegetables, and smoky corn makes it both comforting and refreshing.

Health Benefits of Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

While this dish is indulgent and full of flavor, it also contains some key nutrients. Corn is a good source of fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins like B6, which can help boost your metabolism and promote healthy skin. The addition of fresh vegetables, such as cilantro and tomatoes, also adds vitamins A and C, both of which are essential for maintaining a healthy immune system and glowing skin.

The creamy dressing offers healthy fats, especially if you use avocado or Greek yogurt as a substitute for mayo. These fats are beneficial for heart health and help keep you feeling satisfied longer.

If you’re using a high-protein dressing, as suggested in some variations of this recipe, it becomes an even more balanced dish with a good dose of protein. Protein is vital for muscle repair and growth, and it helps keep your body energized throughout the day.

Conclusion

Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is an exciting and flavorful twist on a classic Mexican favorite. It’s the perfect balance of creamy, smoky, tangy, and spicy, and it works well for a variety of occasions. Whether served as a side dish at a barbecue or as a main course with added protein, this salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

What makes this dish so special is its versatility—there are endless ways to customize it based on your preferences or dietary needs. It’s a dish that’s easy to make, full of flavor, and sure to become a staple at your next gathering.

Whether you’re a fan of traditional elote or just looking for something new to try, this Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a delicious, refreshing, and satisfying choice that will leave everyone coming back for more.