Street Corn Pasta Salad: The Ultimate Summer Side Dish

Street Corn Pasta Salad: Prepare to be amazed! Imagine the vibrant flavors of Mexican street corn, also known as elote, exploding in a creamy, tangy, and utterly irresistible pasta salad. This isn’t just another side dish; it’s a flavor fiesta in every bite, guaranteed to be the star of your next potluck, barbecue, or even a simple weeknight dinner.

Elote, with its roots deeply embedded in Mexican culinary tradition, has been enjoyed for generations. The combination of grilled corn, creamy mayonnaise, tangy lime, spicy chili powder, and salty cotija cheese is a symphony of flavors that dances on your palate. We’ve taken that beloved street food experience and transformed it into a portable, shareable, and utterly addictive pasta salad.

What makes this Street Corn Pasta Salad so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of sweet corn, creamy dressing, and a hint of spice. The pasta adds a satisfying heartiness, while the fresh cilantro and lime juice brighten the entire dish. People adore this salad because it’s incredibly easy to make, requires minimal cooking, and is always a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy the flavors of summer all year round. Get ready to experience a taste sensation that will have everyone asking for the recipe!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound pasta (rotini, shells, or elbow macaroni work great)
• 4 ears of corn, husked
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese, plus more for garnish
• 2 tablespoons lime juice, freshly squeezed
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, plus more for garnish
• 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional, for heat)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: Tajin seasoning, hot sauce

Cooking the Pasta and Corn

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process. This is important to prevent the pasta from becoming mushy. Set aside.
2. Grill the corn (Option 1 – Recommended): Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly brush the husked corn with olive oil or cooking spray. Grill the corn, turning occasionally, until the kernels are slightly charred and tender, about 8-12 minutes. The charring adds a wonderful smoky flavor that’s characteristic of street corn. Remove the corn from the grill and let it cool slightly before handling.
3. Boil the corn (Option 2): If you don’t have a grill, you can boil the corn. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the husked corn and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the kernels are tender. Remove the corn from the pot and let it cool slightly before handling.
4. Roast the corn (Option 3): Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the husked corn on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until the kernels are tender and slightly browned.
5. Cut the kernels: Once the corn is cool enough to handle, use a sharp knife to cut the kernels off the cob. Hold the cob upright and carefully slice downwards, removing the kernels in strips. Try to avoid cutting too close to the cob, as the very bottom of the kernels can be tough.

Making the Creamy Dressing

1. Combine the ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, cotija cheese, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Whisk until the dressing is smooth and creamy.
2. Taste and adjust: Taste the dressing and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may want to add more lime juice for tanginess, chili powder for more spice, or salt and pepper to taste. Remember that the flavors will meld together as the pasta salad sits, so don’t be afraid to be a little bold with your seasoning.

Assembling the Pasta Salad

1. Combine pasta and corn: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta and the cut corn kernels.
2. Add the dressing: Pour the creamy dressing over the pasta and corn. Gently toss to coat everything evenly. Make sure all the pasta and corn are well coated with the dressing.
3. Add the remaining ingredients: Add the chopped cilantro, diced red onion, and minced jalapeño (if using) to the bowl. Gently toss again to combine.
4. Season to taste: Taste the pasta salad and add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remember that the cotija cheese is already salty, so start with a small amount of salt and add more as needed.
5. Chill (Important!): Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably 1-2 hours, to allow the flavors to meld together. This chilling time is crucial for the best flavor. The pasta will absorb some of the dressing, and the flavors will become more pronounced.

Serving and Garnishing

1. Give it a final toss: Before serving, give the pasta salad a final toss to redistribute the dressing.
2. Garnish: Garnish with additional crumbled cotija cheese and chopped cilantro. A sprinkle of Tajin seasoning adds a nice touch of heat and citrus.
3. Serve: Serve the Street Corn Pasta Salad chilled. It’s a perfect side dish for barbecues, picnics, potlucks, or any summer gathering. It also makes a great light lunch or dinner.
4. Optional additions: For extra flavor and texture, consider adding some grilled chicken, shrimp, or black beans to the pasta salad. You can also add other vegetables like bell peppers or avocado.
5. Storage: Store leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The pasta may absorb some of the dressing over time, so you may need to add a little more mayonnaise or sour cream to refresh it before serving.

Tips and Variations

• Pasta Choice: I prefer rotini, shells, or elbow macaroni for this pasta salad because their shapes hold the dressing well. However, you can use any type of pasta you like. Penne, farfalle (bow tie), or even cavatappi would also work well.
• Corn Freshness: Fresh corn on the cob is best for this recipe, especially when it’s in season. However, you can also use frozen corn kernels if fresh corn is not available. Just thaw the frozen corn before using it.
• Spice Level: The amount of cayenne pepper and jalapeño can be adjusted to your liking. If you prefer a milder pasta salad, omit the cayenne pepper and use a smaller amount of jalapeño, or remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeño before mincing it.
• Cheese Options: Cotija cheese is a traditional Mexican cheese that adds a salty and crumbly texture to the pasta salad. If you can’t find cotija cheese, you can substitute it with feta cheese or queso fresco.
• Vegan Option: To make this pasta salad vegan, use vegan mayonnaise and sour cream substitutes. You can also omit the cotija cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative.
• Make Ahead: This pasta salad can be made ahead of time, which is great for parties and gatherings. The flavors will actually improve as the pasta salad sits in the refrigerator. Just be sure to give it a good toss before serving.
• Grilling Tips: When grilling the corn, make sure to turn it frequently to prevent it from burning. You can also soak the corn in water for 30 minutes before grilling to help keep it moist.
• Lime Zest: For an extra burst of citrus flavor, add the zest of one lime to the dressing.
• Herbs: Feel free to experiment with other herbs in addition to cilantro. Chopped parsley or chives would also be delicious.
• Serving Suggestions: This Street Corn Pasta Salad is a versatile dish that can be served as a side dish, a light lunch, or even a main course. It pairs well with grilled meats, chicken, fish, or vegetarian dishes.

Enjoy your delicious and vibrant Street Corn Pasta Salad!

Conclusion:

This Street Corn Pasta Salad isn’t just another pasta salad recipe; it’s a vibrant explosion of flavor that will transport you straight to a summer street fair with every single bite. The creamy, tangy dressing, the sweet bursts of corn, the spicy kick of chili powder, and the satisfying chew of the pasta all come together in perfect harmony. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and honestly, I can’t think of a better way to brighten up any meal.

Why is this a must-try? Because it’s incredibly easy to make, requires minimal cooking (mostly just boiling the pasta and corn!), and is packed with fresh, delicious ingredients. It’s also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it to your liking by adding more or less spice, swapping out the cotija cheese for feta, or even throwing in some grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein. This salad is a blank canvas for your culinary creativity!

Looking for serving suggestions? This Street Corn Pasta Salad is fantastic as a side dish at your next barbecue, potluck, or picnic. It pairs perfectly with grilled meats, fish, or even veggie burgers. But honestly, it’s so good that I often enjoy it as a light lunch or even a satisfying snack. For a heartier meal, consider adding black beans or chickpeas for extra protein and fiber.

Here are a few variations to get you started:

Spice it Up!

If you’re a fan of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing or use a spicier chili powder. You could even incorporate some finely chopped jalapeño for an extra kick.

Make it Vegan!

Easily make this salad vegan by using a plant-based mayonnaise and omitting the cotija cheese. You can substitute the cheese with a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor or simply leave it out altogether – it will still be delicious!

Add Some Protein!

Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even black beans would be fantastic additions to this salad. They’ll add extra protein and make it a more substantial meal.

Get Creative with Veggies!

Feel free to add other vegetables to the mix. Diced bell peppers, red onion, or even avocado would be delicious additions.

I truly believe that this Street Corn Pasta Salad will become a new favorite in your household. It’s the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and spicy, and it’s so easy to make that you’ll find yourself whipping it up again and again.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, head to the kitchen, and get ready to experience a flavor explosion! I’m confident that you’ll love this recipe as much as I do.

And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Once you’ve tried this recipe, please come back and leave a comment below. Let me know what you thought, what variations you tried, and how you served it. I’m always eager to hear from my readers and learn from your culinary adventures. Happy cooking, and enjoy every delicious bite of this amazing Street Corn Pasta Salad! I can’t wait to hear what you think!

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