This Street Corn Pasta Salad is a bold twist on classic elote. It combines charred sweet corn, tender pasta, creamy lime dressing, cotija cheese, and spices for a rich, tangy, and slightly smoky side dish that’s perfect for any gathering.
🧾 Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
🍝 Salad Base
- 12 oz pasta (rotini, shells, or penne)
- 3–4 cups corn (grilled, roasted, or canned)
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/3 cup cotija cheese (or feta)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 jalapeño, finely chopped (optional)
🥣 Creamy Street Corn Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
- Boil pasta in salted water until al dente.
- Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
2. Char the Corn
- Grill or sauté corn in a hot pan until lightly golden and smoky.
- Let cool slightly.
3. Make the Dressing
- Whisk mayo, sour cream, lime juice, and spices until smooth and creamy.
4. Combine Everything
- In a large bowl, mix pasta, corn, onion, cilantro, jalapeño, and cheese.
- Add dressing and toss until evenly coated.
5. Chill & Serve
- Refrigerate for 30–60 minutes for best flavor.
💡 Tips for Best Results
- Grilled corn adds the best smoky street flavor
- Add dressing gradually to avoid it getting too heavy
- Fresh lime juice is key for brightness
- Serve slightly chilled or at room temperature
🔁 Variations
- Spicy kick: Add hot sauce or extra jalapeños
- Healthier version: Use all Greek yogurt instead of mayo
- Extra cheesy: Add more cotija or parmesan
- Protein boost: Add grilled chicken or shrimp
🍽️ Serving Ideas
- Perfect for BBQs, potlucks, and taco nights
- Serve with grilled meats, burgers, or fajitas
- Great as a make-ahead summer side dish
🔥 Final Thoughts
This Street Corn Pasta Salad is smoky, creamy, zesty, and packed with bold flavor, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any table 🌽🍝✨