Go Back
–+ servings
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad: A Flavorful Summer Treat

This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad combines smoky, creamy flavors with tender pasta, sweet corn, zesty lime, and crumbled cotija cheese, making it a perfect summer treat.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Elbow Macaroni or Penne Opt for gluten-free pasta for a healthier version.
For the Corn
  • 3 cups Sweet Corn Kernels Fresh or frozen.
  • 3 tbsp Butter Enhances the corn’s natural sweetness.
For Seasoning
  • 1 Jalapeño Pepper Seeded and minced, optional.
  • 1/2 tsp Chili Powder Adjust to your spice preference.
  • 1/4 tsp Smoked Paprika Infuses a lovely depth of flavor.
  • Salt and Black Pepper Season to taste.
For the Dressing
  • 1/2 cup Mayonnaise Greek yogurt can lighten it up.
  • 1 Lime Juice Juice from 1 lime, lemon juice can be used as a substitute.
For the Finish
  • 1/4 cup Chopped Cilantro Leaves Swap with parsley if desired.
  • 1/2 cup Crumbled Cotija Cheese Feta cheese is a great alternative.

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • skillet
  • Mixing bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cook the pasta by bringing salted water to a boil, adding elbow macaroni or penne, and cooking until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. Char the corn by melting butter in a skillet, adding corn kernels, and cooking until tender and golden, about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Once the corn is charred, add chili powder and smoked paprika, mixing well and cooling for a few minutes.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, charred corn, mayonnaise, lime juice, cotija cheese, cilantro, and jalapeño (if using), mixing gently to coat.
  5. Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste.
  6. Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
  7. Serve cold as a side or main dish, and enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 9gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 1mg

Notes

This pasta salad can be made ahead of time for enhanced flavors. Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!