Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
This 20-minute Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is loaded with fire-roasted corn, Cotija, and a deliciously tangy, creamy dressing. It’s quick and easy to throw together and is made up of mostly pantry ingredients that you’ve probably already got in your kitchen!
The Best Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe
- The flavors are out of this world. The creamy dressing has just the right amount of tangy, lime flavor with a subtle hint of spice. It’s got enough mayo to give it some serious creaminess, but not so much that it feels heavy. Mix that with perfectly al dente pasta, fire-roasted corn, and fresh chopped cilantro, and this is a side dish that dreams are made of!
- It consists of mainly pantry ingredients. This is one of those recipes where we pretty much have everything on hand at all times and can throw this salad together at a moment’s notice! Frozen or canned corn, pasta, mayo, sour cream, lime, chili powder – the only thing we sometimes don’t have is Cotija cheese, in which case I’ll substitute queso fresco or feta cheese instead!
- If you loved this street corn pasta, be sure to check out my easy street corn dip, creamy street corn mac and cheese, and vegan street corn chowder.
Ingredients to Make Street Corn Pasta Salad
Pasta
I like to use rotini for this recipe, but you can use any short cut of pasta or whatever you have on hand!
Fire-Roasted Corn
I have found that frozen fire-roasted corn gives this salad the best flavor, but regular canned corn kernels work just as well! The fire-roasted corn adds that signature smoky, charred flavor – so check the freezer section at your grocery store to see if you can find some!
Cotija or Queso Fresco
I have made this street corn pasta salad with both types of cheese and both were delicious! Cotija is similar to Parmesan so it will have a bit more of a salty flavor. Queso fresco is more like super mild feta cheese but still adds great texture and flavor. Either works well in this recipe!
Fresh Cilantro
Do not omit this! You could substitute fresh parsley in its place, but fresh cilantro is one of the key ingredients in this pasta salad!
Sour Cream
Use full-fat, regular sour cream for the best flavor.
Mayonnaise
If you’re not into mayo, you can just add more sour cream in its place, but the mayo adds a super creamy texture and just enough fat to give it the perfect flavor. I promise the dressing will NOT taste like mayo!
Garlic Powder
I don’t recommend using fresh garlic for this pasta salad as it will be too overpowering and I like the way the garlic powder mixes right in with the creamy dressing.
Chili Powder
This is interchangeable with paprika if you don’t have chili powder on hand. I prefer the smokiness and slight spice from the chili powder but paprika works well too!
Lime Zest + Juice
This is another non-negotiable ingredient! The fresh lime zest and juice really give this pasta salad the signature elote-inspired flavor.
How to Make Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
- Toss cooked pasta in olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Pop it in the fridge to cool.
- Add sour cream, mayo, lime zest and juice, garlic powder, chili powder, cayenne pepper, and a couple large pinches of salt and pepper.
- Mix until well combined.
- Add pasta, corn, Cotija, and cilantro to a large bowl.
- Pour most of the dressing over the pasta.
- Toss until everything is well coated.
- Transfer to serving platter, drizzle with remaining dressing, and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro.
Making Street Corn Pasta Salad Ahead of Time
- If you’re making this pasta salad ahead of time, I recommend adding one extra step because the Cotija cheese is going to soak up a lot of the dressing as it sits.
- I recommend adding the Cotija cheese along with the dressing ingredients to a food processor or blender and combining them until everything is smooth and creamy.
- Add half the dressing initially and toss to coat the pasta, then add the remaining dressing just before serving.
- This should prevent the pasta salad from drying out.
Storing Leftover Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
- This street corn pasta salad will last for up to a week in the fridge which makes it a favorite meal prep side dish.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. I recommend adding a splash of dressing just before serving.
- Then season to taste with salt and pepper and enjoy!
Tips for Making the Best Elote Pasta Salad
- Moderately salt your pasta water! Salting the pasta water is the first step in seasoning this dish and it’s going to do a lot to boost the flavor of the pasta itself. I recommend adding 2-4 tablespoons of Kosher salt to the boiling water before adding the uncooked pasta. You want the pasta water to be as salty as the sea, literally. Once you start salting your pasta water, you will never stop, I promise.
- Cook the pasta just until al dente. Nothing ruins a pasta salad quicker than mushy, overcooked pasta. I like to cook the pasta for 1 minute less than the lowest recommended cooking time on the package directions. So if the package recommends 9-11 minutes, I start (carefully) tasting the pasta after 8 minutes, pull it off the heat, and strain it as soon as it’s al dente.
- If sweet corn is in season where you are, you can definitely use corn on the cob instead of frozen corn! There’s no need to cook the corn before adding it to the pasta salad. Freshly cut, uncooked corn from the cob is one of life’s greatest pleasures. OR if you have leftover grilled corn on the cob – cut it from the cob and use that!
If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my EASY ONE PAN CREAMY STREET CORN DIP (pictured above)!
What is Mexican Street Corn
- Mexican Street Corn, also known as Elote, is corn on the cob covered in mayonnaise or Mexican crema, then sprinkled with Cotija cheese, chili powder, and fresh chopped cilantro. It’s a popular street food in Mexico and is served with the husk still attached so you have something to hang onto while you eat.
- My street corn pasta salad recipe is in no way meant to be an authentic version. This is very much a Midwestern twist on a Mexican classic. I have used some of the same flavors of Mexican street corn and translated them into a quick and easy pasta salad.
- My intention is always to honor the origins of the recipes that I am recreating. If you are looking for a traditional Elote recipe, here is a delicious one that you should definitely try!
Here’s What Readers Are Saying
“Made this for my family on 4th of July and it was a hit , everyone loved it” -Diane
“Great recipe. Huge hit at a party. I grilled corn on the cob over charcoal.” -Mark
“I found this recipe about 3 months ago and have made it half a dozen times. I cannot even get over how good it is. I share your recipe with every person I know. So good!” -Jennifer
Try these family-favorite corn recipes!
More Easy Pasta Salad Recipes
Did you love this recipe?
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Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is loaded with corn, cotija and a deliciously tangy, creamy dressing that is the stuff dreams are made of. It’s quick and easy to throw together and is made up of mostly pantry ingredients that you’ve probably already got in your kitchen!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stove Top
- Cuisine: Mexican/American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Salad:
- 16 oz. rotini pasta
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 4 (10 oz.) bags frozen fire-roasted corn (cooked according to package directions) or 3 (15 oz.) cans of corn, drained
- 1 cup crumbled Cotija or queso fresco cheese
- 1/3 cup freshly chopped cilantro + more for garnish
Dressing:
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- a couple pinches cayenne pepper
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 teaspoons lime zest
- Kosher salt
- fresh cracked pepper
Instructions
1. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Toss with 2 teaspoons olive oil, salt, and pepper and set aside to cool to room temperature. Or pop in the fridge to speed up the cooling process.
2. In a medium bowl combine sour cream, mayo, 2 tablespoons olive oil, chili powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, lime zest and juice, and a couple large pinches of salt and pepper.
3. Add cooled pasta, corn, Cotija, and cilantro to a large bowl.
4. Pour most of the dressing over the pasta.
5. Toss until everything is well coated.
6. Transfer to a serving platter, drizzle with the remaining dressing, and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro.
Notes
- If you’re making this pasta salad ahead of time, I recommend adding one extra step because the Cotija cheese is going to soak up a lot of the dressing as it sits. I recommend adding the Cotija cheese along with the dressing ingredients to a food processor or blender and combining them until everything is smooth and creamy. Add half the dressing initially and toss to coat the pasta, then add the remaining dressing just before serving. This should alleviate the pasta salad from drying out.
- Moderately salt your pasta water! Salting the pasta water is the first step in seasoning this dish and it’s going to do a lot to boost the flavor of the pasta itself. I recommend adding 2-4 tablespoons of Kosher salt to the boiling water before adding the uncooked pasta. You want the pasta water to be as salty as the sea, literally. Once you start salting your pasta water, you will never stop, I promise.
- Cook the pasta just until al dente. Nothing ruins a pasta salad quicker than mushy, overcooked pasta. I like to cook the pasta for 1 minute less than the lowest recommended cooking time on the package directions. So if the package recommends 9-11 minutes, I start (carefully) tasting the pasta after 8 minutes and pull it off the heat and strain it as soon as it’s al dente.
- If sweet corn is in season where you are, you can definitely use corn on the cob instead of frozen corn! There’s no need to cook the corn before adding it to the pasta salad. Freshly cut, uncooked corn from the cob is one of life’s greatest pleasures. OR if you have leftover grilled corn on the cob – cut it from the cob and use that!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/10 recipe
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 2.2 g
- Sodium: 150.1 mg
- Fat: 10.8 g
- Carbohydrates: 38.1 g
- Fiber: 1.8 g
- Protein: 8.8 g
- Cholesterol: 14.4 mg
Can leftovers be frozen?
I’m a little hesitant to recommend freezing this one because of the creamy dressing and pasta mixed together. I’m afraid the texture would end up a bit off after it’s thawed. So I’m going to give it a maybe 🙂 Sorry I can’t give a more definitive answer, Teri!
If using frozen corn, do you cook it first?
Great question! You can thaw and allow it to come to room temp, you could cook it on the stove as directed on the package, or char it in a pan with a bit of oil until it gets some little flecks of black/brown. Totally up to you. Whole Foods has a really delicious fire-roasted frozen corn and I like to just sauté that in a pan for a bit to warm it through and then use it for this salad.
Great recipe. Huge hit at a party. I grilled corn on the cob over charcoal.
I forgot, I am making this today and roasted a red pepper to add come color. Read other comments and might add some red onion.
I LOVE red onion in this salad! Red pepper would be delicious too! I love that you grilled the corn over charcoal also – that will add so much flavor!!
Can it be served hot or will that screw up the dressing?
Yes! This is a delicious served warm. If you’re looking for something similar that is an actual warm dip – try my street corn dip recipe. Here is the link: https://midwestfoodieblog.com/corn-dip/
Just made this pasta salad. And it is so yummy! I make the Mexican Street Corn Hot Dip regularly. Now this will be on my rotation. Thank you for the recipe.🥰
Woohoo! I am so glad that hear that you’ve enjoyed both of these street corn recipes! Thank you so much for leaving a review, Anita. I really appreciate it 🙂
I found this recipe about 3 months ago and have made it half a dozen times. I cannot even get over how good it is. I share your recipe with every person I know. So good!
Excellent, crowd pleaser. However, made the night before and the dressing seemed to congeal on the pasta over night. It still tasted good but would’ve preferred the creamy original texture. Is this why you recommend adding milk or like juice? Or do you know why this happened?
So glad you enjoyed this recipe, Michelle! As mentioned in the “Tips” section of the blog post, the pasta salad does soak up the dressing quite a bit – I believe it’s a combination of the pasta and Cotija cheese – so your best bet is to add half the dressing initially, then add the remaining dressing just before serving. I have tried adding all the dressing the night before, and then making a half batch of dressing the day of and adding it right before serving and that worked well too. Otherwise, yes, milk or lime juice would help to loosen up the pasta salad. Hope that helps for next time! I am experimenting tomorrow with combining the Cotija cheese with the dressing ingredients and blending it in the food processor to see if I can still enjoy the Cotija flavor but make it a bit more smooth and creamy overall. I will report back! Thanks for leaving a review! I hope my suggestions help!!
I’m confused with the cheese ..never used .. do I melt it or shred it .. thanks
Cotija is a crumbling cheese, like feta. It’s used in Step 3. Hope that helps 🙂
I recommend following the recipe to a T, or using chickpea pasta like another reviewer suggested. This is such a fresh, flavorful side to bring to a barbecue, and it’s also one of my favorite make-ahead lunches. I like it served room-temp or slightly warm.
Is this meant to be served cold
Or warm? I’m thinking cold but just checking.
I like to serve it room warm, room temp, or cold! Typically pasta salad is served cold but it’s totally up to you!
Made this today as a side for our burgers, and it was a hit. I did tweak it a little because I found the dressing a little too bland (I prefer things extra spicy), so I added a little bit of cumin to taste, and added a lot (per personal preference) of chipotle chili powder. Next time I think I’ll skip the mayo and stick to all sour cream, and I’ll add chopped tomatoes and maybe a jalapeño as well.
Great idea to add chipotle chili powder! I bet that added a delicious kick. And tomato and jalapeno will no doubt be delicious as well! Thanks for sharing your review and modification suggestions for other readers to try! I really appreciate it, Stacie!
so yummy! i dry-roasted the corn on a pan before mixing in and WOW, so good. i make it with chickpea pasta now so i can eat it as a easy lunch!
Best salad I have ever eaten! Would highly recommend it for your next family get together, office party, or any other large event!
So glad that you enjoyed this recipe! It’s one of our family’s favorites too!
I followed the recipe just as it is. I made it the night before so I am going to whip up some extra dressing to mix in just before serving. The pasta really does soak up the dressing overnight.
I used 6 ears of fresh corn on the cob. I roasted the corn in the oven. I peeled the corn, coated with softened butter, and roasted at 400°f for 45 minutes, let cool, then cut off the cob with a serrated knife.
I might add some finely chopped red onion and/or hatch peppers next time for a twist.
Such a fun and versatile recipe!
We love the Mexican street corn from Rubio’s so when I saw this, I knew I had to try it….and I’m SO glad I did! The flavors are fabulous, so it’s hard to not go back for seconds or thirds. I have been requested to make this several times, tonight is another one of those occasions!
Thanks so much for the great recipe, going to try your taco pasta salad for another gathering tomorrow night :))
Can I put this in a crock pot with extra sauce for a work party?
I think that would work fabulously! Definitely add extra sauce and maybe reserve some to add throughout the serving too! Great idea!
I love this dish.
My daughter made this a couple months ago when we had a weekend getaway and we had it for the next 3 days in a row (so yes, it can be eaten the next day), my only thing is I would make extra dressing or hold some back, because the pasta does dry it up. Besides that, AMAZING! Going to 2 separate parties this weekend and it has been requested at each gathering 🙂
This was so good and so easy to make!!!!!