Welcome to the ultimate guide on making the perfect Street Corn Pasta Salad! This vibrant and flavorful dish is a crowd-pleaser, combining the best of Mexican street corn (elote) with a delightful pasta salad twist. It’s perfect for summer picnics, potlucks, or any gathering where you want to impress your guests with a burst of flavors. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe will have you whipping up a delicious bowl of Street Corn Pasta Salad in no time.

(Note: the recipe card directly below.PDF )

Why You’ll Love This Street Corn Pasta Salad

There are so many reasons to love this Street Corn Pasta Salad recipe. First and foremost, it’s packed with incredible flavors. The combination of sweet corn, creamy dressing, tangy lime, and a hint of spice creates a symphony of tastes that will have your taste buds dancing. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, making it the perfect dish for entertaining.

But that’s not all. This salad is also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Whether you want to add more vegetables, swap out the pasta for a gluten-free option, or make it vegan, the options are endless.

And let’s not forget about the presentation. This salad is as beautiful as it is delicious. The vibrant colors of the corn, bell peppers, and herbs make it a showstopper on any table.

Ingredients for Street Corn Pasta Salad

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Street Corn Pasta Salad:

pasta (such as fusilli or rotini)
corn, husks removed
mayonnaise
Mexican crema or sour cream
crumbled cotija or feta cheese
chili powder (plus more for garnish)
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Variations

One of the best things about this Street Corn Pasta Salad recipe is how easy it is to customize. Here are a few variations you might want to try:

Vegan Street Corn Pasta Salad: Use vegan mayonnaise and omit the cheese or use a vegan alternative.
Spicy Street Corn Pasta Salad: Add an extra jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a kick of heat.
Gluten-Free Street Corn Pasta Salad: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
Additional Mix-Ins: Feel free to add other vegetables like diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, or black beans.

How to Make Street Corn Pasta Salad

Making Street Corn Pasta Salad is a breeze. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you along the way:

Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside.
Grill the Corn: Preheat your grill to high heat. Grill the corn for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until charred on all sides. Alternatively, you can char the corn in a hot skillet on the stove. Let the corn cool, then cut the kernels off the cob.
Prepare the Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Mexican crema (or sour cream), cotija (or feta) cheese, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and lime juice.
Combine the Ingredients: Add the cooked pasta, grilled corn, red bell pepper, red onion, cilantro, and jalapeño (if using) to the bowl with the dressing. Toss everything together until well coated.
Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Serve: Transfer the salad to a serving bowl and garnish with additional chili powder, chopped avocado, sliced green onions, and lime wedges, if desired. Enjoy!

Tips and Tricks

Here are a few tips and tricks to make your Street Corn Pasta Salad even better:

Use Fresh Corn: While you can use canned or frozen corn in a pinch, fresh corn grilled to perfection adds a wonderful smoky flavor to the salad.
Adjust the Spice: Taste the salad as you mix it and adjust the spice level to your liking. You can always add more jalapeño or chili powder for extra heat.
Make Ahead: This salad can be made up to a day in advance. Just keep it refrigerated until ready to serve.
Add Avocado Last: If you’re adding avocado, do so just before serving to prevent it from browning.

How to Serve

Street Corn Pasta Salad is a fantastic side dish for any summer gathering. Here are some serving suggestions:

Pair with Grilled Meats: Serve this salad alongside grilled chicken, steak, or fish for a complete meal.
Potluck Favorite: Bring this salad to your next potluck or picnic. It’s sure to be a hit!
Toppings: Don’t forget the toppings! Chopped avocado, sliced green onions, and lime wedges add extra flavor and texture.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Street Corn Pasta Salad is perfect for making ahead and storing. Here’s how:

Make Ahead: You can make the salad up to a day in advance. Just keep it refrigerated until ready to serve.
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that the pasta may absorb some of the dressing over time, so you might want to add a little more mayonnaise or crema before serving leftovers.

FAQs

Can I use canned or frozen corn instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use canned or frozen corn if fresh corn is not available. Just drain and rinse the canned corn, or thaw the frozen corn before using.

Can I make this salad vegan?

Absolutely. Use vegan mayonnaise and omit the cheese or use a vegan alternative.

Is this salad gluten-free?

This salad can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta. Just make sure to check the labels of your other ingredients to ensure they are certified gluten-free.

Can I add more vegetables?

Of course! Feel free to add other vegetables like diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, or black beans.

How can I make this salad spicier?

Add an extra jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a kick of heat.

Can I freeze this salad?

This salad is best enjoyed fresh and does not freeze well due to the mayonnaise and crema in the dressing.

Conclusion

And there you have it—the ultimate guide to making delicious Street Corn Pasta Salad. This vibrant and flavorful dish is sure to become a favorite at your summer gatherings. Whether you’re looking for a showstopping side dish or a satisfying lunch to meal prep, this salad has you covered. So, grab your ingredients and get cooking! Your taste buds will thank you.

Happy cooking!