Table of Contents
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad marries the smoky-sweet charm of elote with tender, al dente pasta in a creamy chili-lime dressing. Bright corn kernels charred to perfection mingle with crisp bell peppers and fresh cilantro, creating a fiesta of flavors in every forkful. Perfect for Pasta And Salad Recipes fans looking to elevate summer gatherings, this vibrant dish doubles as one of the best Sides Dishes For A Crowd. Whether you’re hosting a taco night or seeking Summer Break Lunch Ideas, this salad brings Cafe Max Pasta Salad Recipe vibes to your table.
Why You’ll Love This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
- Bold, smoky corn combines with zesty lime and chili for authentic Mexican Pasta Salads flair
- Short pasta soaks up every drop of the creamy, tangy dressing for a luscious bite
- Easy to scale up—ideal as Recipes For A Large Crowd or Sides For Tacos Party
- Chilled serving keeps you cool on hot days and pairs perfectly with tacos or grilled meats
- Loaded with veggies and herbs, it offers a fresh twist on classic Pasta Salad Recipes Mexican
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category: | Main Dish |
| Cuisine: | Healthy |
| Prep Time: | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time: | 10 minutes |
| Total Time: | 25 minutes |
| Dietary: | Gluten-Free |
| Serves: | 8 |
| Best Served: | Chilled |
Ingredients
- Short pasta (16 oz) – Holds creamy dressing in every twist and is perfect for Sides For Tacos Party
- Fresh corn kernels (4 cups) – Charred for smoky sweetness; a whole grain linked to digestive health
- Red bell pepper (1 cup, diced) – Crunchy, vitamin-C packed color burst; see Capsicum on Wikipedia
- Green onions (½ cup, sliced) – Mild allium flavor that brightens every bite
- Fresh cilantro (½ cup, chopped) – Herbaceous finish for authentic Mexican Street Pasta Salad; learn more on Mexican cuisine
- Jalapeño (1, seeded & minced) – Gentle heat boost to excite the palate
- Cotija cheese (½ cup, crumbled) – Salty, crumbly topping for creamy contrast
- Mayonnaise (½ cup) – Luxurious base for the creamy, tangy dressing
- Greek yogurt (½ cup) – Lightens the mayo and adds protein for Healthy Meal Prep
- Lime juice & zest (2 limes) – Bright acidity to balance richness
- Ground cumin & chili powder (1 tsp each) – Earthy warmth and subtle spice
- Sea salt & black pepper – Season to taste for perfect balance
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
Ingredients
Method
- Cook pasta to al dente, drain and rinse under cold water, then toss with a little oil.
- Char corn kernels in a hot skillet without stirring until golden, about 4–5 minutes. Set aside to cool.
- Combine pasta, corn, bell pepper, green onions, cilantro, jalapeño, and cotija in a large bowl.
- Whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lime juice and zest, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Pour dressing over salad and toss gently until well coated.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld. Toss again before serving.
Notes
How to Make the Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
Follow these seven simple steps to whip up the ultimate Mexican street corn–inspired pasta salad.
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Boil pasta in generously salted water until just al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water, and toss with a drizzle of oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Char the Corn
Heat a skillet over high heat, add corn kernels, and cook without stirring until golden and slightly blackened, about 4–5 minutes.
Step 3: Prep the Veggies
Dice bell pepper, slice green onions, mince jalapeño, and chop cilantro. Transfer all to a large mixing bowl.
Step 4: Whisk the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lime juice, zest, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and emulsified.
Step 5: Combine Salad
Add cooled pasta and charred corn to the bowl with veggies. Pour the dressing over and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
Step 6: Fold in Cheese
Sprinkle cotija cheese over the salad and fold in lightly to distribute creamy, salty crumbles throughout.
Step 7: Chill and Rest
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to meld flavors. Stir again before serving for best texture.
Pro Tips for Making the Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
- Use high-quality mayonnaise for the smoothest, creamiest dressing consistency
- Char corn in batches to avoid steaming and ensure every kernel develops a rosy char
- Pat corn dry after charring to keep the dressing from thinning out
- Toast cumin and chili powder briefly in the skillet to deepen their flavor before whisking into the dressing
- Make this ahead for perfect flavor—Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad tastes even better after resting overnight
How to Serve Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
This versatile salad shines in multiple settings—try these serving ideas:
- As a vibrant side alongside grilled carne asada or shrimp tacos
- On a buffet table for potlucks or as one of your Sides Dishes For A Crowd
- With sliced avocado and lime wedges for a fresh Summer Break Lunch Ideas
- In mason jars for portable lunches or Recipes For A Large Crowd
- Alongside black bean burgers or grilled chicken for balanced taco spreads
- Garnished with extra cotija and chopped cilantro for café-style presentation
- With tortilla chips for an impromptu dip alternative
- Layered in taco salad bowls for low-carb, Gluten-Free gatherings
- Swirled into greens for a fusion Pasta And Salad Recipes twist
- Paired with chilled margaritas for festive outdoor entertaining
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
• Transfer salad to an airtight container and refrigerate up to 3 days
• Stir before serving to redistribute dressing
• Keep lime wedges on the side to refresh flavors
• Avoid freezing—dressing and corn texture degrade when thawed
Freezing
• Not recommended—fresh pasta salads lose their texture when frozen
• Instead, freeze leftover corn for later char-corn recipes
• Store dressing separately in the freezer for up to 1 month
• Thaw dressing overnight in the fridge before whisking and using
Reheating
• Serve strictly chilled—do not reheat this pasta salad
• If you prefer a warm version, reheat only the pasta and corn, then toss with fresh dressing and veggies
• Warm components separately to maintain corn char
• Mix together just before plating to preserve freshness
FAQs
What are the health benefits of corn and bell peppers?
Corn provides fiber and B vitamins for energy metabolism, while bell peppers deliver vitamin C and antioxidants to support immune health.
Can I substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise?
Absolutely—use extra Greek yogurt for a tangier, protein-rich dressing. You can also swap in light sour cream for creaminess with fewer calories.
How can I add flavor without extra calories?
Brighten the salad with more lime zest, fresh herbs like cilantro or mint, and a sprinkle of smoked paprika or Tajín for depth without added fats.
Can I meal prep Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad?
Yes—assemble up to 2 days ahead for effortless Taco Tuesday sides or Summer Break Lunch Ideas. Store in individual containers for quick Recipes For A Large Crowd or office lunches.
Final Thoughts
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad brings fiesta flavors and effortless style to any gathering. Packed with charred corn, crisp veggies, and creamy chili-lime dressing, it shines as one of the best Mexican Pasta Salads for Summer Break Lunch Ideas or Sides For Tacos Party. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or prepping healthy lunches, this salad delivers vibrant taste and simple make-ahead convenience. Embrace this Cafe Max Pasta Salad Recipe twist and let every bite transport you to a festive street cart summer evening.
