This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is the ultimate summer side dish—creamy, tangy, and bursting with bold flavors in every bite! If you love elote and pasta, this is the perfect fusion that will have you coming back for seconds (or thirds!). The smoky roasted corn, the creamy dressing, and the salty cotija cheese make every bite irresistible.
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This idea started when I had leftover roasted corn from taco night and some cooked pasta that needed a home. I threw them together with a zesty dressing, added a handful of cotija cheese, and a new family favorite was born. It’s creamy, a little spicy, and packed with Mexican-inspired flavors.
My family loves anything with corn—it’s practically a staple in our house! I add it to my creamy mushroom chicken, and I even make sweet corn ice cream for a fun dessert twist. And lately, we’ve been obsessed with my Mexican Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl—it’s like Chipotle but better (and way more budget-friendly)!
If you're new to these flavors or want more ideas, check out my list of beginner-friendly Mexican recipes. It’s got tons of Mexican favorites with big flavor—perfect if you're just getting into Mexican cooking.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- What is Mexican Pasta Salad?
- Ingredients
- Substitution and Additions
- How To Make Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
- What To Serve With This
- How to Store Leftovers
- Quick Tips
- Cook Smarter, Not Harder
- Recipe FAQs
- More Pasta Recipes for Dinner
- Did you try this recipe?
- Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Packed with flavor – creamy, smoky, tangy, and zesty all in one bowl.
- Quick and easy – just cook, mix, and toss everything together.
- Great for meal prep – tastes even better the next day.
- Perfect for any occasion – BBQs, potlucks, or weeknight dinners.
- Customizable – add chicken, shrimp, or extra veggies to make it your own.
- Inspired by Mexican street food – all the best flavors of street corn in pasta form.
- A guaranteed crowd-pleaser – trust me, people will ask for the recipe!
What is Mexican Pasta Salad?
This street corn pasta salad is a fun twist on classic Mexican street corn (elote). It combines roasted corn, pasta, and a creamy, zesty dressing that brings everything together.
The dressing is a flavorful mix of sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, and spices, giving the salad a perfect balance of richness and tang. Everything comes together in a large bowl, making it as easy to assemble as it is delicious.
Ingredients
This is just an overview—jump down to the full recipe card for exact amounts and detailed instructions!
Salad Dressing
- Mayonnaise – I love using Kewpie for its extra creaminess, but any mayo works.
- Sour cream – Mexican crema is my go-to for a richer taste.
- Cumin – adds a warm, earthy depth to the dressing.
- Paprika – a hint of smokiness enhances the roasted flavors.
- Chili powder – the key to that classic Mexican street corn kick.
- Sriracha – just a little for an extra layer of heat.
- Lime juice – fresh lime juice makes all the difference.
- Garlic powder – because a touch of garlic makes everything better.
- Salt and pepper – to bring out all the flavors.
Pasta Salad
- Pasta – any short pasta like rotini, bowties, or penne works well.
- Black beans – for protein and a satisfying bite.
- Corn – fresh, roasted corn on the cob is best, but canned corn or frozen corn works too.
- Chicken – optional, but adds extra protein.
- Avocado – creamy and balances out the tangy dressing.
- Cherry tomatoes – fresh, juicy, and a pop of sweetness.
- Cilantro – because no Mexican street corn salad is complete without it.
- Sour cream – adds richness and smoothness.
- Red onion – for crunch and a little bite.
- Jalapeño – add as much or as little as you like for spice.
- Cotija cheese – a must-have for that authentic Mexican street corn taste.
Substitution and Additions
Want to make this salad your own? Here are some great swaps and extras:
- Swap pasta – try corn pasta for a gluten-free version.
- No cotija? – Use queso fresco or feta.
- Extra heat? – Add more cayenne pepper.
- Vegan option – Use dairy-free sour cream and cheese.
- Crunch factor – Sprinkle in crushed tortilla chips.
- More smoky flavor – Roast your corn on the cob for that deep, charred taste.
- Protein boost – Add grilled shrimp, tofu, or extra black beans.
- More veggies? – Try bell peppers, zucchini, or even radishes for a crunchy twist.
How To Make Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and let cool.
- Roast the corn in a skillet until slightly charred.
- Mix the dressing – combine all ingredients in a small bowl.
- Toss pasta, corn, and all other ingredients in a large bowl.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and mix until everything is coated.
- Garnish with extra cotija, cilantro, and lime zest.
- Chill for at least 15 minutes before serving.
What To Serve With This
- Grilled Chicken – pairs perfectly with the smoky, creamy flavors.
- BBQ Ribs – a hearty main dish for a summer cookout.
- Tacos – try with carne asada or shrimp tacos.
- Guacamole & Chips – a fresh and creamy appetizer.
- Mexican Rice – classic side for a full Mexican meal.
- Quesadillas – cheesy and crispy goodness.
- Chili Lime Shrimp – bright flavors that complement the salad.
- Margaritas – because why not?
How to Store Leftovers
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If it thickens, add a splash of lime juice or sour cream before serving.
Quick Tips
- Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor.
- Roast the corn for a deeper, smoky taste.
- Let it chill for at least 15 minutes before serving.
- Add avocado last to keep it from browning.
Cook Smarter, Not Harder
If you’re short on time, cook the pasta ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to three days. Toss it with a little olive oil to keep it from sticking, and it’s ready when you need it. Canned corn 🌽 works in a pinch, but if you have time, roasting fresh or frozen corn adds extra depth to the flavor!
Recipe FAQs
Mexican pasta salad typically includes cooked pasta, black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, red onion, and avocado, all tossed in a creamy or zesty dressing made with lime juice, cilantro, and spices. Some variations may also include shredded cheese, jalapeños, or grilled chicken for added flavor.
Elote is whole grilled corn on the cob, while Mexican street corn salad is served off the cob, mixed with other ingredients.
As long as it fits your diet, absolutely! This easy pasta salad is packed with protein, veggies, and flavor.
Cotija is a Mexican cheese made from cow’s milk. It’s crumbly, salty, and perfect for Mexican street corn pasta salad.
Cotija cheese is similar to feta in texture and saltiness, though it has a drier, crumblier consistency. It can also be compared to Parmesan when aged, as it develops a firmer texture and stronger, nuttier flavor.
More Pasta Recipes for Dinner
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Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
Equipment
- 1 large pot For cooking pasta
- 1 MIxing Bowl
Ingredients
Salad Dressing
- ¼ cup Mayonnaise
- ¼ Mexicana Crema Sour cream
- ⅛ teaspoon Cumin powder
- ¼ teaspoon Paprika powder
- ¼ teaspoon Chili powder
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha
- ¼ cup Lime juice
- ¼ teaspoon Garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
Pasta Salad
- 200 grams Pasta
- ⅔ cup Canned Black beans
- 1 cup Corn Kernels Grilled or Canned
- 1-2 cups Chicken cooked and chopped
- 1-2 pieces Avocado chopped
- 1 cup Cherry tomato Halved
- ½ cup Cilantro chopped
- ½ cup Red onion chopped
- 1 piece Jalapeno sliced
- ⅔ cup Cotija cheese for authentic Mexican flavor
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and let cool.
- Roast the corn in a skillet until slightly charred.
- Mix the dressing – combine all ingredients in a small bowl.
- Toss pasta, corn, and all other ingredients in a large bowl.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and mix until everything is coated.
- Garnish with extra cotija, cilantro, and lime zest.
- Chill for at least 15 minutes before serving.
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Notes
- Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor.
- Roast the corn for a deeper, smoky taste.
- Let it chill for at least 15 minutes before serving.
- Add avocado last to keep it from browning.
Rose Sioson says
I absolutely love making this Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad, and it’s always a hit! It’s creamy, tangy, and bursting with delicious flavor. I hope you all enjoy it just as much—let me know if you try it!