Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad : A Flavor Dish!

If you love Mexican street corn (elotes) and pasta, then this Elote Pasta Salad is a must-try! It’s creamy, tangy, and full of bold flavors, making it the perfect potluck dish Mexican-style. With sweet corn, cotija cheese, lime juice, and a creamy, zesty dressing, this pasta salad is not only delicious but also protein-packed, making it a great cold protein pasta salad option.

Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch-to-go, an easy side dish for barbecues, or a refreshing meal prep idea, this Street Corn Salad Pasta is a winner!

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Why You’ll Love This Elote Pasta Salad

✔️ Packed with Flavor – A perfect mix of smoky, creamy, and tangy ingredients.
✔️ Easy to Make – Ready in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients.
✔️ Great for Meal Prep – Stays fresh for days, making it an ideal easy lunch-to-go idea.
✔️ Perfect Potluck Dish – A guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any event!
✔️ Customizable – Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or extra veggies to make it your own.

Ingredients Needed

To make this Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad, gather the following ingredients:

For the Pasta Salad:

• 12 ounces pasta (rotini, penne, or shells)
• 2 cups corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
• ½ cup red bell pepper, diced
• ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
• ¼ cup cilantro, chopped
• ½ cup cotija cheese, crumbled (or feta cheese)

For the Dressing:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 teaspoon lime zest
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt & black pepper to taste

Optional Additions:

• 1 cup grilled chicken or shrimp (for added protein)
• 1 cup black beans (for a fiber boost)
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (for extra heat)

Kitchen Equipment Needed

✔️ Large pot – To cook the pasta.
✔️ Mixing bowls – For the dressing and salad assembly.
✔️ Colander – To drain pasta and rinse vegetables.
✔️ Whisk – To mix the dressing.
✔️ Knife & cutting board – For chopping ingredients.

How to Make Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Corn

• Fresh Corn: Grill or roast the corn on an open flame until slightly charred, then cut off the kernels.
• Canned Corn: Drain and rinse well.
• Frozen Corn: Thaw and pat dry before using.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, lime zest, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.

Step 4: Assemble the Pasta Salad

In a large bowl, combine the pasta, corn, red bell pepper, red onion, cilantro, and cotija cheese. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is well coated.

Step 5: Chill & Serve

Let the pasta salad chill in the fridge for 15-30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Garnish with extra cotija cheese, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime before serving.

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Best Pasta Types for This Recipe

Choosing the right pasta makes all the difference! Here are the best options for this Elite Pasta Salad:

✔️ Rotini: The spiral shape holds onto the creamy dressing.
✔️ Penne: A great option for a heartier bite.
✔️ Shells: Capture the dressing and mix well with the corn.
✔️ Orzo: A fun alternative for a lighter version.

Tips for the Best Elotes Pasta Salad

✔️ Use Fresh Lime Juice – It enhances the bright, tangy flavor.
✔️ Don’t Overcook the Pasta – Al dente pasta holds up better in the dressing.
✔️ Let It Chill Before Serving – This allows the flavors to blend beautifully.
✔️ Want More Spice? – Add jalapeños, hot sauce, or cayenne pepper.
✔️ Swap Cotija for Feta – If cotija cheese isn’t available, feta makes a great substitute.

Recipe Variations & Substitutions

🍤 Cold Protein Pasta Salad: Add grilled shrimp or chicken for extra protein.
🫘 Vegetarian Boost: Mix in black beans or chickpeas for added fiber.
🥑 Creamy & Fresh: Top with diced avocado before serving.
🌮 Taco-Style Version: Use crushed tortilla chips for extra crunch.
🥦 Pasta with Broccoli and Tomatoes: Add roasted broccoli and cherry tomatoes for more veggies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

🚫 Using Hot Pasta – Make sure the pasta is cooled before mixing to prevent a runny dressing.
🚫 Overloading with Dressing – Start with half the dressing, then add more as needed.
🚫 Skipping the Lime Juice – This is key to balancing the creamy flavors!
🚫 Forgetting to Season – Adjust salt and spices for the best taste.

How to Store & Meal Prep Pasta Street Corn Salad

Storing:

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Not recommended, as the creamy dressing doesn’t freeze well.

Meal Prep Tip:

• Store the dressing separately and mix right before serving for the freshest taste.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

🌮 With Tacos: Serve alongside chicken, beef, or veggie tacos.
🍗 Grilled Meats: Pairs well with BBQ chicken, steak, or grilled shrimp.
🥑 With Guacamole & Chips: A fresh and flavorful combination.
🥗 As a Side Salad: Great with sandwiches or burrito bowls.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

❓ Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes! Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Add extra dressing before serving if needed.

❓ Can I make this without mayonnaise?

Absolutely! Use Greek yogurt for a lighter version.

❓ What’s the best way to add heat?

Mix in diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or a pinch of cayenne pepper.

❓ Can I use frozen corn?

Yes! Just thaw and dry it before mixing.

❓ How can I make it dairy-free?

Swap cotija cheese for dairy-free feta and use a plant-based mayo.

Final Thoughts & Call to Action

This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a bold, creamy, and zesty dish that’s perfect for potlucks, barbecues, and easy meal prep. Whether you’re making it for a quick lunch, a cold protein pasta salad, or a potluck dish with Mexican flavors, this pasta salad is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

If you tried this recipe, leave a comment below and share your experience! Don’t forget to pin this recipe and subscribe for more healthy pasta salad ideas!

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