Name: Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 pound pasta (any shape); 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup sour cream; Juice of 1 lime; 1 teaspoon chili powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 cups cooked corn kernels; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1/2 red onion, finely chopped; 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced; 1/4 cup freshly chopped cilantro

Jump to Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with Street Corn Pasta Salad—a flavor-packed tribute to classic Mexican street corn (elote) fused with all the comfort and heartiness of a creamy pasta salad. Each forkful bursts with sweet, smoky corn, zesty lime, crisp veggies, and a luscious, tangy dressing that hugs every spiral and tube. Whether you’re prepping for a family BBQ, a sunny picnic, or just craving something bold and vibrant for dinner, this dish comes together easily and tastes like a summer celebration in a bowl.

Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I adore about this recipe is how wonderfully each ingredient shines—simple on their own, but together, they create an irresistible harmony of flavors and textures. From the chewy pasta to fresh pops of corn and that creamy, spiced dressing, nothing here is extra—every bite counts!

Pasta: Choose any fun shape that holds onto dressing, like rotini or penne, for extra flavor in every bite.
Corn Kernels: Fresh, frozen, or canned all work—just be sure to cook them; charring adds a smoky note!
Red Bell Pepper: Bright and juicy, this pepper gives color and a sweet crunch.
Red Onion: Finely chopped for a gentle, savory bite that isn’t overpowering.
Jalapeno Pepper: Seeded and minced for a mild heat—leave in some seeds for extra kick if you love spice.
Mayonnaise: The creamy backbone for the dressing, making everything luscious and rich.
Sour Cream: Adds just the right tang and balances the mayo beautifully.
Chopped Cilantro: Fresh and bright, this herb lifts every flavor in the bowl.
Lime Juice: Essential for that zippy citrus zing that wakes up the whole salad.
Chili Powder: Brings gentle warmth and an earthy, smoky vibe to the creamy base.
Salt & Pepper: Classic seasonings, of course—don’t be shy to taste and adjust at the end!

How to Make Street Corn Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add your favorite pasta. Cook it just until al dente (nobody likes mushy pasta in a salad!), drain, and set aside to cool. Running the pasta under cold water helps halt the cooking process and keeps it from sticking together.

Step 2: Whisk the Creamy Dressing

In a medium bowl, whisk up mayonnaise, sour cream, fresh lime juice, chili powder, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Taste as you go—the lime should brighten up the richness, and the chili powder brings subtle smokiness and warmth to your Street Corn Pasta Salad dressing.

Step 3: Mix Pasta and Veggies

In a roomy mixing bowl, add your cooled pasta, cooked corn kernels, diced red bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, and minced jalapeno. Whether your corn is fire-roasted, sautéed, or simply boiled, this is where the salad starts coming to life.

Step 4: Add the Creamy Dressing

Pour the dressing over the corn and pasta mixture. Use a large spoon or spatula to toss everything gently but thoroughly, ensuring each piece is coated. Watch as the colors swirl together—this is pure summer in a salad.

Step 5: Finish with Cilantro and Chill

Sprinkle in the freshly chopped cilantro and give it one last toss. Taste again for salt and pepper—this is your moment to balance and perfect! Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors mingle and mellow before serving your Street Corn Pasta Salad.

How to Serve Street Corn Pasta Salad

Garnishes

Don’t hold back on the garnishes—a sprinkle of extra cilantro, crumbled cotija cheese (or feta if you’re in a pinch), and a dash of chili powder over the top make this salad truly pop. A few lime wedges on the side let everyone add their own zesty finish.

Side Dishes

Street Corn Pasta Salad is a superstar at any cookout, but it loves hanging out with grilled meats, burgers, or BBQ chicken. I often serve it next to tortilla chips or alongside a platter of grilled vegetables for a full-on flavor fiesta.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeling playful, pile the salad into grilled corn husks or small mason jars for a whimsical touch at parties. It also looks gorgeous spread on a platter then topped with extra cilantro and lime slices—easy to scoop and share!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover any leftovers tightly and refrigerate—they’ll keep for up to three days. The flavors get even better as they mingle, so don’t hesitate to pack up a bowl for lunch the next day! If the salad dries out a bit, stir in a small spoonful each of mayo and lime juice right before serving.

Freezing

I wouldn’t recommend freezing—once thawed, the creamy dressing gets watery and the pasta can lose its lovely bite. Street Corn Pasta Salad truly shines fresh or chilled from the fridge, so make just what you’ll enjoy in a few days.

Reheating

This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so skip the microwave! If you do want to bring a bit of the chill off (say, straight from the fridge), let the salad sit out for 20 minutes before serving; it’ll taste vibrant and fresh that way.

FAQs

Can I use frozen or canned corn?

Absolutely! Both frozen and canned corn work well—just be sure to drain (if using canned) and cook briefly, or even toss in a hot skillet for extra char and flavor. Fresh corn is wonderful when in season, but don’t let that stop you from making Street Corn Pasta Salad year-round.

What’s a good substitute for cilantro?

If cilantro isn’t your favorite, try chopped flat-leaf parsley for a refreshing touch, or skip the herbs entirely. You’ll still have plenty of bold, zesty flavors carrying the salad. Some folks even enjoy a little chopped green onion here.

How spicy is the salad with jalapeno?

With the jalapeno seeded and minced, the heat is very mild and balanced by the creamy dressing. For more kick, leave in a few seeds or add a dash of hot sauce. If you’re serving spice-sensitive eaters, feel free to skip the jalapeno altogether.

Can I make Street Corn Pasta Salad dairy-free?

Yes, you can! Substitute dairy-free mayonnaise and sour cream to suit your needs, and skip the cheese garnish or use a plant-based crumble. The flavors will still pop, making this a fantastic option for any gathering.

Is it possible to make the salad in advance?

It’s actually even tastier after a little time in the fridge! Prepare your Street Corn Pasta Salad a few hours (or even a full day) ahead—just toss again before serving and refresh with a bit more cilantro or lime if needed.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you try Street Corn Pasta Salad, it’ll earn a permanent spot in your potluck and picnic line-up. It’s ridiculously easy, endlessly customizable, and delivers big, bold flavors every single time. Your next gathering is about to get a lot more exciting—dig in and share the love!