Name: The Best 🌽 Love Mexican Street Corn Try this easy pasta salad recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound short pasta, such as cavatappi or rotini; 4 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels, about 4 ears of corn; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, about 2 limes; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional for heat; 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese; 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro; 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion; Salt and black pepper to taste

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I created The Best 🌽 Love Mexican Street Corn Try this easy pasta salad recipe because I wanted a side dish that captures the smoky, creamy, tangy magic of elote without needing a grill. This pasta salad is my go to for potlucks and family dinners. It combines sweet corn, a creamy chili lime dressing, and salty cotija cheese with tender pasta. You will love how quickly it comes together and how everyone asks for the recipe. This truly is The Best 🌽 Love Mexican Street Corn Try this easy pasta salad recipe for any gathering.

Ingredients

1 pound short pasta, such as cavatappi or rotini
4 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels, about 4 ears of corn
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup fresh lime juice, about 2 limes
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional for heat
1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
Salt and black pepper to taste

Directions

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

While the pasta cooks, char the corn. If using fresh corn, grill the ears over high heat or in a dry cast iron skillet until kernels are charred in spots, about 8 to 10 minutes. If using frozen corn, spread it on a baking sheet and broil for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring once, until charred. Let the corn cool slightly, then cut the kernels from the cob if using fresh.

In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, and cayenne pepper. Add the cooled pasta, charred corn, cotija cheese, cilantro, and red onion. Toss everything together until well coated. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

For the best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. The Best 🌽 Love Mexican Street Corn Try this easy pasta salad recipe tastes even better the next day.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields 8 to 10 servings as a side dish. Prep time is 15 minutes, cook time is 15 minutes, and total time is about 1 hour including the recommended 30 minute chill time.

Variations

You can make this pasta salad your own. For a vegetarian version, simply use a plant based mayonnaise and sour cream. Add a can of drained black beans for extra protein and fiber. For more heat, include a diced jalapeno or a splash of hot sauce. If you prefer a lighter dressing, substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream. You can also swap the cotija cheese for feta cheese if needed. For a smoky twist, add a teaspoon of adobo sauce from a can of chipotle peppers. This flexibility is why The Best 🌽 Love Mexican Street Corn Try this easy pasta salad recipe works for so many occasions.

Storage and Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The pasta salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so there is no need to reheat it. If the salad seems dry after refrigeration, stir in a tablespoon of milk or extra lime juice to revive the dressing. I do not recommend freezing this dish because the creamy dressing and cheese will separate upon thawing.

FAQs

Can I use canned corn for this recipe?

Yes, you can use canned corn. Drain it well and pat it dry before charring it in a skillet or under the broiler. The charring step is important to get that authentic elote flavor.

Is this recipe gluten free?

It can be. Simply use your favorite gluten free pasta. All other ingredients are naturally gluten free. Check labels on mayonnaise and spices to be sure.

How do I make this vegan?

Use vegan mayonnaise, vegan sour cream, and a dairy free cheese alternative like a vegan feta or omit the cheese entirely. The chili lime dressing will still be delicious.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. I recommend making The Best 🌽 Love Mexican Street Corn Try this easy pasta salad recipe at least 2 hours before serving. It tastes best after the flavors have had time to blend in the refrigerator.

What pasta shape works best?

Short pasta shapes with ridges or twists work best because they hold the creamy dressing. Cavatappi, rotini, fusilli, or shells are all excellent choices.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoy making and sharing The Best 🌽 Love Mexican Street Corn Try this easy pasta salad recipe as much as I do. It is a crowd pleaser that brings the vibrant flavors of Mexican street corn to your table in an easy, portable form. For another summery side, try my Grilled Vegetable Pasta Salad. And if you love elote inspired dishes, check out this Mexican Street Corn Dip for a warm appetizer option. The key ingredients like cotija cheese and chili powder are what make this dish so special. I am confident that once you try it, this will become your new favorite pasta salad.