Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

Summertime is a great time to have friends and family over for a barbecue. We love making summer pasta salads to go with out grilled burgers and hot dogs. This Mexican Street Corn Pasta is one of our favorites because of the taste and is quick and easy side dishes and the best potluck salads.

Change up your traditional pasta salad and make this Street Corn Pasta Salad. You are sure to impress your friends and family and they will be surprised how easy it is to make.

What is Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad?

This pasta salad combines the flavors of Mexican Street Corn, which is also known as Elote and pasta. You can grill corn that is covered in Mayonnaise, Cotija Cheese and chili powder. But we used canned fire roasted corn for an easier option.

This recipe combines the flavors Mexican Street Corn but in a pasta salad side dish. It really is the best of both worlds.

Ingredients

Scroll to the bottom of the post for the full recipe.

Recipe Variations

• Cheese Variations – You can use Queso Fresco Cheese if you cannot find Cotija cheese in your area. 
• Pasta – Rotini pasta works great in this recipe, but you can use any type of short pasta. Penne pasta or bowtie pasta would be great options. You can also use gluten free pasta to make this great side.
• Fire Roasted Corn – We used canned corn kernels in this recipe. But you might check your freezer section to see if they have Fire Roast Frozen Corn.
• Sour Cream – If you are adding in sour cream or substituting for mayonnaise, make sure to use full fat sour cream. Low fat doesn’t work as well in this recipe.
• Black Beans – Black beans is a great addition to this pasta dish if you have them. You can even add in pinto beans or black-eyed peas.
• Vegetables – Feel free to add in bell peppers or chopped red onions for added flavor. You can also add in slice carrots, peas or chopped asparagus.
• Tomatoes – This recipe would be delicious with some added slice cherry tomatoes.
• Spicy – If you want your pasta to have a little bit of kick to it, mix in some red pepper flakes. You can also add in slice jalapenos for added flavor.
• Greek Yogurt – Substitute the mayo for Greek Yogurt for a lower calorie side dish.

Step by Step Instructions

• Step 1 – Prepare Pasta – Cook the pasta based on the pasta instructions to al dente.  Drain the pasta.  Rinse with water. 

Step 2 – Toss pasta in olive oil – Toss the pasta with the olive oil and set aside to cool.  

Step 3 – Combine Dressing Ingredients – In a separate bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients.  Refrigerate until ready to use. 

Step 4 – Stir together pasta ingredients – In a large bowl gently stir together all the pasta salad ingredients.  Reserve some of the cilantro and green onions for topping.  

Step 5 – Toss Dressing with Pasta Ingredients – Pour the dressing mixture over the pasta salad.  Gently toss to coat the ingredients with the dressing.

• Step 6 – Serve and Enjoy – Serve topped with the reserved green onions, feta cheese, lime juice and cilantro or chill until ready to serve. 

How to Make Mexican Corn Pasta Salad in advance

You can easily make this pasta salad ahead of time. Prepare the salad dressing and the pasta salad separately. If you are not serving right away, store these two bowls separate in the fridge.

Then when you are ready to serve, mix the dressing and the pasta ingredients together. This helps to keep everything fresh and the Cotija Cheese doesn’t soak up the dressing as it sits.