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Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
30min
Total Time
6 people
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Moderate
Cost
350 kcal
Calories
Get ready for a delightful twist on traditional pasta salad with this vibrant Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad that brings summer flavors to your table!
Ingredients
6
- 8 oz elbow macaroni or pasta of choice
- 2 cups fresh corn kernels (or frozen, thawed)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeño, deseeded and diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool.
2
In a large skillet, heat a bit of oil over medium heat and add the corn. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the corn is slightly charred. Remove from heat and let cool.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, corn, red bell pepper, red onion, jalapeño, and cilantro.
4
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
5
Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture, tossing to combine thoroughly. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
6
Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese if using and serve immediately or refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Kitchen Tools
- Large pot for cooking pasta
- Skillet for sautéing corn
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or fork for mixing dressing
- Serving spoon
Pro Tips
For an extra kick, leave the seeds in the jalapeño.
Make sure to let the pasta cool before mixing it with the other ingredients to prevent the dressing from becoming warm and runny.
Feel free to add avocado for a creamier texture.
Troubleshooting
If your salad is too dry, add a splash of lime juice or extra dressing.
If it tastes bland, try adding more lime juice, cilantro, or even a dash of hot sauce.
Recipe Variations
Add black beans for extra protein.
Use roasted red peppers instead of fresh for a smoky flavor.
Healthy Alternatives
Substitute the mayonnaise with avocado or Greek yogurt for a healthier dressing option.
Use whole grain or lentil pasta for added fiber and protein.
Serving Suggestions
Serve chilled as a side dish for grilled meats or fish.
Pair with a fresh green salad for a light summer meal.
Nutrition Facts
350
Calories
12g
Protein
45g
Carbs
15g
Fat
4g
Fiber
3g
Sugar
250mg
Sodium
30mg
Cholesterol
Dietary Info
Vegetarian
Lactose-free
Garnish Ideas
Cilantro leaves for freshness on top.
Extra crumbled feta or cotija cheese.
Storage
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
The pasta salad can dry out, so add a little extra dressing before serving leftovers.
Leftover Ideas
Mix it with shredded chicken for a quick lunch.
Use as a filling for tacos or burritos.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcooking the pasta can lead to a mushy salad.
Neglecting to cool the pasta before adding the dressing can make the dish unappealing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned corn instead of fresh?
Yes, canned corn is a great alternative. Just rinse and drain it before using.
How long does this pasta salad last in the fridge?
It can last up to 3 days in the fridge when stored properly!
Is this recipe gluten-free?
You can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta.
What can I add to make it spicier?
You can add more diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce.
Can I make this salad in advance?
Absolutely! It actually tastes better after sitting for a while in the fridge.
Reviews
Emma
Apr 24, 2026
This pasta salad is a huge hit at summer BBQs! So fresh and tasty!
Liam
May 1, 2026
Really enjoyed the flavors, but I added more lime juice to kick it up!
Sophia
May 1, 2026
Easy to make, and everyone loved it! I’ll definitely make it again.
Mason
May 2, 2026
It was good but felt a bit bland. I think it needs more hot sauce.
Charlotte
Apr 23, 2026
So delicious! Perfect for a picnic. I’ll be sharing this recipe!
Ethan
Apr 10, 2026
Fresh ingredients really shine in this dish. Loved the crunch of the corn!
Olivia
May 3, 2026
Great recipe, super flavorful. I added avocado for extra creaminess.
James
Apr 21, 2026
Perfect side dish! The dressing was spot on.
Ava
Apr 23, 2026
This is now my go-to pasta salad! Everyone requests it.
Benjamin
Apr 19, 2026
It tasted good, but I wish it had a bit more texture.
Mia
Apr 11, 2026
So easy to make and incredibly refreshing! Love it!
Daniel
Apr 24, 2026
Good balance of flavors. I might try adding some beans next time.
Isabella
Apr 24, 2026
Perfect for gatherings! Everyone loved the taste.
Aiden
Apr 10, 2026
Yummy, and I appreciate the lightness of the dish.
Sophia
May 6, 2026
I really enjoyed this recipe! Very refreshing.
Lucas
May 8, 2026
Easy and super flavorful, I will be making this often!
Ella
Apr 21, 2026
So bright and delicious! This salad is everything!
