This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad recipe marries the classic flavors of “elote” (Mexican street corn) with tender pasta, creamy dressing, fresh herbs, and a delightful chili-lime tang. Inspired by female foodie Mexican street corn pasta salad ideas and perfect to try with Mexican street corn pasta salad ditalini, this dish is a summer must-have. Think charred corn, cilantro, queso fresco, bright lime juice, and just a hint of jalapeño heat. Finished with a luscious chili-lime dressing, this salad shines as a quick side, potluck star, or picnic hero. Whether you choose a classic bowtie noodle or opt for a Mexican street corn pasta salad with chili lime dressing twist, it’s sure to become a favorite!
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 2 cups uncooked bowtie pasta try Mexican street corn pasta salad ditalini for a fun swap
- 3 cups corn kernels fresh, frozen, or fire-roasted canned
- 1 large avocado diced
- 1/2 cup cilantro roughly chopped
- 3 green onions thinly sliced
- 1 jalapeño seeded and finely chopped
- 6 strips bacon cooked & crumbled (optional)
- 1/2 cup queso fresco or cotija cheese feta works in a pinch
- 1/2 cup black beans drained & rinsed (optional)
- For the Chili Lime Dressing Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad with Chili Lime Dressing:
- 1/2 cup full-fat mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice + 1/4 teaspoon lime zest
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce or Sriracha adjust to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil salted water and cook pasta until al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water, and let it dry completely. Using ditalini instead of bowtie can make a Mexican street corn pasta salad ditalini variation.
- Prep Corn: If using fresh, grill corn until lightly charred. For frozen, add kernels to boiling pasta water in last minute of cooking or quickly sauté on the stovetop. If using canned, drain and roast in a hot skillet until slightly caramelized.
- Chop & Dice: Dice avocado, cilantro, green onions, and jalapeño. Crumble cheese. If adding bacon and beans, have them ready.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lime juice/zest, hot sauce, chili powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine pasta, corn, avocado, cilantro, green onions, jalapeño, cheese, and bacon/beans if using. Drizzle dressing over the top and gently toss to coat.
- Serve Fresh: Enjoy immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Corn Variations: Fresh grilled corn adds incredible flavor. Frozen or canned works too—just char it for extra depth.
- Cheese Choices: Cotija is authentic, but queso fresco or even feta works. Adjust the cheese amount to taste.
- Spice Level: Adjust jalapeño and hot sauce based on heat preference.
Avoid Sogginess: Add avocado and bacon right before serving if making ahead.
How to Serve
Pair with grilled chicken or steak for a summery entrée. Serve at barbecues, potlucks, or taco nights. Offer warm tortillas or crispy tortilla chips on the side. Garnish with extra cilantro, lime wedges, and a sprinkle of chili powder for a festive finish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This salad blends creamy, zesty, and fresh flavors in every bite. The chili-lime dressing brightens the charred corn and tender pasta, while avocado and cheese bring richness. It’s easy to customize—add beans, different pasta shapes, or extra jalapeños. Best of all, it’s a crowd-pleaser that upgrades any gathering with a burst of Mexican-inspired flavor.
Tips & Variations to Customize Your Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad:
- Protein Add-Ins: Shredded chicken, grilled shrimp, or marinated tofu turn this side into a main dish.
- Extra Veggies: Add diced bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or red onion for more color and crunch.
- Mild or Spicy: Go easy on jalapeño for mild flavor or add more hot sauce for serious heat.
- Meal Prep: Keep dressing separate until serving to maintain freshness and texture.
Craving More Mexican-Inspired Recipes?
If you loved the zesty, creamy goodness of the Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad, there’s more where that came from! These recipes are packed with bold flavors and easy-to-follow steps to keep the Mexican-inspired magic going in your kitchen.
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Excited to try more? Dive into these recipes and bring vibrant Mexican flavors to your table. Let us know which one’s your favorite in the comments!
Did you make this recipe?
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