Tasty Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

Name: Tasty Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 8 oz rotini pasta; 1 cup sweet corn, cooked; 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/4 cup red onion, diced; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; 1 avocado, diced; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup sour cream; 2 tablespoons lime juice; 1 teaspoon chili powder; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Global Flavors

Elevate your summer gatherings with this vibrant Tasty Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad. Combining sweet corn, creamy dressing, fresh cilantro, and a hint of lime, this dish captures the essence of classic Mexican street corn in a refreshing pasta salad. Perfect as an appetizer or side dish, it's sure to impress your guests with its colorful presentation and zesty flavor.

Created by

Lucy Bennett

Last updated on 2025-11-12T12:24:29.837Z

This Tasty Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad brings the flavors of summer right to your table.

A Twist on Classic Flavors

This Tasty Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a delightful reimagining of the beloved Mexican street corn, or Elote. By blending the familiar flavors of charred corn, creamy dressing, and zesty lime with al dente rotini pasta, this salad creates an irresistible fusion that is both refreshing and hearty. The addition of fresh ingredients like cherry tomatoes and avocado enhances the dish, providing bursts of color and texture that make every bite a delight.

Moreover, this dish allows you to enjoy the summery essence of Mexican street corn in a new way. Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue or planning a potluck, this pasta salad effortlessly stands out amongst traditional pasta salads with its bold flavor profile. It brings together the best of both worlds—comfort food and fresh, lively ingredients.

Getting the Perfect Dressing

The dressing is a crucial element of this recipe, enhancing its flavors and creating a creamy texture that perfectly complements the other ingredients. Combining mayonnaise and sour cream provides a rich base, while lime juice introduces a refreshing tang that brightens the dish. The chili powder adds an essential layer of warmth and depth, evoking the street food experience in every bite.

For versatility, feel free to adjust the dressing's spice level! If you prefer a milder flavor, use less chili powder or substitute it with paprika for a subtler taste. On the other hand, if you enjoy a kick, consider adding a splash of hot sauce or some diced jalapeños. The dressing's adaptability allows you to tailor this salad to your preferred flavor palate.

Serving Suggestions

This vibrant pasta salad can be served as a standalone dish, but it also pairs excellently with grilled meats, making it a superb choice for summer cookouts. Serve it alongside barbecued chicken, shrimp skewers, or beef tacos for a festive meal that highlights bold flavors. Its brightly colored presentation will undoubtedly grab your guests' attention, making it a conversation starter.

For a complete Mexican-themed dinner, complement the salad with sides like guacamole, tortilla chips, and a refreshing pitcher of agua fresca. You can also serve it family-style, allowing everyone to help themselves, or portion it out for individual servings to keep it neat and inviting. Whichever way you present it, this pasta salad is sure to delight!

Ingredients

For the Salad

8 oz rotini pasta
1 cup sweet corn, cooked
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup red onion, diced
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 avocado, diced

For the Dressing

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 teaspoon chili powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Mix all ingredients thoroughly before serving.

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water.

Prepare the Dressing

In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Combine Salad Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sweet corn, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, and avocado.

Mix with Dressing

Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.

Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.

Enjoy your Tasty Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad!

Storage Tips

This Tasty Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can certainly store leftovers for later. To keep it fresh, place any uneaten salad in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It's advisable to consume it within 2-3 days for optimal flavor and texture, as the avocado may brown and the pasta could absorb the dressing over time.

If you plan to make it ahead of time, consider preparing the salad and dressing separately. Combine them just before serving to keep the ingredients crisp and the flavors vibrant. This way, you can enjoy the delightful taste of your pasta salad for more than one meal!

Customizable Options

One of the best aspects of this pasta salad is its adaptability! Feel free to incorporate other seasonal vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or corn from the grill to enhance the overall flavor. For a protein boost, consider adding cooked chicken, black beans, or even crumbled feta cheese for an extra layer of taste.

If you're looking for a gluten-free option, substitute the rotini pasta with gluten-free pasta or quinoa. With these variations, you can create multiple versions of this dish, ensuring there's something for everyone at your table.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, this salad can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

→ Is there a substitute for mayonnaise?

You can use Greek yogurt as a lighter alternative to mayonnaise.