If you’re craving a dish that bursts with fresh, vibrant flavors and a luscious, indulgent texture, then this Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe is the perfect answer. Combining the smoky sweetness of corn with the tangy creaminess of a zesty mayo and sour cream dressing, every bite feels like a warm summer day on your plate. It’s a fantastic twist on classic pasta salad that brings the colorful spirit of Mexican street corn into a dish that’s love at first forkful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its simple but purposeful ingredients, each contributing to the delightful balance of flavors and textures in the salad. The fresh corn kernels offer sweetness and a satisfying snap, while the creamy dressing ties everything together with a tangy, smoky kick.
- 8 oz elbow macaroni or small pasta of choice: Perfect for holding the dressing and mixing well with all the vibrant ingredients.
- 2 cups corn kernels (fresh, canned, or thawed frozen): The star ingredient that brings sweetness and a natural crunch.
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise: Adds rich creaminess and a luscious texture to the salad.
- 1/3 cup sour cream: Brings tang and lightness, balancing out the mayo.
- 1 tablespoon lime juice: Injects a zesty brightness that lifts the entire dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder: Adds warmth and that signature hint of spice found in street corn.
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika: Infuses a subtle smoky flavor for depth.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings savory notes to complement the fresh veggies.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing every flavor in the salad.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of mild heat.
- 1/3 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta): Offers a salty, crumbly texture that’s classic in Mexican street-style corn dishes.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro: Brings freshness and that unmistakable herbaceous burst.
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion: Provides crunchy, slightly sweet sharpness that brightens the salad.
- 1 jalapeño (seeded and finely chopped, optional): For those who like a little extra heat and complexity.
How to Make Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta Perfectly
Start by cooking the elbow macaroni or your preferred small pasta according to the package directions. Once cooked to al dente, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water. This step stops the cooking process, preventing mushiness, and cools the pasta for mixing with the dressing later on.
Step 2: Whisk the Creamy Dressing
In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This dressing is the magic that brings all the ingredients together with a delicious tangy, smoky zing.
Step 3: Combine Pasta and Fresh Ingredients
Add your cooled pasta, corn kernels, crumbled cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, red onion, and the optional finely chopped jalapeño into the bowl with the dressing. Toss gently but thoroughly, making sure every bit of pasta is coated and each ingredient is mixed evenly for balanced flavor in every bite.
Step 4: Chill to Develop Flavor
Let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making the Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe even more irresistible.
How to Serve Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra cotija cheese and fresh cilantro on top right before serving adds a pop of color and extra taste. You could also add a light dusting of chili powder or a wedge of lime for guests to squeeze fresh juice over the salad.
Side Dishes
This pasta salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like chicken or steak, or alongside classic Mexican dishes such as tacos and quesadillas. It also stands out as a flavorful picnic staple or potluck star.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this salad in individual small mason jars or hollowed-out bell peppers to impress guests and elevate your presentation game. You can even turn it into a vibrant pasta salad bowl surrounded by fresh corn tortillas or veggie sticks for scooping.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe keeps well in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors deepen over time, making leftovers just as enjoyable as when freshly made.
Freezing
Because of the creamy dressing and fresh vegetables, freezing this salad is not recommended as it may affect the texture and flavor. It’s best savored fresh or refrigerated until consumed.
Reheating
This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is unnecessary. Simply take it out of the fridge ahead of time to allow it to lose its chill, or enjoy it straight from the fridge on a warm day for ultimate refreshment.
FAQs
Can I use frozen corn for this recipe?
Absolutely! Thawed frozen corn works just as well and can be a convenient option when fresh corn is out of season. Just make sure to drain any excess moisture to avoid watering down the salad.
What can I substitute for cotija cheese?
If you can’t find cotija cheese, crumbled feta is a great alternative. It offers a similar salty, tangy profile that complements the creaminess and smoky flavors perfectly.
Is this salad spicy?
The base recipe has a mild kick from chili powder and paprika, but if you include the jalapeño, it adds a moderate heat. Feel free to adjust the amount or omit it entirely based on your preference.
Can this salad be made vegan?
To make a vegan version, swap mayonnaise and sour cream for plant-based alternatives and omit the cheese or use a vegan cheese substitute. The salad will still be creamy and delicious with these simple adjustments.
How long should I chill the salad before serving?
A minimum of 30 minutes in the refrigerator is ideal to let the flavors meld and the dressing fully soak into the pasta and vegetables. If pressed for time, even 15 minutes makes a difference.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say that the Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe is a total crowd-pleaser and deserves a spot in your summer recipe rotation. It’s easy to make, bursting with flavor, and offers a wonderful play on textures that your family and friends will adore. Don’t hesitate to whip up a batch and share this vibrant salad at your next gathering – it’s comfort food with a refreshing, playful twist!
Print
Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy and flavorful street corn pasta salad inspired by Mexican elote, featuring tender elbow macaroni tossed with sweet corn, a zesty lime-mayo dressing, cotija cheese, fresh cilantro, and a hint of chili powder. Perfect as a vibrant side dish for summer picnics, barbecues, or potlucks.
Ingredients
Pasta and Vegetables
- 8 oz elbow macaroni or small pasta of choice
- 2 cups corn kernels (fresh, canned, or thawed frozen)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 jalapeño (seeded and finely chopped, optional)
Dressing and Seasonings
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/3 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it for the salad.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooled pasta, corn kernels, crumbled cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, finely chopped red onion, and jalapeño (if using) to the bowl with the dressing. Toss everything gently until the pasta and vegetables are evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the salad and adjust salt, pepper, or lime juice as needed to balance the flavors perfectly.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together. Serve chilled for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Grilled or charred corn adds an extra smoky flavor to the pasta salad.
- For a more authentic twist, substitute Mexican crema for sour cream.
- This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days, making it ideal for meal prep or bringing to gatherings.
- Feel free to omit the jalapeño for a milder flavor or add more for extra heat.
