This Easy Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a fun twist on traditional street corn! With just a few simple ingredients, it brings together pasta, sweet corn, and zesty flavors.
It’s perfect for potlucks or a quick side dish! I love how the combination of creamy dressing and fresh lime makes every bite feel like a little fiesta. 
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I suggest using rotini or fusilli because their twists hold the dressing and flavors well. If you don’t have these, any other short pasta like penne or bowties works beautifully!
Corn: Fresh corn is ideal, but canned or frozen corn is perfectly fine. If you’re using frozen, just make sure to thaw and drain it before mixing.
Cotija Cheese: Cotija adds a salty, crumbly texture that’s fantastic in this salad. If you can’t find it, feta cheese is a nice substitute that brings a similar flavor profile.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro gives a burst of flavor, but if you’re not a fan, try parsley or green onions for a different twist.
Chili Powder: This adds a bit of heat. You can adjust it to your taste or swap in paprika for a milder flavor. I often use a pinch of cayenne for extra heat!
How Do I Cook Pasta to Get It Just Right?
Getting the pasta perfectly cooked is key for this salad’s texture. To ensure it’s al dente, follow these steps:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. The water should taste a bit like the sea.
- Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions, usually around 8-10 minutes.
- Check a minute or two before it’s done; you want it firm, not mushy.
- Once cooked, drain it and rinse it under cold water. This stops cooking and cools it down quickly, which is important for the salad.
Following these steps will keep the pasta from getting sticky and help it soak up the flavors later! Enjoy your cooking!
Easy Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta and Corn:
- 8 oz rotini or fusilli pasta
- 2 cups corn (fresh, canned, or frozen)
Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Cheese and Herbs:
- 1 cup cotija cheese, crumbled (or feta cheese)
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
Seasoning:
- 1 tsp chili powder (or to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- Lime wedges
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pasta salad takes about 10 minutes of prep time, plus 30 minutes to chill in the refrigerator. In total, you can have this refreshing dish ready in about 40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by cooking the rotini or fusilli pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once it’s done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down. Set the pasta aside so it can be ready for mixing later.
2. Make the Corn Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the corn, mayonnaise, sour cream, chopped cilantro, and crumbled cotija cheese. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed and creamy—this will be the tasty dressing for your salad!
3. Combine Pasta and Corn:
Add the cooled pasta to the corn mixture. Gently toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the delicious dressing. Be careful not to over-mix to keep the pasta from breaking.
4. Season to Taste:
Now, it’s time to season! Sprinkle in the chili powder, along with salt and pepper to your liking. Mix again gently, and taste to see if you need to adjust the seasonings. It should be zesty and flavorful!
5. Chill and Serve:
Cover the bowl and place the pasta salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This will help the flavors blend together beautifully. When you’re ready to serve, dish out the salad and offer lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top. Enjoy this tasty and refreshing dish!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini and fusilli work great for this salad, you can substitute them with any pasta shape you like, such as penne, elbows, or farfalle. Just ensure to cook the pasta until al dente so it holds up well in the salad!
What If I Don’t Have Cotija Cheese?
No problem! Feta cheese is a fantastic substitute and will give a similar tangy flavor. Other alternatives include goat cheese or even shredded mozzarella for a milder taste. Use what you have on hand!
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! This salad is perfect for meal prep. Make it up to a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Just give it a quick stir before serving, and consider adding a touch more lime juice if it needs a flavor boost!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It may thicken a bit, so feel free to add a splash of lime juice or a dollop of sour cream to loosen it up before serving again!
