Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe

If you are craving a fiesta of flavors in a single dish, this Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe is just what you need to brighten up your meals. Combining the smoky sweetness of roasted corn with the creamy tang of mayo and sour cream, plus a zesty hint of lime and Tajín spice, it’s a fresh, colorful twist on traditional pasta salad. Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or a fun weeknight dinner, this salad brings together bold Mexican street corn flavors in a delightfully easy-to-make and shareable form. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make this irresistible dish shine!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple yet essential, each bringing something special to create the perfect harmony of taste, texture, and vibrant color in your Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe.

• Trotolle pasta: Its twisted shape holds onto the dressing beautifully, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
• Roasted corn: Adds smoky sweetness and a slight crunch reminiscent of authentic Mexican street corn.
• Red onion: Provides a mild sharpness and color contrast to brighten the salad.
• Jalapeño pepper: Offers a fresh kick of heat that wakes up the dish without overwhelming it.
• Cheddar cheese (shredded): Brings creamy, mellow flavor that balances the spice and acidity.
• Cotija cheese (shredded): This crumbly salty cheese adds an unmistakably authentic Mexican street corn taste.
• Mayonnaise: The creamy base binds all ingredients together with richness and smoothness.
• Sour cream: Introduces a tangy note that enhances the salad’s brightness.
• Lime juice: The zesty citrus punch that lifts every bite with fresh vibrancy.
• Tajín seasoning: A blend of chili, lime, and salt, Tajín adds signature zest and a touch of heat.
• Freshly snipped cilantro: Brings herbaceous freshness and a pop of green color.

How to Make Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Begin by boiling your trotolle pasta in a large pot of salted water according to the package instructions. Once perfectly cooked al dente, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. This step is key to preventing mushy noodles and ensures your salad has a nice bite.

Step 2: Prepare the Corn

While the pasta is cooling, roast fresh ears of corn until they have that irresistible smoky char that mimics street corn vendors’ grills. Then, carefully cut the kernels off the cobs and add them to your pasta. The juicy corn kernels provide both texture and sweet depth that elevate this dish beyond a typical pasta salad.

Step 3: Add Fresh Veggies and Some Cheese

Next, toss in the diced red onion and jalapeño pepper, which provide crunch and a balancing spicy note. Follow this by stirring in half of the finely shredded cheddar and Cotija cheeses. Mixing these in at this stage lets the cheese begin to blend flavors without melting.

Step 4: Make and Mix in the Dressing

In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, freshly squeezed lime juice, and a teaspoon or two of Tajín. This dressing combines creamy richness with tangy brightness and that iconic Tajín kick. Pour the luscious dressing over your pasta mixture, then carefully fold everything together to ensure even coverage and flavor harmony.

Step 5: Finish with Garnishes and Chill

To top off your masterpiece, sprinkle the remaining cheddar and Cotija cheeses over the salad, add a little extra Tajín for punch, and scatter freshly snipped cilantro for a burst of herbal freshness. Cover the salad and chill it for a bit to let the flavors meld wonderfully before serving. This step really brings the Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe to its full glory.

How to Serve Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe

Garnishes

Garnishing your salad is not just about looks, but about adding that final flavor flourish. A sprinkle of extra Cotija cheese, a dusting of Tajín, and a handful of fresh cilantro leaves will add visual appeal and that last blast of flavor that keeps people coming back for more.

Side Dishes

This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like chicken, steak, or shrimp. It also shines alongside tacos or quesadillas for a fully rounded Mexican-inspired meal that’s vibrant and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive twist, consider serving the salad in mini bell pepper “bowls” or layering it in a clear trifle dish to showcase the colorful ingredients. You can also serve it chilled in individual mason jars for easy grab-and-go portions at picnics and parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen when resting overnight, making your next-day serving even tastier.

Freezing

Because of the fresh veggies and creamy dressing, this salad is best enjoyed fresh and doesn’t freeze well. Freezing can alter the texture, especially of the corn and mayonnaise-based dressing, so it’s recommended to avoid freezing.

Reheating

Since this is a cold pasta salad, reheating is not necessary or recommended. Serve straight from the fridge with a quick toss to refresh the flavors and textures.

FAQs

Can I use canned corn instead of fresh roasted corn?

While canned corn works in a pinch, fresh roasted corn really adds that signature smoky sweetness and texture that makes the salad special. If you’re short on time, grilling or sautéing fresh corn before adding is a great compromise.

Is jalapeño pepper very spicy in this recipe?

The jalapeño adds a gentle heat that complements rather than overpowers the creaminess and sweetness of the salad. If you prefer less spice, simply reduce or omit it, or remove the seeds and membranes before dicing.

What can I substitute if I can’t find Cotija cheese?

Feta cheese is a good alternative because it has a similarly crumbly texture and salty bite, though it’s slightly creamier. Parmesan could also work but changes the flavor profile a bit.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Swap mayonnaise and sour cream for vegan versions, and use a plant-based shredded cheese alternative. The flavors will remain delicious, just with a different texture feel.

How many servings does this recipe make?

This recipe yields about 10 generous servings, making it perfect for sharing with family or friends at any occasion.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly joyful about bringing the flavors of Mexican street food to your pasta salad with this Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe. It’s so colorful, packed with texture and balanced just right between creamy, tangy, and spicy. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will liven up any meal or party spread. Once you make it, I bet it will quickly become a new favorite in your recipe rotation!

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