If you are craving a dish that bursts with vibrant flavors and is incredibly satisfying, this Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining the smoky, charred sweetness of corn with a luscious, zesty dressing and tender pasta, this salad brings the heart of Mexican street food right to your table in a fresh, fun way. It’s creamy, tangy, and full of texture, making it the perfect side or even a standout meal for warm days and festive gatherings.

Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple yet essential ingredients is key to making this Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe truly shine. Each component plays a special role in bringing bold flavor, delightful crunch, or fresh color to the dish.

Elbow macaroni or rotini pasta (12 oz): Provides a sturdy base that holds the creamy dressing beautifully.
Corn kernels (2 cups): Fresh, canned, or frozen all work—corn adds natural sweetness and a satisfying pop.
Mayonnaise (½ cup): Creates richness and helps emulsify the dressing for luscious creaminess.
Sour cream (½ cup): Adds tang and balances out the mayo’s richness.
Lime juice (1 tablespoon): Brightens the whole salad with a fresh citrus kick.
Chili powder (1 teaspoon): Brings mild heat and smoky depth.
Smoked paprika (½ teaspoon): Enhances the smoky flavor, reminiscent of authentic street corn.
Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Adds savory warmth without overpowering.
Cotija cheese (1 cup, crumbled): The salty, crumbly cheese that perfectly complements the sweet corn.
Fresh cilantro (⅓ cup, chopped): Gives a vibrant, herbal freshness.
Green onions (¼ cup, chopped): For gentle oniony crunch and color contrast.
Salt and pepper: To taste, enhancing every ingredient.
Lime wedges (optional): For an extra squeeze of brightness when serving.

How to Make Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Perfectly

Start by boiling your elbow macaroni or rotini according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This ensures a tender bite without mushiness. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down, which helps the salad stay fresh and prevents the pasta from sticking together.

Step 2: Char the Corn

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the corn kernels for about 4 to 5 minutes until they develop lovely golden char marks. This caramelization brings out a deep, smoky sweetness that defines the Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe. Stir occasionally to evenly char without burning. Once done, remove from heat and let the corn cool slightly.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Dressing

In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, fresh lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This dressing is tangy and spiced just right to coat every ingredient, uniting the flavors into one irresistible combination.

Step 4: Combine All Ingredients

Add the cooled pasta, charred corn, crumbled cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, and green onions into the bowl with your dressing. Gently toss everything together until each piece is well coated and bursting with flavor. This step is where the magic happens, and you’ll start to see how creamy, colorful, and inviting the salad becomes.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

For the best flavor, chill your Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This rest time allows the flavors to meld and the dressing to soak into the pasta and corn, making every bite heavenly.

How to Serve Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe

Garnishes

Before serving, sprinkle with extra crumbled cotija cheese and fresh cilantro to enhance the fresh and salty flavors. Adding lime wedges on the side invites everyone to squeeze some fresh citrus juice on top for a bright, tangy finish.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, shrimp, or even a smoky barbecue spread. It complements spicy mains beautifully and adds a refreshing, creamy element to balance bold flavors on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this salad in individual clear cups for a fun party presentation or over a bed of leafy greens to turn it into a hearty entrée. You can also stuff it into roasted bell peppers or tortillas for a unique twist on tacos or wraps.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad keeps well but is best enjoyed fresh to preserve the crispness of the corn and brightness of the herbs.

Freezing

This Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe is not ideal for freezing since the creamy dressing and fresh vegetables may separate or become watery upon thawing.

Reheating

Because this pasta salad is served cold, reheating is not recommended. Instead, give it a good stir and maybe a fresh squeeze of lime before serving chilled again.

FAQs

Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen corn works wonderfully and is a great option when fresh corn is out of season. Just thaw and drain before charring to get that perfect smoky flavor.

Is there a way to make this salad vegan?

You can swap mayonnaise and sour cream for plant-based alternatives and replace cotija cheese with a vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version that still tastes fantastic.

Can I add protein to this pasta salad?

Yes, grilled chicken, shrimp, or black beans make excellent additions for a heartier meal while keeping the essence of the Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe intact.

How spicy is this salad?

It has a mild kick thanks to the chili powder and smoked paprika, but it is not overly spicy. Feel free to add jalapeños or hot sauce if you want to heat things up!

What is the best pasta shape for this salad?

Both elbow macaroni and rotini are ideal because they hold onto the creamy dressing well, but feel free to experiment with your favorites like shells or penne.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe is a delightful blend of textures and bold flavors that will quickly become your go-to for summer cookouts, casual lunches, or when you want something vibrant on your plate. Whip it up, share with friends, and watch it disappear in no time – it’s that good!

Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe

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3.8 from 85 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes (plus chilling time)
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad is a flavorful and refreshing side dish inspired by the classic Mexican elote. Featuring tender elbow macaroni tossed with charred corn, creamy mayo and sour cream dressing, zesty lime juice, smoky spices, crumbled cotija cheese, fresh cilantro, and green onions, this salad is perfect for summer cookouts or casual meals. It’s easy to prepare, can be made ahead, and offers a delightful combination of creamy, spicy, and tangy flavors with a hint of sweetness.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Corn

12 oz elbow macaroni or rotini pasta
2 cups corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen and thawed)

Dressing

½ cup mayonnaise
½ cup sour cream
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Mix-ins and Garnishes

1 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta)
⅓ cup chopped fresh cilantro
¼ cup chopped green onions
Lime wedges for serving (optional)

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Instructions

Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.
Char the Corn: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the corn kernels and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become lightly charred. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
Prepare Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
Combine Ingredients: Add the cooled pasta, charred corn, crumbled cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, and green onions to the dressing bowl. Toss everything together until the pasta and corn are evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Before serving, garnish with extra cotija cheese, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges if desired.