Description
This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a flavorful twist on the classic elote. It combines charred corn, tender pasta, and a creamy, zesty dressing with a touch of spice — perfect for summer cookouts or potlucks.
Ingredients
- 8 oz bowtie pasta (or any short pasta)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cups corn (about 5 ears or use frozen corn, thawed)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper, or to taste
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add corn and cook until slightly charred, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic powder, chili powder, paprika, cayenne (if using), salt, pepper, and lime juice until well combined.
- Add the cooked and cooled pasta and corn to the bowl with the dressing. Toss to coat.
- Stir in crumbled cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, green onions, and jalapeño (if using). Mix well.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Chill for 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.
- Serve cold and garnish with extra cheese, cilantro, or lime wedges if desired.
Notes
- You can use frozen corn if fresh is not available — just make sure to thaw it completely before charring.
- Add more lime juice or cayenne to adjust the tang and spice level.
- This salad can be made a few hours ahead and stored in the fridge.
- For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream or mayo.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 370mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
