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Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a creamy, zesty, and flavor-packed dish that combines the bold taste of street corn with hearty pasta. Perfect for BBQs, gatherings, and everyday meals, it’s one of the best cold pasta salads for summer. If you’re looking for easy party food ideas, delicious cold pasta, or creative pasta salad ideas, this dish is a crowd-pleasing favorite full of vibrant flavor.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups cooked pasta rotini, penne, or bowtie
  • 2 cups corn grilled, fresh, or canned and drained
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup cotija cheese crumbled (or feta substitute)
  • 1/4 cup red onion finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped
  • 1 –2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and let cool completely.
  2. If needed, sauté or grill corn until slightly charred for extra flavor.
  3. In a large bowl, mix mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  4. Add cooled pasta, corn, red onion, cilantro, and cotija cheese.
  5. Toss everything together until evenly coated.
  6. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.

Notes

  • Use grilled corn for authentic street corn flavor.
  • Add jalapeño for extra heat.
  • Substitute feta cheese if cotija is unavailable.
  • Chill before serving for best texture and taste.
  • Store in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.