Dinner

Perfect Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe

Name: Perfect Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 8 oz elbow macaroni or penne; 3 cups sweet corn kernels (fresh or frozen); 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced (optional); 3 tbsp butter; 1/4 cup chopped cilantro leaves; 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; Juice from 1 lime; 1/2 tsp chili powder; 1/4 tsp smoked paprika; Salt and black pepper, to taste

ByZoe Lane November 2, 2025November 2, 2025

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Introduction

This Perfect Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad combines smoky charred corn with creamy cotija cheese and zesty lime dressing, creating a vibrant and flavorful dish. It’s a refreshing twist on classic pasta salad, perfect for summer gatherings or easy weeknight meals.

A close-up of a white bowl filled with creamy fusilli pasta mixed with bright yellow corn kernels and small green avocado chunks, scattered with bits of red crispy bacon and white cheese crumbles. Fresh green herbs are sprinkled on top, adding a touch of color and freshness. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, and a woman's hand is placing or holding the bowl. The overall look is vibrant, creamy, and colorful, showing the texture of the pasta spirals coated in sauce with fresh ingredients on top. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

8 oz elbow macaroni or penne
3 cups sweet corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced (optional)
3 tbsp butter
1/4 cup chopped cilantro leaves
1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese
1/2 cup mayonnaise
Juice from 1 lime
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/4 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni or penne and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool completely. Set aside.
Step 2: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add corn kernels and cook, stirring occasionally, until charred and golden, about 8–10 minutes, to develop a smoky flavor.
Step 3: Remove skillet from heat. Stir in chili powder and smoked paprika evenly over the corn. Allow to cool slightly before combining with other ingredients.
Step 4: In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, seasoned charred corn, mayonnaise, lime juice, cotija cheese, cilantro, and minced jalapeño if using. Gently toss to mix well. Add more lime juice if desired for extra brightness.
Step 5: Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh corn if available for the best texture and flavor, but frozen works well too—just thaw before cooking.
Add more jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce if you prefer a spicier salad.
Swap cotija cheese with feta if you can’t find it; it offers a similar crumbly, salty profile.
For a lighter version, replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a mix of yogurt and mayo.

Storage

Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir gently before serving. This salad is best enjoyed chilled and may need a splash of lime juice or a light toss to refresh flavors after storage.

How to Serve

A black bowl filled with spiral pasta mixed with yellow corn kernels, small green avocado chunks, and bits of red bacon scattered evenly throughout. The pasta is creamy and slightly shiny, with fresh green cilantro leaves sprinkled on top, and a light dusting of black pepper, all placed on a white marbled textured surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes, this salad can be made a few hours or even a day ahead. Just keep it refrigerated and give it a gentle toss before serving to redistribute the dressing and freshen it up.

What if I don’t have cotija cheese?

If cotija cheese is not available, feta cheese is a great substitute due to its crumbly texture and salty taste. Parmesan can also work in a pinch, although the flavor will be a bit different.