Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe – A Perfect Summer Side Dish

A street-corn pasta dish an exquisite blend of smooth pasta, sweet cooked corn and zingy toppings. This delicious dish blends with the smoky flavours that are characteristic of Mexican street corn (elote) and the robustness of a salad made from pasta. Think of the summer warmth and the smell of grilling corn wafting through the air, and the pleasure of sitting at a table for a meal with families and friends. The street corn pasta salad recipe is not only delicious but is also simple to prepare and perfect to serve at barbecues, picnics or for any other warm weather celebration.

street corn pasta salad recipe
Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe - A Perfect Summer Side Dish 3

The delicious flavors of corn that is grilled and served with a creamy dressing and a hint of lime will make a splash with your guests. It can be served as a side meal or main course the corn-based street pasta salad recipe is sure to be a regular in your menu for summer. Get your apron on to cook!

Table of Contents

Making the street Corn Pasta Salad

Street corn pasta salad recipe with grilled corn, pasta, and lime

Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe – A Perfect Summer Side Dish

Lina Vexley
A smoky, creamy, and tangy street corn pasta salad that’s perfect for summer gatherings. This salad combines grilled corn, pasta, a zesty dressing, and fresh cilantro for a flavorful and satisfying dish.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine American, Mexican
Servings 4 servings
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz elbow macaroni or rotini pasta
  • 1 cup fresh corn kernels grilled or roasted
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 2 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese optional
  • Paprika or chili powder for garnish
  • Extra lime wedges for serving

Instructions
 

  • 1. Grill the corn until slightly charred. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Cut the corn kernels off the cob.
  • 2. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  • 3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta and grilled corn kernels.
  • 4. In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, garlic, cilantro, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  • 5. Pour the dressing over the pasta and corn mixture. Toss to coat evenly.
  • 6. If desired, sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese and garnish with paprika or chili powder.
  • 7. Serve chilled with extra lime wedges on the side.

Notes

Make it vegan by using plant-based mayo and sour cream.
For a heartier version, add grilled chicken or shrimp.
Can be made up to 24 hours in advance for the best flavor.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 6gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 500mgFiber: 4gSugar: 7g
Keyword Pasta Salad, Street Corn, Summer Side Dish
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Once you have the corn and pasta ready, it’s time to mix everything together and begin making the dressing!

Making the Flavorful Dressing to Serve Your Street Corn Pasta Salad

  • Making the creamy dressing
    Dressing is the main ingredient in an amazing street corn pasta salad recipe. It’s smooth, sweet as well as a slightly spicy. Begin with mayonnaise and Sour cream as the base. Add lime juice for a brighter taste as well as chili powder to bring spice. The combination makes a delicious tasty dressing that matches the rich, smoky corn as well as the hearty pasta. If you prefer a little additional spice, don’t hesitate to include cayenne pepper or your preferred hot sauce.
  • Balancing Flavors using Garlic And Cilantro
    For a flavorful way to make the dressing more flavorful, you can add fresh minced garlic as well as chopped cilantro. Garlic adds depth and the cilantro adds a refreshing, herbaceous contrast with the rich base. Mix all ingredients in a bowl, and before tasting and adjusting the spice. The lime will give it a refreshing kick, and garlic and chili powder provide warmness. When the dressing is blended, you can pour it over the corn and pasta mixture. Ensure that it is thoroughly covered.

Putting together the street Corn Pasta Salad

  • Mixing Pasta, Corn and dressing
    After you have the pasta, corn and a delicious dressing on hand and ready to be poured into the street corn salad. The first step is to place the pasta that has been cooked in the bowl of a mixing container. Then, add the corn that has been grilled and mix them. After that, drizzle the dressing over the mix then toss so that everything is evenly coated. The sweet corn, the smoky lime, and the smooth dressing combine to make a fresh salad.
  • garnishing your salad for extra flavor
    The time has come time to sprinkle your salad with an extra taste and flavor. Sprinkle feta cheese crumbles over the salad for a tart and salty taste that contrasts perfectly with the creamy dressing. The addition of some paprika or chili powder can provide color and additional spice. If you want to add more freshness it is possible to add some chopped cilantro or green onions. Also, squeeze extra lime juice onto the dish prior to serving, which will enhance the flavor.

Tips as well as Variations on Your Street Corn Pasta Salad

  • making It Vegetarian or Vegan
    If you’re interested in an alternative that is vegetarian to this pasta salad made with street corn recipe, simply eliminate the feta cheese and substitute it with dairy that is a plant. To make it vegan you can substitute the sour-cream and mayonnaise for vegan versions. There are plant-based options which will offer the smooth consistency needed to make the dressing, but without losing taste.
  • Incorporating Proteins for an energizing meal
    Although the pasta salad made with street corn can be enjoyed by itself for a snack, it can be transformed into an entire meal by including proteins. Chicken or shrimp cooked in grill go perfectly with the spicy corn as well as the delicious dressing. If you’re searching for more protein that is plant-based then you could add chickpeas or black beans in the salad to make more protein. It is also possible to add roasting vegetables, or even a handful of tortilla chips that are crunchy for extra flavor.

Conclusion

This street corn pasta salad recipe offers a delicious blend of rich, spicy and tart flavors that are sure to brighten every summer dinner. If you’re making the dish for a family barbecue or potluck, it’s certain to become a huge hit. The corn that is grilled and the spicy dressing help the salad stand out with the addition of cilantro and lime brings it all together. The dish is easy to make, but is full of flavors, making it a perfect salad for summer, or even a main dish with protein added. Make this dish and you’ll soon find it the go-to recipe for all the summer parties!

FAQ about Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe

How can I prepare this pasta dish with street corn before serving it?

Yes the pasta salad could be prepared up to 24 hours prior to serving. You can keep it in an airtight container inside the fridge, and all the flavors will come perfectly.

Do I have to use frozen corn in place or fresh?

While fresh corn is the most delicious in terms of taste and texture, you may use frozen corn as required. It is important to boil it until cooked thoroughly, removing any moisture that is not needed prior to serving it with salad.

Which other herbs could be used in this salad?

If you aren’t a fan of cilantro, substitute basil, parsley, or the dill. The various herbs can make the pasta salad refreshing, lively taste.

What can improve the flavor of this dish?

For added heat, you can add cayenne or chili powder to the salad dressing. Also, you can include diced jalapenos, or sprinkle some hot spicy sauce over your salad prior to serving.