Hi, I’m Lina Vexley! If there’s one thing I’ve always loved, it’s gathering around the table with my family and sharing food. Whether I’m cooking up a quick meal or experimenting with flavors, the kitchen is where I find joy and connection. Today, I’m excited to share my creamy Mexican street corn pasta salad, which brings together two of my favorite things: the vibrant flavors of Mexican street corn and the comforting heartiness of pasta salad. It’s a dish that’s perfect for any occasion, from summer cookouts to cozy dinners with the ones you love.
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The Origins and Inspiration of Creamy Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
One of the most memorable culinary experiences came from a trip to Mexico, where the smoky, creamy flavors of Mexican street corn—or elote—captured my heart. The combination of grilled corn, rich mayo, tangy lime, and salty cotija cheese instantly became a flavor I couldn’t forget. Inspired by this, I wanted to create a dish that would capture the same vibrant flavors but with a fun twist: a creamy Mexican street corn pasta salad.
This dish blends the sweet, smoky corn with a creamy dressing and just the right amount of spice from Sriracha, making it a perfect addition to any gathering. The pasta makes the salad hearty and satisfying, while the Mexican street corn elements bring it to life with bold, comforting flavors.
The creamy Mexican street corn pasta salad is not just about food; it’s about bringing people together and sharing a dish that celebrates freshness, warmth, and the joy of cooking.
Ingredients and Preparation for the Perfect Creamy Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
Making this creamy Mexican street corn pasta salad is simple and straightforward, and you can even prep the ingredients ahead of time if you want to make it easier for a party or a family gathering. Here’s what you’ll need:
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The Origins and Inspiration of Creamy Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
- Total Time: 34 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This creamy Mexican street corn pasta salad combines the smoky, sweet flavors of grilled corn with a creamy dressing, lime, and cotija cheese, making it the perfect side dish for summer barbecues and family gatherings.
Ingredients
2 cups mini bowtie pasta measured uncooked
3 cups frozen corn (see note 1)
3 green onions, finely diced (1/3 cup)
1/2 bunch cilantro, finely diced (1/2 cup)
1 tablespoon finely diced jalapeño
8 slices cooked beef, finely diced
1/3 cup cotija cheese
1 large avocado, diced
1/2 cup black beans, canned, drained and rinsed
Instructions
1. Bring 12 cups of water to a boil in a large pot. Add 1 tbsp salt. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain, rinse under cold water for 15 seconds, shake off excess water, and let dry completely.
2. Prepare the corn: Grill, char, or cook according to preference (see note 1). Let cool.
3. Dice green onions, cilantro, and jalapeño. Cook and dice beef. Drain and rinse black beans. Dice avocado last to keep it fresh.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together mayo, chili powder, paprika, cumin, sriracha, lime zest, and lime juice. Add salt and pepper, adjusting to taste. Chill until ready to use.
5. In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, corn, avocado, onions, cilantro, jalapeños, beef, and cotija cheese. If not serving immediately, add cheese, beef, and avocado just before serving. Drizzle with dressing and gently toss. Serve immediately!
Notes
For corn options, you can use frozen corn, canned corn (drained), or fresh corn grilled or charred for extra flavor.
Storage: Best served fresh, but if making ahead, store salad and dressing separately. Add beef, cheese, and avocado just before serving.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossing and Mixing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 692 kcal
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 305mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 93g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 23mg
The Ingredients:
- Mini Bowtie Pasta: A fun pasta shape that complements the corn perfectly.
- Frozen Corn (or fresh if you prefer): For that sweetness and charred flavor.
- Green Onions, Cilantro, and Jalapeño: These fresh ingredients provide a burst of freshness and a slight heat.
- Beef, Cotija Cheese, Avocado, and Black Beans: These ingredients add richness and texture, making this a complete dish.
Preparing the Ingredients:
- Cook the Pasta: Bring water to a boil, add salt, and cook your mini bowtie pasta until al dente. Rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and drain thoroughly.
- Prepare the Corn: You can grill, char, or use frozen corn as suggested. Grill your corn on medium heat, turning every few minutes until nicely browned. Alternatively, cook it on a stovetop for a more charred flavor.
- Prep the Veggies: Dice the green onions, cilantro, and jalapeño. If you’re adding beef, cook it and finely dice it.
- Make the Dressing: Combine the mayo, chili powder, Sriracha, lime zest, and lime juice in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper, then chill until you’re ready to serve.
Assembling and Serving the Creamy Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
Assembling this creamy Mexican street corn pasta salad is a breeze! The best part is mixing everything together to create a dish that’s fresh, vibrant, and incredibly tasty.
Salad Assembly:
In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, grilled corn, diced vegetables, cotija cheese, beef, avocado, and black beans. If you’re preparing this salad ahead of time, wait to add the avocado and cheese until just before serving to keep everything fresh.
Adding the Dressing:
Drizzle the prepared creamy dressing over the creamy Mexican street corn pasta salad and toss gently to combine. If you love a little more spice, feel free to adjust the Sriracha or chili powder. This salad is meant to be as flexible as you need it to be, so don’t be afraid to make it your own!
Tips, Tricks, and Storage for Your Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
This creamy Mexican street corn pasta salad is such a crowd-pleaser, and with just a few simple tips, you can make it even better. Whether you’re preparing it fresh for a family dinner or making it ahead for a gathering, these tricks will help you get it just right.
Tips for a Perfect Salad:
- Cook Pasta Just Right: Be sure to cook your pasta al dente—that means it should have a little bite to it. This way, when you toss it with the dressing, it won’t get mushy.
- Fresh Corn and Avocados Make a Difference: The sweetness of fresh corn and the creaminess of ripe avocados really take the flavor of this salad to the next level. Freshness is key!
- Adjust the Spice to Your Liking: If you prefer a milder salad, feel free to use less jalapeño and Sriracha. But if you’re a fan of heat, add a little more of either one for that perfect spicy kick.
- Grill or Char the Corn: The smoky, charred flavor of the corn makes all the difference. If you can, grill it! But if not, a hot skillet will work just as well—just give it a little time to get that perfect char.
- Add Protein for a Hearty Meal: Want to make it a more filling dish? Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even tofu. It adds that extra heartiness without taking away from the other flavors.
- Lime Makes Everything Bright: A little extra lime juice can really brighten things up. Don’t be afraid to add more if you want that tangy punch to balance out the creaminess.
Storing Your Salad:
- Keep the Dressing Separate: If you are preparing the salad in advance, place the dressing in a different container. You want the pasta to stay fresh and not soak up too much dressing before it’s time to eat.
- Store in an Airtight Container: When you’re ready to store leftovers, keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for 2-3 days. Just remember to add avocado and cheese just before serving to keep everything looking and tasting its best.
- Frozen Corn for the Win: If you’re in a rush, frozen corn is a quick and easy option. Just toss it into the pasta during the last minute of cooking. It’ll save you time and still taste great!
Leftovers:
If you’ve got leftovers, store them in the fridge. It’ll last for up to 2 days, but keep in mind that the avocado might get a little soft. Still, it’s perfectly delicious even after a couple of days—just maybe not quite as fresh as when it’s first made.
Conclusion
A creamy Mexican street corn pasta salad is the perfect fusion of two classic dishes—Mexican street corn and pasta salad. The flavors are fresh, bold, and utterly satisfying. Whether you’re preparing it for a family gathering or a summer cookout, this dish is sure to become a favorite. With its rich dressing, smoky corn, and fresh veggies, every bite is packed with flavor and love.
FAQs – Creamy Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
What are the five mistakes to avoid in pasta salad?
Overcooking the pasta, not rinsing the pasta, using too much dressing, adding too many heavy ingredients, and making it too spicy without balance.
What is in a Mexican pasta salad?
It typically includes pasta, vegetables, beans, cheese, and a creamy dressing with flavors from Mexican cuisine like lime, chili powder, and cumin.
What’s in Mexican street corn salad?
It features grilled corn, mayonnaise, chili powder, lime, cotija cheese, cilantro, and often jalapeño for some heat.
Why is Mexican street corn so good?
The combination of creamy mayonnaise, tangy lime, savory cheese, and spicy chili powder creates a flavor explosion that’s simply irresistible.