why make this recipe
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a fun and tasty dish that brings the flavors of traditional Mexican street corn into a creamy pasta salad. It’s perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or even a simple family meal. This recipe is easy to prepare, and it can be enjoyed cold, making it a refreshing choice on hot days. Plus, it combines the goodness of pasta and corn, offering a delightful mix of textures and flavors.
how to make Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
Ingredients:
- 12 oz macaroni pasta
- 1 cup corn (grilled or canned)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese
- 1/4 tsp chili powder
Directions:
- Cook macaroni according to package instructions.
- Drain the pasta and let it cool.
- In a large bowl, toss the cooled pasta with corn, mayonnaise, lime juice, cotija cheese, and chili powder.
- Mix everything until well combined.
- Serve chilled.
how to serve Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
Serve this pasta salad in a large bowl and garnish it with extra crumbled cotija cheese or a sprinkle of chili powder for a pop of color. It works great as a side dish to grilled meats, tacos, or sandwiches. You can also enjoy it as a light main dish on its own.
how to store Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 5 days. When ready to eat, you may want to stir in a little more mayonnaise or lime juice to refresh the flavors.
tips to make Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
- Make sure the pasta is completely cool before mixing to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
- For added crunch, consider tossing in diced red onion or bell peppers.
- Use fresh grilled corn for a better flavor, but canned corn works well too.
variation
You can add chopped cilantro for an extra burst of flavor. If you enjoy spice, feel free to add diced jalapeños for a kick. You can also replace the cotija cheese with feta if you can’t find it.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any short pasta shape, such as shells or penne.Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the ingredients are all vegetarian-friendly.Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! This salad can be made a day in advance. Just keep it chilled until ready to serve.

Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fun and tasty pasta salad that brings the flavors of traditional Mexican street corn into a creamy dish, perfect for summer gatherings.
Ingredients
- 12 oz macaroni pasta
- 1 cup corn (grilled or canned)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese
- 1/4 tsp chili powder
Instructions
- Cook macaroni according to package instructions.
- Drain the pasta and let it cool.
- In a large bowl, toss the cooled pasta with corn, mayonnaise, lime juice, cotija cheese, and chili powder.
- Mix everything until well combined.
- Serve chilled.
Notes
For added crunch, consider tossing in diced red onion or bell peppers. You can also add chopped cilantro or diced jalapeños for some spice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: pasta salad, Mexican street corn, summer recipes, vegetarian salad