Name: Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 pound pasta; 2 cups cooked corn kernels; 1 red bell pepper, diced; ½ red onion, finely chopped; 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced; ½ cup mayonnaise; ¼ cup sour cream; ¼ cup freshly chopped cilantro; Juice of 1 lime; 1 teaspoon chili powder; Salt and pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 16 reviews

If you’re looking for a dish that delivers bold flavors, bright colors, and crowd-pleasing appeal, look no further than Street Corn Pasta Salad. Inspired by the irresistible magic of Mexican street corn, this salad blends perfectly cooked pasta with charred corn, creamy dressing, and a medley of vibrant veggies, all tossed in a tangy, zesty sauce. With every bite, you get the sweetness of corn, the crunch of fresh pepper, and just the right hint of spice—perfect for backyard barbecues, weeknight dinners, or anytime you crave something a little different and totally delicious!

Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of straightforward but carefully chosen ingredients, the heart and soul of Street Corn Pasta Salad really shines. Each component brings something special to the table—whether it’s a delicate crunch, tangy pop, or cozy creaminess—to create a dish that tastes like summer in a bowl.

Pasta: Go for a short shape like rotini or penne for maximum sauce-clinging goodness and a satisfyingly hearty base.
Corn kernels: Fresh or frozen both work, but giving them a quick char in a skillet brings out smoky, sweet flavor akin to authentic street corn.
Red bell pepper: Adds a burst of color, crisp texture, and mild sweetness that balances the richer notes.
Red onion: For a subtle bite and sharpness that brightens the whole salad.
Jalapeno pepper: Offers a gentle kick—seed for less heat or leave some seeds for more spice.
Mayonnaise: Supplies the dreamy, rich base for your creamy dressing.
Sour cream: Adds tang and a slight coolness that complements the chili heat.
Freshly chopped cilantro: Herbaceous and fresh, cilantro lifts all the flavors with its unmistakable green aroma.
Lime juice: Brings brightness and acidity that ties everything together—don’t skip the freshly squeezed!
Chili powder: Infuses a gentle smokiness and rounds out the Mexican street food vibe.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and making every ingredient taste its absolute best.

How to Make Street Corn Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your chosen pasta shape and cook according to the package directions until just al dente—this keeps your salad from getting mushy as it marinates later. Once ready, drain well and rinse under cold water to cool the noodles and halt further cooking. Set aside while you prep the other ingredients.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, freshly squeezed lime juice, chili powder, salt, and pepper. You want the result to be creamy, tangy, and just a little bit spicy—the perfect partner for all those sweet, crunchy veggies you’ll add next. Taste and adjust the seasoning here; it’s your moment to make the flavors sing.

Step 3: Combine Pasta, Veggies, and Dressing

Grab your largest salad bowl and combine the cooked pasta with the corn kernels, diced red bell pepper, chopped red onion, and minced jalapeno. Pour the creamy dressing over the top and gently toss everything together until every noodle and veggie is luxuriously coated. Each ingredient should sparkle with flavor and color!

Step 4: Add Cilantro and Chill

Finish things off by scattering freshly chopped cilantro all over the salad, then give it one final toss. Taste one last time; add another pinch of salt or a squeeze of lime if needed. Refrigerate the Street Corn Pasta Salad for at least 30 minutes before serving—this gives the flavors exactly the time they need to meld and develop into something truly unforgettable.

How to Serve Street Corn Pasta Salad

Garnishes

This salad absolutely loves a finishing flourish! Try sprinkling extra chopped cilantro, a dusting of cotija or feta cheese, a few extra chili flakes, or crunchy bits of fried tortilla strips right before serving. These simple toppers dramatically boost both flavor and presentation, making your Street Corn Pasta Salad the talk of the table.

Side Dishes

Street Corn Pasta Salad is a superstar on its own, but it also sits perfectly alongside grilled meats, barbecued chicken, burgers, fish tacos, or even as a punchy side at your next potluck. Its bold flavors cut through richer mains and complement more simply seasoned proteins—think of it as the ultimate wingman for any summer spread.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeling playful, try serving this salad stuffed into avocado halves for a showstopper presentation, or packed into little mason jars or cups for picnic-ready individual servings. You can even spoon Street Corn Pasta Salad onto a bed of crunchy romaine lettuce or in small taco shells as the world’s most irresistible party bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors actually intensify as the salad sits, making day-two Street Corn Pasta Salad especially satisfying for lunch or a quick dinner.

Freezing

While you technically can freeze this salad, the creamy dressing and veggies might not hold up as well once thawed. For the freshest texture and flavor, stick to refrigerating any extras and enjoying within a few days.

Reheating

This salad is at its best served chilled or at cool room temperature. If you’ve just pulled it from the fridge, let it sit out for about 20 minutes before serving. There’s no need to reheat—Street Corn Pasta Salad is meant to be refreshingly cool!

FAQs

Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen corn works great in Street Corn Pasta Salad. For best results, let it thaw and then give it a quick toss in a hot skillet to bring out that roasted corn flavor before adding to the salad.

Is there a good substitute for mayonnaise?

Yes, you can use Greek yogurt or a mixture of Greek yogurt and a touch of olive oil for a lighter, tangier dressing that still offers creaminess.

How spicy is this salad?

The spiciness is pretty mild as written, since the jalapeno is seeded. If you love heat, leave some seeds in or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to your dressing for an extra kick.

Can I make Street Corn Pasta Salad vegan?

Certainly! Swap out the mayonnaise and sour cream for vegan alternatives and make sure your pasta is egg-free. You’ll still get loads of flavor and creaminess.

What pasta shapes work best?

Stick to short, sturdy shapes like rotini, penne, shells, or farfalle. These options hold the dressing well and make the salad easy to toss and serve.

Final Thoughts

There’s something undeniably special about Street Corn Pasta Salad—it’s the kind of dish you crave again and again. So grab those fresh flavors, toss it all together, and don’t be surprised if this colorful salad disappears in record time. Give it a try and let it become your new summertime favorite!