Description
This Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad is a vibrant, refreshing Mexican-inspired side dish combining al dente pasta with smoky charred corn, tangy lime, creamy mayo and sour cream dressing, and a hint of spice from chili powder and jalapeño. Perfect for summer gatherings or as a make-ahead salad with bold, fresh flavors and a satisfying texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Corn
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni or rotini
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen and thawed)
Dressing
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Add-ins and Garnish
- 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Cook the elbow macaroni or rotini according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta. Set aside.
- Char the corn: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the corn kernels and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the corn is slightly charred and golden brown. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
- Prepare the dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Combine salad ingredients: Add the cooled pasta and charred corn to the bowl with the dressing. Add crumbled cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, chopped red onion, and jalapeño if using. Toss gently but thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Before serving, optionally garnish with additional cotija cheese and cilantro. Serve chilled for best results.
Notes
- This salad is excellent when made a day ahead — the flavors deepen with time.
- For an even smokier flavor, use grilled corn on the cob instead of kernels.
- Add diced avocado or black beans for a heartier, more filling version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
