Name: Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 pound pasta (any shape); 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

If you’re a fan of bold flavors, easy assembly, and the kind of dish that disappears first at gatherings, this Street Corn Pasta Salad is about to become your new go-to recipe. Imagine all the goodness of Mexican street corn — sweet corn, creamy tang, a touch of spice, and vibrant freshness — spun together with tender pasta and bright veggies. It’s perfect for picnics, barbecues, or whenever you crave something sunny and satisfying. Let’s bring this fiesta to your table!

Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This list is wonderfully straightforward, yet each ingredient truly shines in the final dish. Every element has its own job to do, from adding crunch and creaminess to lending color and that signature zip. Here’s what you’ll need for the magic of Street Corn Pasta Salad:

Pasta: Choose any shape you love (rotini, penne, or shells), as the noodles happily soak up dressing and flavors.
Corn kernels: Sweet, juicy corn brings the “street” vibe; fresh, frozen, or even fire-roasted canned corn all work beautifully.
Red bell pepper: Adds a sweet crunch and a burst of color that makes every bite vibrant.
Red onion: Gives a gentle punch of flavor and lovely purple hues; chopping it fine helps it blend seamlessly.
Jalapeno pepper: Just a touch of heat here — seed and mince for the boldest, yet balanced, spike of spice.
Mayonnaise: The creamy base ties everything together, making the salad lush and irresistible.
Sour cream: This cool tang tempers the richness and gives the dressing its classic street corn flair.
Fresh cilantro: Brings fresh, herbal notes that make the salad taste extra bright and fresh.
Lime juice: Squeezed right in for the best zesty lift; this citrus balances the creaminess and highlights each ingredient.
Chili powder: A scattering of spice delivers the iconic warmth found in classic street corn recipes.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning; they make every flavor in the salad truly pop.

How to Make Street Corn Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your chosen pasta according to the package instructions. Al dente is the goal — you want noodles that hold up to the creamy dressing and crunchy add-ins. Once cooked, drain the pasta and let it cool to room temperature. If you’re short on time, a rinse under cold water will do the trick, stopping the cooking and cooling things down quickly.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Dressing

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, fresh lime juice, chili powder, salt, and pepper. You’re looking for a silky, tangy dressing with a gentle kick. Taste and adjust the seasonings as you go — there’s no harm in a little extra lime or a dash more chili powder for that perfect zing!

Step 3: Prep and Combine the Veggies

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, corn (feel free to char it on the stove for an extra smoky flavor), red bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, and minced jalapeno. Toss everything together so the sweet, crisp, and spicy components get evenly distributed throughout.

Step 4: Add the Dressing and Cilantro

Pour the creamy dressing over your pasta and veggie mixture, then toss gently to coat every nook and cranny without mashing the pasta. Once that’s done, add in the freshly chopped cilantro and toss one more time. Now’s the moment to taste and tweak the salt and pepper if needed.

Step 5: Let It Chill

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This short rest is key, allowing the flavors of your Street Corn Pasta Salad to meld and deepen. Trust me, it’ll be even more delicious if you give it a little time to chill before serving.

How to Serve Street Corn Pasta Salad

Garnishes

Amp up the wow-factor by showering your salad with a little extra cilantro, a sprinkle of cotija or feta cheese, or even a dusting of chili powder right before serving. For color and crunch, a handful of crushed tortilla chips or a few lime wedges on the side are also fun finishing touches.

Side Dishes

Street Corn Pasta Salad is a rockstar at potlucks and barbecues, fitting in alongside grilled meats, burgers, hot dogs, or veggie skewers. It also pairs well with pulled pork, tacos, or even roasted chicken as a cool, creamy counterpoint. Try serving it with spicy black bean salad or crisp garden greens for extra freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn the everyday into a celebration by serving the salad in individual mason jars for picnics, scooping it into lettuce cups for a refreshing bite, or piling it high in a giant bowl with a border of colorful veggies. It even makes a knockout filling for wraps or pita pockets — perfect for lunchboxes or summer road trips.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Street Corn Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. It actually gets tastier after a night in the fridge, as the flavors settle in. If the salad looks a bit dry straight from the fridge, stir in a touch more mayo or a splash of lime juice to perk it right up.

Freezing

Unfortunately, creamy pasta salads like this one don’t freeze well — the texture of the mayo and sour cream can turn grainy when thawed. It’s best to enjoy your Street Corn Pasta Salad fresh, or save those leftovers for a few days in the refrigerator.

Reheating

Pasta salads are meant to be served cold or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat this dish. Simply remove it from the fridge 15 to 20 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture.

FAQs

Can I make Street Corn Pasta Salad without mayonnaise?

Absolutely! You can swap the mayo for Greek yogurt or mashed avocado for a lighter (yet still creamy) alternative. The flavor will change slightly, but you’ll still get that delicious, tangy finish.

How spicy is this Street Corn Pasta Salad?

The jalapeno adds a gentle heat, but you’re in charge. For a milder salad, simply skip the jalapeno or use less. If you like your spice level higher, feel free to keep the seeds or add a pinch of cayenne to the dressing.

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Definitely! Any short pasta works well, from rotini to penne or even bow-tie pasta. Just choose one with ridges or nooks to help the creamy dressing and tasty veggies cling.

Is Street Corn Pasta Salad gluten-free?

You can make it gluten-free by swapping in your favorite gluten-free pasta. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free, so it’s a snap to adjust for dietary needs.

What protein can I add to make this a main dish?

Grilled chicken, shrimp, or black beans are all fantastic protein boosters for Street Corn Pasta Salad, instantly transforming it into a hearty, satisfying meal.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about a bowl of Street Corn Pasta Salad — it brings people together and brightens up any table. Whether you’re making it for a crowd or meal prepping for the week, I hope this recipe earns a spot in your rotation. Grab your ingredients, toss them together with love, and enjoy every bold, creamy bite!

Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 11 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Street Corn Pasta Salad is a delightful twist on classic corn salad, with the addition of pasta for a satisfying and flavorful dish that’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a simple weeknight meal.

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
Prepare the Dressing: Whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine pasta, corn, red bell pepper, red onion, and jalapeno. Pour the dressing over the ingredients and toss gently.
Add Cilantro: Add chopped cilantro to the salad, toss again, and adjust salt and pepper seasoning as needed.
Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Notes

This salad can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
For added heat, leave the seeds in the jalapeno or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Mixing, Chilling
Cuisine: Mexican