Creamy & Dreamy Street Corn Pasta Salad: Your New BBQ Go-To Recipe

One of the most sought-after recipes gracing the pages of streetsounds.net is finally here: Street Corn Pasta Salad! Imagine perfectly cooked bowtie pasta mingling with the sweet burst of corn, a medley of fresh herbs, hearty black beans, all embraced by a simple yet irresistible creamy chili-lime dressing. This isn’t just a side dish; it’s a flavor fiesta in every bite.

Inspired by the iconic flavors of Elote (Mexican Street Corn), this street corn pasta salad recipe takes the essence of your favorite street food and transforms it into a crowd-pleasing pasta salad. If you’re a fan of innovative corn recipes, you’ll also adore our Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos, the comforting Mexican Street Corn and Chicken Chowder, or Loaded Sweet Potatoes crowned with a Mexican street corn-inspired topping. Get ready to explore a world of flavor beyond the cob!

Overhead shot of Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad in a white bowl, garnished with cilantro and cotija cheese.

Unveiling the Magic of Street Corn Pasta Salad

Sometimes, a recipe is just too good to wait. While we usually plan our content calendar weeks in advance, this Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad recipe was simply too exciting to keep under wraps. It’s quickly become a personal favorite, and for good reason. If you adore pasta salad as much as we do, and if you, like us, consider corn the king of vegetables, then this recipe is your culinary destiny. Taking the vibrant flavors of Mexican Street Corn and combining them with pasta? Pure genius! And let’s not forget the supporting cast: creamy avocados, zesty lime, fresh cilantro, a hint of jalapeño spice, salty cheese, crisp green onions, and the undeniable crunch of bacon. This street corn pasta salad is a symphony of textures and tastes.

The Secret is in the Street Corn Pasta Salad Dressing

But wait, there’s more! We haven’t even delved into the dressing for this street corn pasta salad. And trust us, it’s a game-changer. The beauty of this dressing lies in its simplicity. Just a handful of ingredients, whisked together to creamy perfection – no blender required! Here are a few insider tips to ensure your dressing is spot-on:

Mayonnaise Matters: For the richest flavor, we wholeheartedly recommend Hellman’s/Best Foods® mayonnaise. Its robust taste provides the perfect base without being overly sweet, creating the best creamy street corn pasta salad dressing.
Spice Level Control: On a spice scale, we’d categorize this dressing as subtly spicy. If you prefer a milder street corn pasta salad, simply reduce or omit the Sriracha or hot sauce and opt for McCormick® seasonings, known for their gentler heat. However, remember that toning down the spice might slightly lessen the overall flavor depth.
- Heat it Up: Craving more fire? Ignite the flavors by adding a pinch (1/8 teaspoon) of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
Citrus Power Duo: Fresh lime juice and zest are non-negotiable for authentic Mexican street corn pasta salad. If you’re a citrus enthusiast, investing in a quality citrus juicer and microplane will revolutionize your cooking and baking endeavors!
Make-Ahead Marvel: Good news for busy bees! This street corn pasta salad dressing is an excellent make-ahead component. In fact, the flavors intensify and harmonize as they meld together in the refrigerator. Simply whisk it up, store it in an airtight container, and it’s ready whenever you are.
- Dressing Longevity: Properly stored in an airtight container (or mason jar) in the fridge, this dressing will stay fresh and flavorful for 5-7 days.

Step-by-step process of preparing the creamy chili-lime dressing, cooking bowtie pasta, and grilling corn for the Mexican street corn pasta salad.

Building the Perfect Street Corn Pasta Salad: Ingredient Breakdown

Beyond the stellar dressing, the salad ingredients themselves are what bring this Mexican street corn pasta salad to life. Let’s break down each component and offer some helpful notes:

Pasta Perfection: We’re partial to regular-sized farfalle pasta, also known as bowtie pasta, for this salad. Its unique shape and ridges are ideal for capturing and holding onto that luscious dressing. While farfalle is our top pick, feel free to experiment with other pasta shapes, prioritizing those with texture to maximize dressing cling.
Corn, the Star: Fresh, frozen, or canned – the choice is yours! Dive deeper into corn preparation in the “Let’s Talk Corn” section below for all the juicy details.
Avocado Creaminess: A perfectly ripe avocado is non-negotiable. It lends a melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich, buttery flavor that elevates this street corn pasta salad. To check for ripeness, gently press the avocado; it should yield slightly to pressure, similar to the tip of your nose.
Herbaceous Freshness: Cilantro and green onions are the dynamic duo of fresh herbs in this recipe. They contribute contrasting yet complementary flavors and a subtle citrusy note that brightens the entire salad. If cilantro isn’t your cup of tea, simply use extra green onions instead!
Jalapeño Zing: For a touch of controlled heat, jalapeño is the answer. Remember to remove the ribs and seeds before finely dicing to manage the spiciness.
Bacon Bliss: For lightning-fast prep, pre-cooked bacon is your secret weapon. Just crisp it up in the microwave for ultimate convenience and smoky flavor.
Cheese Choices: For an authentic Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad experience, Cotija cheese is the gold standard. Find it in the specialty cheese section of your grocery store. Queso Fresco is a readily available and delicious alternative, typically located near mozzarella and refrigerated tortillas. In a pinch, feta cheese surprisingly works well! Keep in mind that cheese saltiness varies; Cotija is saltier than Queso Fresco, so adjust the quantity accordingly.
Black Beans (Optional Boost): We love the vibrant color and protein punch that black beans add. Whether you include them is entirely a matter of personal preference – customize your street corn pasta salad to your heart’s content!

Quick Spice Tip

If you’re spice-averse, simply omit the jalapeños entirely. Conversely, if you crave more heat, feel free to add extra jalapeño or a pinch of your favorite chili flakes!

Let’s Talk Corn: Grilling, Roasting, and Beyond

When it comes to preparing the corn for your Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad, you have several fantastic options:

Authentic Grilled Corn: For the most authentic and deeply flavorful result, grilling the corn until beautifully charred is unbeatable. If you have a grill and a bit of extra time, this method is highly recommended – the smoky char takes this salad to another dimension! Check out the “quick tip” box below for grilling guidance.
Pre-Roasted Canned Corn Convenience: Seek out pre-roasted canned corn in the canned vegetable aisle. Two drained cans offer a shortcut to smoky corn flavor.
Stovetop Roasted Canned Corn: Transform regular canned corn with a quick stovetop roast. Find detailed instructions here for achieving perfect browning.
Frozen Corn Hack: Frozen corn is a super convenient option. Simply toss it into the boiling pasta water during the last minute of cooking to thaw and slightly cook it.

Quick Grilling Tip

Mastering Grilled Corn: Peel back the corn husks, remove the silk, and brush the corn with vegetable or olive oil. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Place on a preheated grill (400-450 degrees F) and rotate every 3-4 minutes until charred on all sides, approximately 12 minutes total. (This works equally well on a grill pan!).

Close-up shot of vibrant Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad, showcasing the charred corn, colorful vegetables, and creamy dressing.

Essential Pasta Tip

Salt Your Pasta Water: This is a non-negotiable step for flavorful pasta! Ensure your pasta is well-seasoned as it cooks – it’s your only chance to directly flavor the pasta itself. Under-seasoned pasta will result in a bland salad. A general rule of thumb is 1 teaspoon of salt per 4 cups of boiling water.

Craving More Corn? Explore These Recipes

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5 from 92 votes

Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe

By Chelsea Lords

Experience the flavors of Mexico in a bowl with this vibrant Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad! Bowtie pasta, sweet corn, fresh herbs, black beans, and a creamy chili-lime dressing create an unforgettable side dish or light meal.

Prep Time: 25 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 9 minutes minutes

Total Time: 34 minutes minutes

Servings: 6 as a side

Ingredients

Salad

2 cups farfalle/bowtie pasta, uncooked
3 cups frozen corn or 2 (15-ounce) cans, or 3 to 4 fresh corns on the cob, see note 1
3 green onions, thinly sliced (1/3 cup)
1/2 bunch cilantro, chopped (1/2 cup)
1 tablespoon finely chopped jalapeño peppers (ribs and seeds removed for milder spice)
6 to 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1/2 cup Queso Fresco cheese, crumbled, see note 2
1 large avocado, diced
1/2 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed, optional

Dressing

1/2 cup full-fat mayonnaise, such as Hellman’s/Best Foods
1/8 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon sriracha sauce or hot sauce, adjust to taste
2 limes, zest and juice
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Pasta Perfection: Cook pasta according to package directions in generously salted water (approximately 1 tbsp salt per 12 cups water). If using frozen corn, add it to the boiling pasta water for the last minute of cooking. Drain pasta and corn (if using frozen), rinse under cold water to stop cooking, and allow to cool and dry completely.
Corn Prep: Refer to note 1 for various corn preparation methods (grilling, roasting, etc.). Allow corn to cool.
Veggies & Bacon: Dice green onions, chop cilantro, finely dice jalapeño (removing seeds and ribs for less heat). Cook bacon until crisp and crumble. Crumble Queso Fresco cheese. If using black beans, drain and rinse them. Dice avocado just before assembling the salad to prevent browning.
Dressing Magic: In a small bowl, whisk together all dressing ingredients. Zest 1/4 teaspoon lime zest and juice approximately 3 tablespoons lime juice (from the 2 limes). Season to taste with salt and pepper (start with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp pepper). Whisk until smooth and refrigerate until ready to use.
Salad Assembly: In a large bowl, combine the completely cooled and dried pasta, cooled corn, avocado, green onions, cilantro, jalapeños, bacon, and cheese (see note 2). If not serving immediately, hold off on adding bacon, cheese, and avocado until just before serving to maintain their texture and prevent sogginess. Drizzle dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat all ingredients. Serve immediately for the best texture. Leftovers are best enjoyed shortly after dressing, as the pasta will absorb the dressing over time.

Video

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Recipe Notes

Note 1: Corn Preparation Options:

Grilled Corn: Grill corn until lightly charred. Peel back husks, remove silk, brush with oil, season with salt and pepper. Grill on medium-high heat (400–450°F), rotating every 3-4 minutes for about 12 minutes total, until charred and kernels are tender. Grill pan works too!
Pre-Roasted Canned Corn: Use 2 cans (15-ounce each) of pre-roasted canned corn, thoroughly drained.
Stovetop Roasted Canned Corn: Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Drain canned corn and cook in a single layer for about 5 minutes, stirring once, until browned. Avoid over-stirring for best roasting.
Frozen Roasted Corn: Use frozen roasted corn. Add to boiling pasta water in the last minute of cooking or sauté on the stovetop.

Note 2: Cheese Choices: For authentic Mexican Street Corn flavor, use Cotija cheese (specialty cheese section). Queso Fresco is a good alternative (near mozzarella). Feta can also be used. Cotija is saltier, so use less (start with 3-4 tablespoons and add to taste). Add cheese gradually to desired preference.

Nutrition Note: Nutrition information includes optional black beans.

Storage: Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep dressing separate and add avocado only to the portion being served to prevent soggy pasta and browning avocado.

Nutrition

Nutritional information is an approximation and automatically calculated.

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