Creamy pasta salad with charred corn, lime, and cotija
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
Prep Time
20 min
Cook Time
15 min
Total Time
35 min
Servings
8
8 servings
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Budget
$
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
Creamy pasta salad with charred corn, lime, and cotija
A pasta salad inspired by elote with charred corn, lime, chili, and cotija for a side dish that works especially well at cookouts and potlucks.
20m
Prep Time
15m
Cook Time
35m
Total Time
8
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Budget $
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
If you want a pasta salad people actually remember, the Mexican street corn direction is a strong choice. Corn, lime, chile, and salty cheese keep the bowl brighter than standard mayo-heavy versions.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta
- 3 cups corn kernels
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 lime
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 cup cotija
- Cilantro for serving
PrepDaily Use
Test Kitchen Pick
Chef Knife
Helpful Tool
Why a sharp knife helps here
When the recipe is mostly prep, the tool that matters most is the one doing the cutting. A sharp chef’s knife makes the whole process faster and cleaner.
This recipe is won or lost in prep speed and cleaner cuts.
- Speeds up chopping and slicing
- Makes prep more consistent and less frustrating
A good chef’s knife is still the single most useful kitchen upgrade for prep-heavy cooking.
Shop chef knife options for this recipeInstructions
- 1
Cook the pasta and cool it slightly.
- 2
Char the corn in a skillet until lightly browned.
- 3
Whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, and chili powder.
- 4
Toss the pasta with the corn and dressing.
- 5
Finish with cotija and cilantro.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve with warm corn tortillas and fresh lime wedges
Top with crumbled queso fresco and sliced avocado
Pair with a side of Mexican rice and refried beans
Serve as a light main course or alongside grilled protein
Substitutions
CotijaFeta
Feta is saltier and softer but gives a similar finish
Sour creamGreek yogurt
Greek yogurt makes the dressing tangier and a little lighter
Tips & Storage
Pro Tips
Do not overdress the salad at first; the pasta will keep absorbing as it chills.
A little jalapeno is good if you want more kick.
Storage
Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Reheating
No reheating needed.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (1 serving) · 8 servings
Calories320
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein8g
Carbohydrates34g
Fat16g
Fiber2g
Sugar4g
Sodium390mg
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make it ahead?
- Yes. It holds well and is often better after chilling.
- Can I use frozen corn?
- Yes. Thaw it first and char it in a hot skillet.
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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