Description
Mexican Street Corn Pasta is a creamy, flavor-packed dish that fuses the bold taste of Mexican elote with the comfort of pasta. Each bite bursts with charred corn, chili-lime dressing, zesty lime, cotija cheese, and fresh herbs. Whether you serve it warm or cold, this pasta is perfect as a side or a standalone meal that never fails to impress.
Ingredients
12 oz pasta (cavatappi, rotini, or penne)
2 cups corn kernels (grilled, frozen, or canned)
0.5 cup mayonnaise
0.25 cup sour cream
0.25 cup lime juice
1 tsp lime zest
0.5 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp chili powder
0.5 tsp cumin
0.5 tsp garlic powder
0.25 tsp salt
0.25 tsp black pepper
0.5 cup cotija cheese (crumbled)
0.33 cup red onion (diced)
0.25 cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
0.25 cup red bell pepper (optional)
0.33 cup black beans (optional)
1 tbsp olive oil (for charring corn)
Instructions
1. Boil a large pot of salted water. Add the pasta and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add corn and sauté for 5–7 minutes until slightly charred. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, lime zest, smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth. Stir in half the cotija cheese.
4. Add cooled pasta, charred corn, red onion, bell pepper, black beans (if using), and cilantro to the dressing. Toss until fully coated.
5. Taste and adjust seasonings with more lime juice, salt, or chili powder as desired.
6. Garnish with the remaining cotija cheese and fresh cilantro. Serve immediately or chill for 30–60 minutes before serving cold.
Notes
Great for make-ahead meals — it gets more flavorful after chilling.
Use feta if cotija isn’t available.
Add protein like grilled chicken or shrimp for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Mexican Street Corn Pasta, elote pasta salad, creamy corn pasta