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A bowl of Mexican pasta salad with corn, herbs, cheese, and a creamy dressing, with a fork inside.
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5 from 1 vote

Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is bursting with creamy flavor and ready in minutes for your summer get-togethers!
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Pasta Salad, Side Dishes
Cuisine: American
Servings: 6
Calories: 293kcal
Author: Debi Morgan | Quiche My Grits

Equipment

Ingredients

Salad

  • 2 cups rotini pasta
  • 4 ears fresh corn, grilled (cut off the cob)
  • 1 cup cilantro chopped
  • ⅓ cup green onion chopped
  • ⅓ cup red onion chopped

Dressing

  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ⅓ cup mayonnaise
  • ½ cup cotija cheese (or feta)
  • 4 tablespoons fresh squeezed lime juice (from 2 limes)
  • 2 garlic cloves (minced)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

Garnish

  • fresh jalapeño slices (optional)
  • extra cilantro (optional)

Instructions

  • Boil pasta in a saucepan according to package directions. Drain and let cool completely. Grill corn until lightly charred on all sides, about 10–12 minutes. Let cool, then slice off the kernels.
    2 cups rotini pasta, 4 ears fresh corn, grilled
  • In a bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, cotija cheese, lime juice, garlic, salt, pepper, chili powder, and garlic powder.
    ½ cup sour cream, ⅓ cup mayonnaise, ½ cup cotija cheese, 4 tablespoons fresh squeezed lime juice, 2 garlic cloves, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • Using a whisk, break up any lumps in dressing and blend well.
  • In a large mixing bowl, add cooked pasta, corn, cilantro, green onions, and red onions.
    2 cups rotini pasta, 1 cup cilantro, ⅓ cup green onion, ⅓ cup red onion, 4 ears fresh corn, grilled
  • Add the dressing. Toss to coat.
  • Mix pasta well. Top with extra cotija, cilantro, jalapeño slices, or avocado if desired. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

    • Leftovers: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days.
    • Make Ahead: Stir everything together and store in the refrigerator up to 2 days in advance.
    • Refresh: Toss with extra dressing if the pasta has absorbed too much.
    • Freeze: Not recommended, the texture won’t hold up well.
    • Serve Later: Make ahead and store components separately. Toss together just before serving for the best texture.
    • Lime Juice: Don't use bottled lime juice. It's just not the same and will ruin the flavor. 

Nutrition

Calories: 293kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Sodium: 437mg | Potassium: 306mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 100mg | Iron: 1mg