Go Back
Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad for Summer Entertaining
Youssef Hb

Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad for Summer Entertaining

A zesty, refreshing pasta salad blending grilled corn's smokiness with lime mayo and cotija. Perfect for warm-weather gatherings or quick weeknight meals, this dish is packed with flavor and texture.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: DINNER
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Calories: 420
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz pasta (elbow, rotini, or bowtie)
  • 2 cups corn kernels
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 1/3 cup cotija cheese
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro (or parsley)

Method
 

  1. Bring 4 quarts water to a boil, salt generously.
  2. Cook pasta 2 minutes less than package instructions, then rinse with cold water until cooled. Pat dry.
  3. In a bowl, whisk mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, paprika, and minced garlic.
  4. Pour dressing over cooled pasta; toss until fully combined.
  5. Fold in corn kernels, cotija cheese shreds, and chopped cilantro.
  6. Chill 15–30 minutes before serving.

Notes

Whole wheat pasta boosts fiber by 30%
Use frozen charring corn (sauté 6 minutes) as a time-saver
Swap cotija for feta for a tangier flavor
Prep salad up to 24 hours in advance