Street Corn Pasta Salad: The BEST Easy Recipe EVER!

Street corn pasta salad is the ultimate summer side dish, and I’m so excited to share my version with you. Think creamy, smoky, and bursting with that irresistible sweet corn flavor we all crave. Where I grew up, street corn was a staple at every summer gathering, and now, I’ve given it a delicious pasta salad twist. This street corn pasta salad is the perfect recipe to bring to your next potluck or barbecue.

You know those recipes that just *feel* like summer? This is one of them. It’s vibrant, easy to make, and guaranteed to be a crowd pleaser. Let’s get cooking!

Why You Will Love This street corn pasta salad Recipe

This recipe is more than just a pasta salad. It’s a celebration of summer flavors packed with that grilled corn goodness. I love how easily this dish comes together, perfect for those busy weeknights when you still crave something special.

This *street corn pasta salad* recipe delivers:

• Comfort: It’s a familiar flavor with a fun, new twist. Think of it as classic comfort food with a bit of excitement.
• Speed: From start to finish, you can have this on the table in under 30 minutes.
• Flavor: The combination of sweet corn, creamy sauce, and smoky spices are a flavor explosion.
• Ease: This is a super easy recipe that anyone can master, even if you’re new to the kitchen.

This one time, I brought this *street corn pasta salad* to a friend’s barbecue and it was completely gone within minutes. Several people asked for the recipe right away, and that’s when I knew I had to share it with all of you. It’s a conversation starter and a guaranteed hit.

Ingredients Needed for This street corn pasta salad Recipe

Here are the ingredients you will need to make this delicious *street corn pasta salad*:

For the Salad:

• 1 pound pasta (such as rotini, farfalle, or elbow macaroni)
• 4 ears of corn, shucked
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup cotija cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
• 1 lime, juiced
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Grilling the Corn (Optional):

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Pinch of salt

How to Make This street corn pasta salad Recipe

1. 1. Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside.
2. 2. Grill the corn (optional): Preheat your grill to medium heat. Brush the corn with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Grill for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until kernels are slightly charred. Alternatively, you can roast the corn in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, or sauté in a pan with a little bit of butter.
3. 3. Cut the kernels: Once the corn is cool enough to handle, cut the kernels off the cob.
4. 4. Make the dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lime juice, chili powder, and cumin. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. 5. Combine ingredients: Add the cooked pasta, corn kernels, cotija cheese, cilantro, red onion, and jalapeño (if using) to the bowl with the dressing. Toss to combine well.
6. 6. Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
7. 7. Serve: Before serving, give the pasta salad another toss. Garnish with extra cotija cheese and cilantro if desired. Enjoy!

How to Serve This street corn pasta salad Recipe

This *street corn pasta salad* is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, such as chicken, steak, or fish. It’s also a perfect side dish for summer barbecues, potlucks, and picnics.

Here are some serving suggestions:

• Serve chilled or at room temperature.
• Top with extra cotija cheese, cilantro, or a squeeze of lime juice.
• Serve alongside grilled chicken or steak for a complete meal.
• Pair it with other summer favorites like burgers, hot dogs, and watermelon.

How to Store This street corn pasta salad Recipe

Proper storage will ensure your *street corn pasta salad* stays fresh and delicious:

• Refrigeration: Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: Freezing is not recommended, as the mayonnaise-based dressing can separate and become watery upon thawing.
• Reheating: This dish is best served cold, so reheating is not necessary. If it has been in the fridge, give it a good stir before serving.

Tips to Make This street corn pasta salad Recipe

Here are some tips to help you make the best *street corn pasta salad*:

• Ingredient swaps: If you don’t have cotija cheese, feta cheese or queso fresco can be substituted. For a lighter option, use plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
• Success tips: Don’t overcook the pasta. Al dente pasta will hold its shape better in the salad! Grilling or roasting the corn adds a smoky flavor that really elevates the dish, but if you’re short on time, you can always use canned corn.
• Common mistakes to avoid: Avoid adding the dressing to the pasta while it’s still warm, as this can cause the dressing to become oily.
• Pro tips for best results: Grilling the corn with the husks on helps to steam the kernels and keep them moist.

Helpful Notes for This street corn pasta salad Recipe

• Ingredient details: Cotija cheese is a hard, salty Mexican cheese that adds a unique flavor. You can find it in most well-stocked grocery stores or Latin markets. Feel free to use fresh or frozen corn kernels if you don’t want to grill the corn.
• Equipment recommendations: A good sharp knife will make cutting the corn kernels off the cob much easier. A large mixing bowl is essential for tossing all the ingredients together.

Variation of This street corn pasta salad Recipe

Feel free to experiment with different variations of this *street corn pasta salad*:

• Seasonal twists: Add grilled bell peppers or zucchini for a summer vegetable medley.
• Optional versions: Add black beans for extra protein and fiber. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few drops of hot sauce.
• Creative modifications: Try using a different type of pasta, such as orzo or ditalini. You can also add other toppings like chopped tomatoes or avocado. Try pairing this pasta salad with our Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl recipe for a cohesive meal.

Conclusion

I hope you’re as excited to make this *street corn pasta salad* as I am to share it with you! It’s truly one of my favorite summer dishes, and I’m sure it will become a favorite of yours too. Get ready for a burst of flavor and a whole lot of happy smiles around your table. Let me know in the comments how yours turns out! Try this street corn pasta salad soon.