Okay, so, has everyone else been seeing *street corn pasta salad* EVERYWHERE?! Seriously, my TikTok feed is exploding with it. And you know what? I totally get the hype. It’s like, imagine your fave elote (you know, Mexican street corn, all charred and delicious) but turned into a pasta salad. Genius, right?

This *street corn pasta salad* is seriously the perfect thing for spring and summer potlucks, BBQs, or just a super easy weeknight dinner. It’s got that creamy, tangy, slightly spicy thing going on that everyone loves. Honestly, the first time I made it, I was a little skeptical. I mean, corn in pasta salad? But trust me, it WORKS. It’s always the first thing to disappear at any gathering. Wanna know my secret? It’s so ridiculously easy, you’ll be making it all season long. Let’s get to it!

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Why You’ll Love This Street Corn Pasta Salad

Seriously, you’re gonna be obsessed. Here’s why:

Quick and Easy

I’m talking ready-to-eat in under 45 minutes, people! Weeknight win!

Bursting with Flavor

That sweet corn, creamy dreamy dressing, and zesty lime? It’s a flavor explosion in your mouth, I swear!

Perfect for Sharing

Potlucks? BBQs? Family reunions? This is *the* salad to bring. Guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Customizable

Not a fan of spice? No problem! Wanna add more cheese? Go for it! This recipe is super flexible.

Ingredients for Street Corn Pasta Salad

Alright, let’s gather our goodies! This recipe is all about fresh, simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store. Here’s what you’ll need:

Pasta

Grab one pound of your fave short pasta shape. Rotini, penne, shells… whatever floats your boat! Just make sure it’s not spaghetti, okay?

Corn

Four ears of fresh corn are where it’s at! You’re gonna grill or roast these babies, so get the good stuff.

Mayonnaise

Half a cup of your go-to mayonnaise. I’m a Hellman’s girl myself, but you do you!

Sour Cream

A quarter cup of sour cream adds that tangy goodness. Don’t skip it!

Cotija Cheese

You’ll want a quarter cup of crumbled cotija cheese. It’s salty and crumbly and just perfect. If you can’t find it, feta works in a pinch.

Cilantro

A quarter cup of chopped fresh cilantro. If you’re one of *those* people who think cilantro tastes like soap… well, I can’t help you. Just kidding! Leave it out if you must.

Lime

The juice of one lime. Freshly squeezed, of course! None of that bottled stuff.

Jalapeño

One minced jalapeño. This is optional, but I highly recommend it for a little kick! Seed it if you’re spice-averse.

Seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste. Don’t be shy! Seasoning is key, people!

How to Make Street Corn Pasta Salad: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, friends, gather ’round! This is where the magic happens. Follow these steps, and you’ll have the *best* street corn pasta salad, like, ever.

Cook the Pasta

First things first, get that pasta cooking! Fill a big pot with water, and don’t forget to SALT it! Seriously, it makes a difference. Cook the pasta according to the package directions, but make sure it’s al dente – you want a little bite to it. Nobody likes mushy pasta! Once it’s cooked, drain it and rinse it with cold water. This stops the cooking process and keeps it from sticking together.

Prepare the Corn

Now for the star of the show: the corn! I love grilling it, because that char just adds so much flavor. But if you don’t have a grill, no worries! You can roast it in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, turning it halfway through. Or, if you’re really in a pinch, you can even use a skillet on the stovetop. Just cook it over medium heat, turning occasionally, until it’s tender and slightly charred. Once the corn is cooked, let it cool slightly, then cut the kernels off the cob. Careful, it can be a little messy!

Combine Ingredients

Alright, grab a big bowl – it’s time to get mixing! Add the cooked pasta, corn kernels, mayonnaise, sour cream, cotija cheese, cilantro, lime juice, and jalapeño (if you’re using it) to the bowl. Now, gently mix everything together until it’s well combined. Don’t overmix it, though – you don’t want to squish the pasta.

Chill and Serve

This is the hardest part: waiting! Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This gives the flavors time to meld together and makes the salad even more delicious. Trust me, it’s worth the wait. And guess what? You can totally make this ahead of time! It’s actually even better the next day. When you’re ready to serve, give it a good stir and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Street Corn Pasta Salad

Want to take your street corn pasta salad from good to AMAZING? Here are a few of my top tips:

Don’t Overcook the Pasta

Seriously, nobody wants mushy pasta salad. Al dente is the way to go! It gives the salad some texture and keeps it from getting soggy.

Char the Corn

Don’t be afraid to get some good color on that corn! That char is where all the smoky deliciousness comes from. It seriously makes a HUGE difference.

Taste and Adjust Seasoning

This is SO important! Before you chill the salad, give it a taste and see if it needs more salt, pepper, or lime juice. Don’t be afraid to experiment! You want it to be perfect for *your* taste buds.

Street Corn Pasta Salad Variations

Okay, so you’ve got the basic recipe down? Awesome! Now let’s get a little crazy and mix things up! Here are some fun variations to try:

Add Black Beans

Drain and rinse a can of black beans and toss ’em in! They add a little extra protein and a nice earthy flavor. Trust me, it’s delish!

Spice it Up

Feeling fiery? Use a hotter pepper than jalapeño, like a serrano, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. Just be careful, a little goes a long way!

Vegetarian Option

If you’re vegetarian (or just avoiding dairy), swap out the cotija cheese for a vegan alternative. There are some surprisingly good ones out there these days!

Serving Suggestions for Your Street Corn Pasta Salad

Okay, so you’ve whipped up this amazing street corn pasta salad… now what do you serve it with? Here are a few of my favorite ideas:

BBQ

Seriously, this stuff is AMAZING with grilled chicken, steak, or even a juicy burger. The flavors just complement each other perfectly!

Picnics

Pack it up and take it on a picnic! It’s the perfect no-fuss dish for a sunny afternoon in the park. Plus, it’s even better cold!

Tacos

Yup, you heard me right! Serve it as a side with your favorite tacos. It adds a fun and unexpected twist to taco night!

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How to Store Leftover Street Corn Pasta Salad

Okay, so you *somehow* have leftovers? Color me impressed! Here’s how to keep that deliciousness going:

Storage

Pop that street corn pasta salad in an airtight container and stash it in the fridge. It’ll stay good for up to 3 days… if it lasts that long!

Reheating

Honestly, this stuff is best served cold, straight from the fridge. But if you’re not into that, you can totally let it sit out at room temperature for a bit to take the chill off.

Frequently Asked Questions About Street Corn Pasta Salad

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common questions I get about my *easy street corn pasta salad recipe*:

Can I make street corn pasta salad ahead of time?

Heck yeah! In fact, I *highly* recommend it. The flavors meld together even more when it sits in the fridge for a bit. So, yes, this *simple street corn pasta salad idea* is perfect for prepping ahead!

Can I use frozen corn?

Okay, so fresh corn is *always* best, especially when it’s grilled or roasted. But if you’re in a pinch, frozen corn will totally work. Just thaw it out completely and pat it dry before using it. You might not get that same charred flavor, but it’ll still be yummy.

What kind of pasta is best for street corn pasta salad?

Honestly, any short pasta shape will do the trick! I love using rotini or shells because they really grab onto the dressing. But penne, farfalle (bowties), even elbow macaroni would work. Just use what you like!

How long does street corn pasta salad last?

If you store it properly in an airtight container in the fridge, your *family favorite street corn pasta salad* should last for up to 3 days. But let’s be real, it’ll probably be gone way before then!

Nutritional Information for Street Corn Pasta Salad

Okay, so, everyone always asks about the nutritional stuff. Here’s a rough estimate for one serving (about 1 cup) of this street corn pasta salad. Keep in mind, though, that this is just an estimate! It can totally vary depending on the exact ingredients you use, especially the type of mayo and cheese.

You’re probably looking at around:

Calories: 350
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 8g
Protein: 8g
Sodium: 300mg

So, yeah, it’s not exactly a health food. But hey, it’s delicious! And everything in moderation, right?

Make this Street Corn Pasta Salad Today!

Seriously, what are you waiting for?! Go make this street corn pasta salad! And when you do, come back and leave a comment or rate the recipe. I wanna know what you think!