Get ready to crave every bite! This Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad is absolutely dreamy-bursting with sweet corn, zesty lime, tangy crema, and smoky spice all wrapped around tender pasta.

It's everything you love about Mexican street corn (elote) reimagined as a cool, creamy pasta salad that's impossible to resist. The flavors are bold and vibrant, with the perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and spicy in every forkful.

Ridiculously easy to make, this dish is ideal for BBQs, potlucks, or a simple weeknight dinner. Trust me, your family and friends will request this all summer long. Inspired by my obsession with street corn at every summer festival, this salad is a little taste of warm-weather magic.

Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad in a bowl with cilantro garnish

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Super flavorful and creamy, with a smoky twist that elevates every bite
Easy to prep ahead-perfect for parties, cookouts, or packed lunches
A fun twist on classic pasta salad that never fails to wow a crowd
Totally customizable-make it spicy, cheesy, vegan, or gluten-free
Pairs beautifully with all your summer grilling favorites

Key Ingredients for Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Sweet Corn (Grilled or Charred)

The star of the show! Charring or grilling the corn brings out its sweet, smoky, and slightly caramelized flavor, which is absolutely essential for that authentic street corn taste. You can use fresh ears of corn (the best!), frozen, or even canned. If using frozen or canned, just pop the kernels in a hot skillet to get a little color. Don't skip this step-those toasty bits make all the difference.

Short Pasta (Rotini, Penne, or Elbow)

Pasta acts as the hearty base, soaking up all that creamy, zesty dressing. Go for bite-sized shapes like rotini, penne, or elbows-they hold onto the sauce and are easy to eat. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta work great too if you want to tweak it for dietary needs.

Cotija Cheese

Cotija is crumbly, salty, and a little tangy, adding the same irresistible finish you get with true elote. Look for it in the cheese section (it's worth it), but if unavailable, feta cheese is a delicious substitute with a similar texture and salty punch.

Mexican Crema or Sour Cream

This creates the creamy, luscious dressing that coats each piece of pasta and corn. Mexican crema is a little thinner and tangier than sour cream, but either one is great. You can even swap in Greek yogurt for a protein boost, or use vegan sour cream for a dairy-free twist.

Fresh Lime Juice

Freshly squeezed lime juice gives the salad its critical tang and brightness. Roll your lime on the counter before cutting-it helps release the juices. If you don't have lime, try lemon, but lime delivers the most authentic flavor.

Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad cooking process

Instructions for Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cool water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.

Char the Corn

Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil and the corn kernels. Sauté (or grill), stirring occasionally, until corn is caramelized and lightly charred in spots, about 5 to 7 minutes. Let it cool slightly.

Make the Creamy Dressing

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Mexican crema (or sour cream), lime juice, minced garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, plus a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy.

Combine and Toss

Add the cooled pasta, charred corn, jalapeño, green onions, cotija cheese, and cilantro to the bowl with the dressing. Stir everything together until all ingredients are thoroughly coated and combined. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lime juice if needed.

Chill and Serve

Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours, to allow the flavors to meld. When ready to serve, give it a gentle stir, then top with extra cotija cheese, more cilantro, and an extra sprinkle of chili powder if you like.

Recipe Variations

Make It Vegan

For a plant-based version, use vegan mayonnaise and vegan sour cream (many brands are available!), and swap in vegan feta or omit the cheese altogether. You'll still get all the creamy, zesty flavor!

Gluten-Free Option

Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta in place of regular pasta. The salad turns out just as delicious and even non-gluten-free eaters will love it.

Add Protein

Want to make it a hearty main? Toss in cooked, diced chicken, grilled shrimp, or even crispy chickpeas for a protein-packed upgrade.

Turn Up the Heat

Spice-lovers can add more jalapeño, a pinch of cayenne, or a few dashes of hot sauce for extra zing. Thinly sliced red onions or pickled jalapeños taste fantastic too.

Roasted Veggies Twist

Amp up the veggies by mixing in roasted red peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes. They bring color and added nutrition to the bowl!

Serving Suggestions

Serve this salad chilled or at cool room temperature, piled high in a big serving bowl. Pair it with grilled steak, BBQ chicken, burgers, or even tacos for the ultimate summer meal. Scatter on extra cotija, freshly chopped cilantro, and a dash of chili powder to bump up the flavor and make it pop on the plate.

Storage and Reheating

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Give the salad a good stir before serving, as the dressing can settle. If the mixture seems a little dry after chilling, stir in a splash of crema or lime juice. This salad is best served cold and isn't ideal for freezing, as the creamy dressing can separate and the pasta gets mushy.

Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad (FAQ)

Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! In fact, prepping it a day ahead lets the flavors meld even more. Just stir well before serving and freshen up with a bit of extra lime or crema if needed.

Q: What can I use instead of cotija cheese?

A: Feta cheese is a great substitute with a similar crumbly texture and salty kick. Parmesan or queso fresco also work, though the flavor will be slightly different.

Q: Does this recipe work with canned corn?

A: Yes! Drain and rinse the corn, then char it in a skillet to mimic those toasty street corn flavors. Fresh or frozen corn yields the best results, but canned works in a pinch.

Dig in to big, bold flavor with this Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad-your new go-to side for every summer gathering! If you try this recipe, please leave a comment below or tag your creation on social media. I'd love to hear how you made it your own! 🌽🍝