Street Corn Pasta Salad
Street Corn Pasta Salad with charred corn, tender pasta, and a creamy chili-lime dressing topped with cotija and cilantro. An easy make-ahead side.
Ingredients
- 1 pound short pasta elbows, ditalini, or rotini
- 4 cups corn kernels fresh or frozen
- 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream or Mexican crema
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- Zest of 1 lime
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt plus more to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¾ cup crumbled cotija cheese plus more for garnish
- ½ cup fresh cilantro chopped
- ½ cup green onions sliced
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente. Drain, toss with a drizzle of olive oil, and let cool to room temperature (or chill in the fridge).
- Meanwhile, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the corn and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes, until some kernels are charred. Transfer to a plate to cool.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, lime zest, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Add the cooled pasta, charred corn, cilantro, green onions, and most of the cotija to a large bowl. Pour the dressing over the top and toss until well coated.
- Garnish with the remaining cotija, extra cilantro, and a sprinkle of chili powder. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready.
Notes
Add cotija last: If making ahead, reserve most of the cotija and stir it in just before serving, since it soaks up dressing and can dry out the salad.
Char the corn: A good char gives that signature smoky-sweet street corn flavor. Fresh or frozen both work.
Cool the pasta: Let the pasta cool before tossing so the creamy dressing doesn't melt.
Swaps: Use queso fresco or feta for cotija, Greek yogurt for sour cream, and add jalapeño, cayenne, black beans, avocado, or bacon.
Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days. Freshen leftovers with a splash of lime juice or extra dressing.