Name: Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1/2 lb radiatori pasta, cooked al dente; 6 ears of grilled sweet corn, kernels cut off; 1/3 cup red onion, diced; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; 3/4 cup mayonnaise; 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled; 1/4 cup cotija cheese, crumbled (more if desired); 1 tablespoon lime juice; 2 tablespoons garlic, minced; 2 teaspoons chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

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Introduction

This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad brings the vibrant flavors of grilled corn and creamy cheeses to a comforting pasta dish. It’s a perfect side for summer barbecues or a flavorful addition to your weekly meals.

This image shows a close-up of a pasta salad in a clear bowl, set on a white marbled surface. The salad has three main layers: the base is curly pasta in a light orange sauce, mixed with corn kernels that add yellow color and small green herbs. The middle layer has a topping of finely chopped red onions and crumbled white cheese scattered across the dish. On top, fresh cilantro leaves add a bright green color and freshness. Around the edge of the bowl are slices of bright green lime, giving a fresh and zesty look. The textures range from smooth creamy pasta to crunchy onions and crumbled cheese with fresh herb leaves adding dimension to the dish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1/2 lb radiatori pasta, cooked al dente
6 ears of grilled sweet corn, kernels cut off
3/4 cup mayo
1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 tablespoon lime juice
2 tablespoons garlic, minced
2 teaspoons chili powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/3 cup red onion, diced
1/4 cup cotija cheese, crumbled (more if desired)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Rinse with cold water to cool, then drain and place in a large bowl.
Step 2: Grill the corn until slightly charred, then cut the kernels off the cobs and add them to the bowl with pasta.
Step 3: Add the mayo, feta cheese, chopped cilantro, lime juice, minced garlic, chili powder, paprika, kosher salt, black pepper, diced red onion, and cotija cheese to the bowl.
Step 4: Stir all ingredients together until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional lime juice or salt as needed.
Step 5: Serve immediately, garnished with extra cilantro, red onion, cotija cheese, and lime wedges if desired.

Tips & Variations

You can substitute grilled corn with thawed frozen corn or drained canned corn, though grilled corn offers the best flavor.
Feel free to use any small pasta shape you prefer if radiatori is unavailable.
Smoked paprika can be used instead of regular paprika for a deeper smoky taste.
Adding extra fresh lime juice before serving brightens the flavors nicely.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Before serving again, give the salad a stir and consider adding a bit more mayo to refresh the creamy texture, as the pasta tends to absorb moisture and may become dry after sitting.

How to Serve

A clear bowl filled with a textured pasta salad showing two layers: the first layer has pale yellow ruffled pasta mixed with small bright yellow corn kernels and bits of red onion, all coated in a creamy, slightly orange sauce; the second layer on top displays crumbled white cheese, diced purple-red onions, fresh green cilantro leaves, and scattered corn pieces, finished with three bright green lime wedges placed around the bowl edge, all set against a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen or canned corn instead of grilled corn?

Yes, you can substitute frozen corn (thawed) or drained canned corn if fresh grilled corn is not available. However, grilling the corn adds a smoky flavor that enhances the dish.

What pasta shapes work best for this salad?

Small pasta shapes like radiatori, rotini, or shells work well because they hold the dressing and corn kernels nicely, but feel free to use your favorite small pasta.