If you’re a fan of the bold, smoky, and tangy flavors of Mexican street corn, you’ll love this Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad. It’s a fusion of creamy pasta salad with all the vibrant ingredients and spices of traditional elote (Mexican street corn). This hearty salad is perfect for BBQs, potlucks, or as a side dish for any meal. Featuring juicy corn, creamy avocado, crispy bacon, and a zesty lime dressing, this dish is sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients for Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
For the Pasta Salad:
- 2 cups (6 ounces) radiatori noodles (or your noodle of choice, such as rotini, penne, or farfalle)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 can (15 ounces) corn kernels, drained (or use fresh grilled corn for extra flavor)
- 1 large avocado, diced
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- ½ bunch cilantro, finely chopped
- 1 medium jalapeno pepper, seeded and diced
- 6 strips thick-cut bacon, cooked and roughly chopped
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled (or substitute with cotija cheese for a more authentic taste)
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
For the Dressing:
- ½ cup full-fat mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice (approximately 2-3 limes)
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions: How to Make Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
1. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the radiatori noodles (or your pasta of choice) and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process. Toss the drained pasta with 2 tablespoons of olive oil to prevent sticking and set aside.
2. Prepare the Salad Ingredients
- While the pasta is cooking, dice the avocado, slice the green onions, chop the cilantro, and dice the jalapeno pepper. Cook the bacon until crispy, then roughly chop it. Drain and rinse the black beans and corn kernels if using canned.
3. Mix the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, fresh lime juice, ground cumin, paprika, chili powder, and hot sauce. Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as necessary, adding more lime juice or hot sauce depending on your flavor preference.
4. Combine the Salad
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta, corn, avocado, green onions, cilantro, jalapeno, bacon, feta cheese, and black beans. Toss gently to combine.
5. Add the Dressing
- Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and toss to coat all the ingredients evenly. Ensure everything is well mixed, and the dressing is evenly distributed.
6. Chill and Serve
- Refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together. Serve chilled or at room temperature with extra lime wedges, if desired.
Cook’s Notes and Tips for the Best Pasta Salad
- Grilled Corn: For an authentic street corn flavor, consider grilling fresh corn on the cob before cutting off the kernels and adding them to the salad.
- Cheese: While feta works well, for a more traditional Mexican street corn flavor, use cotija cheese, which is a crumbly Mexican cheese often used in elote.
- Bacon: For a smoky, crispy bite, make sure to cook the bacon until it’s nice and crisp. You can also substitute bacon with grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier option.
- Avocado: To prevent the avocado from browning, add it just before serving or toss it in a little lime juice before mixing it into the salad.
Recipe Variations: How to Customize Your Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
This recipe is flexible, allowing you to easily adjust it to fit your dietary needs or flavor preferences.
Keto-Friendly Version
To make a keto-friendly version of this salad:
- Noodles: Substitute the pasta with zucchini noodles or spiralized cucumber for a low-carb option.
- Beans: Omit the black beans as they contain carbs.
- Dressing: Make sure to use full-fat mayonnaise and check the hot sauce for any added sugars.
Vegetarian Version
To make this recipe vegetarian:
- Bacon: Omit the bacon or substitute it with vegetarian bacon or grilled mushrooms for a meaty texture.
- Cheese: Use a plant-based cheese or simply omit the cheese if preferred.
Vegan Version
For a completely vegan version:
- Mayonnaise: Use vegan mayonnaise in the dressing.
- Cheese: Substitute with a dairy-free feta or omit the cheese altogether.
- Bacon: Use vegan bacon or replace it with toasted sunflower seeds or grilled tofu for added texture.
Spicy Version
For a spicier kick:
- Jalapeno: Keep the seeds in the jalapeno or use a serrano pepper for more heat.
- Chili Powder: Increase the amount of chili powder, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing.
- Hot Sauce: Add more hot sauce or drizzle sriracha over the salad before serving.
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
Q1: Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad is great for making ahead! Prepare the salad and dressing separately, then combine them just before serving to prevent the avocado from browning and the pasta from absorbing too much dressing.
Q2: How long will Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad last in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, this salad will keep for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. For the best texture, add the avocado just before serving.
Q3: Can I use frozen corn instead of canned corn?
Absolutely! You can use frozen corn kernels—just thaw them completely and pat them dry before adding them to the salad. You can also char them in a hot skillet for extra flavor.
Q4: Can I substitute the pasta?
Yes! This salad works well with other pasta shapes such as rotini, penne, bowtie (farfalle), or elbow macaroni. You can even use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.The Perfect Summer Side Dish
This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad brings together the best of both worlds—creamy, tangy, and full of bold Mexican-inspired flavors. With its vibrant mix of corn, avocado, black beans, and bacon, it’s the perfect side dish for BBQs, potlucks, or family dinners. Plus, with its versatile ingredients and easy-to-make dressing, it’s a recipe that can be customized to suit any dietary preference. Give this pasta salad a try, and watch it become a crowd favorite at your next gathering
