A vibrant bowl of street corn pasta salad featuring twisted pasta coated with a creamy yellow sauce, sprinkled with chopped cilantro, crumbled cheese, and bright red chili flakes. The dish is garnished with fresh lime wedges and sprinkled with additional herbs, presented on a rustic wooden table with a colorful backdrop, creating an inviting and appetizing look.

Amazing Street Corn Pasta Salad for Your Next Party

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Awesome Street Corn Pasta Salad for Your Next Party 🌽🍝🎉

1. Introduction

If you’re searching for a vibrant, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing party side dish, look no further than this Amazing Street Corn Pasta Salad. Combining the smoky sweetness of grilled corn with savory spices and al dente pasta, this dish promises to be the star of your gathering. Perfect for summer barbecues, potlucks, or casual get-togethers, this street corn pasta salad recipe brings an irresistible twist to traditional pasta salads.

2. Ingredients for the Perfect Street Corn Pasta Salad

  • 1 lb (450g) pasta (penne or rotini work well)
  • 2 cups grilled corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt (for a healthier option)
  • 1/2 cup crumbled cotija or feta cheese
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: sliced jalapeños for extra heat

3. Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Street Corn Pasta Salad

Preparing the Pasta

Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta for mixing.

Grilling the Corn

If using fresh corn, grill it on a preheated grill or grill pan until charred and tender. Once cooled, cut the kernels off the cob. For frozen corn, simply sauté in a skillet until slightly caramelized for added flavor.

Making the Dressing

In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth. This creamy and spicy dressing gives the salad its signature street corn flavor.

Assembling the Salad

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, grilled corn, and dressing. Toss gently to combine fully. Add crumbled cotija or feta cheese, chopped cilantro, and optional jalapeños. Adjust seasonings to taste.

4. Tips for Perfecting Your Street Corn Pasta Salad

  • Use fresh, high-quality corn for the best smoky flavor.
  • If you prefer a vegan option, substitute mayonnaise with vegan yogurt or avocado.
  • Make this dish ahead of time to enhance the flavors—refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

5. How to Store and Reheat Your Pasta Salad

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The salad can be served cold or at room temperature. If it thickens, stir in a splash of lime juice or a little water before serving to restore the creamy texture.

6. Serving Suggestions and Variations

This amazing pasta salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, seafood, or as part of a buffet table. For added crunch, sprinkle with chopped red onion or crispy bacon. You can also turn it into a hearty meal by adding shredded chicken or cooked shrimp.

For another quick weeknight pasta dish, try this Garlic Butter Pasta, which complements many side dishes, including this street corn pasta salad.

7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Street Corn Pasta Salad

Can I make this salad vegan or dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the mayonnaise or Greek yogurt with vegan or dairy-free alternatives, such as avocado or coconut yogurt.

How long does it take to prepare?

From start to finish, this amazing pasta salad takes about 30 to 40 minutes, making it perfect for quick party preparations.

Can I prepare this in advance?

Absolutely! Prepare and refrigerate the salad for up to 24 hours. Just add fresh herbs and cheese before serving for maximum freshness.

8. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe

9. Conclusion

This Street Corn Pasta Salad is a fresh, flavorful, and crowd-loved party side dish that’s easy to make and perfect for summer gatherings or weeknight dinners. Its blend of smoky corn, creamy dressing, and zesty spices creates a delightful dish that everyone will enjoy. So, gather your ingredients, gear up with some handy tools, and impress your guests with this stunning pasta salad that combines the best of street food flavors with the convenience of a homemade dish.

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A vibrant bowl of street corn pasta salad featuring twisted pasta coated with a creamy yellow sauce, sprinkled with chopped cilantro, crumbled cheese, and bright red chili flakes. The dish is garnished with fresh lime wedges and sprinkled with additional herbs, presented on a rustic wooden table with a colorful backdrop, creating an inviting and appetizing look.

Amazing Street Corn Pasta Salad for Your Next Party

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Print Recipe

Discover the delicious and vibrant Amazing Street Corn Pasta Salad, a perfect party side dish blending smoky grilled corn with al dente pasta, creamy dressing, and zesty spices. Ideal for summer gatherings, barbecues, and potlucks, this crowd-pleasing recipe delivers bold flavors and easy preparation for an unforgettable dish.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) pasta (penne or rotini work well)
  • 2 cups grilled corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt (for a healthier option)
  • 1/2 cup crumbled cotija or feta cheese
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: sliced jalapeños for extra heat

Instructions

  1. Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta for mixing.
  2. If using fresh corn, grill it on a preheated grill or grill pan until charred and tender. Once cooled, cut the kernels off the cob. For frozen corn, simply sauté in a skillet until slightly caramelized for added flavor.
  3. In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth. This creamy and spicy dressing gives the salad its signature street corn flavor.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, grilled corn, and dressing. Toss gently to combine fully. Add crumbled cotija or feta cheese, chopped cilantro, and optional jalapeños. Adjust seasonings to taste.

Notes

  • Use fresh, high-quality corn for the best smoky flavor.
  • If you prefer a vegan option, substitute mayonnaise with vegan yogurt or avocado.
  • Make this dish ahead of time to enhance the flavors—refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
  • Author: Serena Miller
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Boiling, grilling, mixing
  • Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 350 kcal Kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 480 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 9 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg

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