Go Back

Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad

Mexican-inspired pasta salad with charred corn, cotija cheese, and creamy tangy dressing, perfect for summer gatherings.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Main Course, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Mexican, Summer
Calories: 385

Ingredients
  

Pasta Base
  • 1 pound fusilli pasta
  • 4 cups corn kernels fresh or frozen
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
Creamy Dressing
  • 0.75 cup mayonnaise
  • 0.5 cup Mexican crema or sour cream
  • 0.33 cup fresh lime juice about 3-4 limes
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
  • 0.25 tsp cayenne pepper optional
Assembly
  • 1 cup cotija cheese crumbled
  • 0.5 cup fresh cilantro chopped
  • 2 green onions sliced thin
  • 1 lime cut into wedges

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Cast iron skillet
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook fusilli pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
  2. Heat olive oil in cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add corn kernels in single layer, season with salt and pepper.
  3. Cook corn without stirring for 3-4 minutes until charred. Stir and cook 2-3 minutes more until evenly charred. Let cool.
  4. In large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Mexican crema, lime juice, garlic, chili powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne.
  5. Add cooled pasta to dressing and toss until evenly coated.
  6. Fold in charred corn kernels, distributing evenly throughout pasta.
  7. Add half the cotija cheese and half the cilantro, folding gently to distribute.
  8. Transfer to serving bowl, top with remaining cheese, cilantro, green onions, and chili powder. Serve with lime wedges.

Notes

For best flavor, char the corn well for authentic street corn taste. Can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days. Flavors improve after chilling.