Charred Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe

Elote is a popular Mexican street food that has gained worldwide popularity thanks to its alluring combination of corn, cheese, and spice. Sometimes simply called Mexican street corn, elote typically comes in corn-on-the-cob form, slathered in creamy goodness, sprinkled with spices, and grilled to charred perfection. Then there's esquites, a dish that packs in the same goodness as elote, but off the cob and in a salad-like or side dish format.

Now, imagine taking classic street corn flavors and tossing them into a pasta dish — a charred Mexican street corn pasta salad. It's quick to whip up and perfect for lazy backyard barbecues, casual potlucks, or even just a chill night in with family. Wellness coach and recipe developer Miriam Hahn brings us this recipe and says, "When I make pasta salad, it has to have a punch of flavor. The combination of fresh corn, tangy lime juice, cilantro, and a kick of Tajin seasoning makes this pasta salad stand out from the rest."

To make this recipe, pick up some fresh corn. You can buy this trimmed and ready to go or in the husks. While you're in the produce area, grab limes, green onions, cilantro, and red pepper.

Stop by the dairy aisle and get some sour cream, mayonnaise, and cotija cheese. If you want to make ths recipe vegan, simply go for dairy-free sour cream and mayonnaise and substitute the cotija with dairy-free feta cheese. Finally, you'll need bow tie pasta and avocado oil, salt, pepper, chili powder, cayenne pepper, and tajin.

Preheat the oven to broil.

Brush the corn with oil and season with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Lay on a sheet pan.

Broil the corn for 15 minutes, rotating frequently, until all sides are charred. Let cool for 15 minutes.

While the corn is cooking, add the pasta to a pot of boiling water and cook according to package directions.

In a small bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, the remaining salt, the remaining pepper, and the cayenne pepper. Set aside.

Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water.

Remove the corn from the cob with a sharp knife, working in a large bowl that you plan to serve the salad in.

Add the cooked pasta to the bowl with the green onions, cilantro, red pepper, and cotija cheese.

Toss with dressing and sprinkle on Tajin.

Serve the street corn pasta salad.

To elevate your Mexican street corn pasta salad to the next level of flavor, consider adding a few extra ingredients that complement its bold profile. Start by tossing in some diced avocado for creamy texture and a buttery taste that pairs perfectly with the tangy dressing. Or add a dollop of homemade crave-worthy guacamole to each serving to effortlessly incorporate another Mexican favorite into the mix.

For an extra crunch, sprinkle in some toasted pepitas or crushed tortilla chips, adding a delightful contrast to the tender pasta and charred corn. If you like foods spicy, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or serve those on the side for guests to add to their plate. For a burst of sweetness, toss in some cherry tomatoes or mango chunks, adding a refreshing burst of flavor. Finally, to make the salad heartier, add black beans, grilled chicken, shrimp, or black beans to turn this side dish into a main course.

Making this pasta salad ahead of time is not only convenient but can actually enhance its flavor. Most pasta salads, including this one, tend to taste even better after chilling in the fridge overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together, making the dish even more flavorful. So, go ahead and prepare it the day before your gathering or meal for an effortless and delicious side dish.

The other option you have in making the salad ahead of time is to prepare the components so they are ready to toss together. You can prepare the corn, chop the other vegetables, make the pasta, and make the dressing. This might work well if you are tight on space in your refrigerator and don't have room for a large bowl but can fit in smaller containers.

When storing your pasta salad, ensure that it's tightly covered or sealed in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Stored properly in the refrigerator, this salad can last for up to 3-4 days. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving to redistribute the dressing and flavors.