Mexican Street Corn Pasta (Printable)

Creamy pasta with charred corn, tangy lime dressing, cotija cheese, and fresh veggies for vivid tastes.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 12 oz short pasta such as fusilli, penne, or rotini

→ Vegetables

02 - 3 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
03 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
04 - 1 small red onion, finely diced
05 - 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
06 - 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

→ Dressing

07 - 1/3 cup sour cream
08 - 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
09 - 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
10 - 1 1/2 teaspoons lime zest
11 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
12 - 1 teaspoon chili powder
13 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
14 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
15 - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
16 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Cheese and Garnish

17 - 1/2 cup cotija cheese, crumbled or feta cheese as substitute
18 - 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
19 - Lime wedges for serving

# Directions:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain through colander and rinse under cool water. Set aside.
02 - While pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add corn kernels and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly charred. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together sour cream, Greek yogurt, lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
04 - Add cooled pasta, charred corn, cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, jalapeño, and cilantro to the dressing. Toss gently until all components are evenly coated.
05 - Fold in the majority of crumbled cotija cheese, reserving a portion for final garnish.
06 - Transfer to a serving bowl and top with reserved cotija cheese and chili flakes. Accompany with lime wedges on the side.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Bold, authentic Mexican flavors in every bite
  • No mayonnaise—uses Greek yogurt and sour cream for a lighter, tangier dressing
  • Perfect make-ahead dish for gatherings and meal prep
  • Charred corn adds incredible smoky depth
  • Customizable spice level to suit every palate
  • Vibrant colors make it a showstopper on any table
02 -
  • Use a cast-iron skillet for the best char on your corn kernels
  • Rinse cooked pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent clumping
  • Reserve a small amount of pasta cooking water to loosen the dressing if needed
  • Toast your cumin and chili powder in a dry pan for 30 seconds before adding to the dressing for deeper flavor
  • Crumble cotija cheese by hand rather than grating for better texture
  • Let the salad rest for 15-30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to develop
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