How to Make Street Corn Pasta Salad in 5 Easy Steps

Hey there, fellow food lovers! Today, I’m super excited to share with you one of my absolute favorite summer recipes: Street Corn Pasta Salad! This dish is a perfect blend of creamy, tangy, and fresh, making it a must-have for any picnic, potluck, or even a quick weeknight dinner. Plus, it’s ready in just 5 easy steps—talk about a win-win!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s one of those easy pasta recipes that’s perfect for quick family dinners or potlucks.
• The combination of street corn flavors with pasta is a game-changer for cold pasta salad dinner recipes.
• Ready in 30 minutes, it’s a great addition to your 30-minute meals arsenal.
• The creamy dressing gives it a rich, indulgent feel without being heavy.
• It’s a versatile side dish that keeps well, making it ideal for meal prep or as a pasta salad that keeps well for days.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Street Corn Pasta Salad:

• 1 pound pasta (any shape works—penne, fusilli, or even elbow macaroni)
• 2 cups cooked corn kernels (fresh or frozen, thawed)
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• ½ red onion, finely chopped
• 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup sour cream
• ¼ cup freshly chopped cilantro
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.

How to Make the Recipe

Let’s dive into the step-by-step process. Don’t worry, it’s super straightforward!

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
2. Whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
3. Combine pasta, corn, red bell pepper, red onion, and jalapeno in a mixing bowl. Pour dressing over the ingredients and toss gently.
4. Add cilantro, toss again, and adjust salt and pepper seasoning.
5. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Here are a few tips to take your Street Corn Pasta Salad to the next level:

• For extra flavor, use grilled corn if available. It adds a smoky depth that’s just incredible.
• Adjust the heat level to your liking. If you prefer it milder, use just half of the jalapeno or omit it entirely.
• Let the salad sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

How to Serve

This salad is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ideas for serving:

• As a side dish for your next BBQ or picnic.
• Paired with grilled meats like chicken or steak for a quick family dinner.
• As part of a potluck spread—it’s a crowd-pleaser!

If you’re looking for more side dish ideas, be sure to check out my Corn Salad or Cucumber Tomato Salad recipes. And for something a bit different, don’t miss my Creamy Cucumber Salad—it’s a refreshing twist on a classic!

Make Ahead and Storage

This recipe is perfect for making ahead of time. Prepare the salad up to a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will only get better with time! When you’re ready to serve, give it a good stir and add a sprinkle of fresh cilantro if desired.

There you have it, folks! A simple yet flavorful Street Corn Pasta Salad that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. It’s perfect for quick weeknight dinners, potlucks, or even as a side dish for your next party. Let me know in the comments how you enjoy it, and don’t forget to share your creations with me on social media!