Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe

Name: Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 cups mini bowtie pasta (uncooked); 3 cups frozen corn; 3 green onions (finely diced); 1/2 bunch cilantro (finely diced); 1 tablespoon finely diced jalapeño; 8 slices bacon (cooked & finely diced); 1/3 cup cotija cheese; 1 large avocado (diced); 1/2 cup black beans (canned, drained and rinsed); 1/2 cup mayo; 1/2 teaspoon chili powder; 1/4 teaspoon paprika; 1/8 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon Sriracha; 2 large limes; Salt and pepper to taste

Posted on May 16, 2026

Mexican street corn pasta salad with corn, black beans, jalapeños, cheese, and lime

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why make this recipe

Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a delightful twist on the classic street food, elote. This recipe brings together the vibrant flavors of Mexican street corn and combines them with pasta for a scrumptious salad that is perfect for summer barbecues, potlucks, or even as a filling dinner. The combination of sweet corn, creamy avocado, crispy bacon, and zesty lime creates a refreshing dish that is both hearty and satisfying. Its colorful presentation and bold flavors are sure to impress your family and friends. Best of all, this pasta salad is easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, making it ideal for gatherings or meal prep.

DoughDazzle Quick Guide

how to make Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

Making Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is quite simple and begins with just a few key steps. Gather your ingredients, and we’ll walk you through both the preparation and assembly process.

Ingredients:

2 cups mini bowtie pasta (measured uncooked)
3 cups frozen corn
3 green onions (1/3 cup finely diced)
1/2 bunch cilantro (1/2 cup finely diced)
1 tablespoon finely diced jalapeño
8 slices bacon (cooked & finely diced)
1/3 cup cotija cheese
1 large avocado (diced)
1/2 cup black beans (canned, drained and rinsed)
1/2 cup mayo
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/8 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon Sriracha
2 large limes
Salt and pepper

Directions:

Pasta: Start by bringing 12 cups of water to a boil in a large pot. Once boiling, add about 1 tablespoon of salt. Cook the mini bowtie pasta according to the package instructions. After the pasta is done, drain it, rinse under cold water for about 15 seconds, and shake off any excess water. Allow the pasta to dry completely.
Corn: If you prefer fresh corn, you can grill or boil it. However, using frozen corn is quick and easy. Cook the frozen corn according to the package instructions and let it cool.
Veggie Prep: Dice the green onions, cilantro, and jalapeño. Next, cook bacon until crispy and finely dice it. Drain and rinse black beans. Dice the avocado last to keep it fresh; smaller pieces work better.
Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, chili powder, paprika, cumin, Sriracha, ¼ teaspoon lime zest, and 3 tablespoons lime juice. Add ¼ teaspoon salt and ⅛ teaspoon pepper, adjusting to your taste. Chill the dressing until you’re ready to use it.
Salad Assembly: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cooled corn, diced avocado, green onions, cilantro, jalapeños, bacon, and cotija cheese. If you’re not serving immediately, add the bacon, cheese, and avocado just before serving for optimal freshness. Drizzle with the prepared dressing and gently toss everything together. Serve the salad right away!

how to serve Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

This salad is best served fresh, right after assembly. It makes a great side dish to grilled meats or can easily be a light main course. If you want to add more protein, consider serving it alongside grilled chicken or shrimp. It’s also wonderful to pack for lunch or take to a potluck. Garnish each serving with extra cilantro and a squeeze of lime to enhance the flavors.

how to store Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

For any leftovers, store the Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can keep well for up to 3 days. However, it is best to store the bacon, avocado, and cheese separately and combine them just before serving to maintain texture and flavor.

tips to make Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

Drying the Pasta: Make sure the pasta is completely dry before mixing with other ingredients to avoid a soggy salad.
Corn Alternatives: If corn is in season, consider using fresh corn on the cob for a sweeter flavor. You can simply grill it and cut the kernels off.
Customize Spice Level: Adjust the amount of jalapeño and Sriracha to fit your spice level. You can omit them entirely for a milder salad.
Add More Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini for extra color and nutrition.

variation

If you want to experiment with flavors, consider these variations:

Cheesy Version: Add more cheese types like Monterey Jack or cheddar for a richer taste.
Vegan Version: Substitute mayo with vegan mayo, and replace bacon with roasted chickpeas for crunch.
Protein Option: Include grilled chicken, shrimp, or sliced steak to make it a complete meal.

Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is the perfect flavorful side dish for backyard BBQs, summer cookouts, and family gatherings. Sweet corn, tender pasta, and creamy dressing create a bold and refreshing combination everyone will love.

For more summer favorites, explore vegan side dish recipes for every BBQ, this fresh grilled corn salad recipe, or discover easy corn salad with avocado for even more crowd-pleasing meal ideas.

FAQs

Can I use different pasta shapes?

Yes, feel free to use any small pasta shape you prefer! Penne or rotini are great alternatives too.

How can I make this salad ahead of time?

You can prepare all the components—cooked pasta, veggies, and dressing—separately the day before and mix them on the day you plan to serve.

Can I freeze this pasta salad?

Freezing isn’t recommended as the texture of the pasta and avocados may change, making it less enjoyable once thawed.

What can I serve this with?

Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad pairs nicely with grilled meats, tacos, or even on its own as a light lunch or dinner option.