Description
This Mexican-Style Street Corn Pasta Salad with Grilled Chicken is a flavorful summer classic that transforms the bold, tangy flavors of elote into a satisfying meal. It features roasted corn, creamy dressing, zesty lime, and chili seasoning, making it a protein-packed option perfect for lunch, dinner, or picnics.
Ingredients
- 16 ounces rotini or fusilli pasta
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thigh
- 4 ears fresh corn, husked (or 3 cups frozen corn kernels)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for corn)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for chicken)
- ½ red onion, finely diced
- 1 small jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (optional)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- ½ cup Cotija cheese, crumbled (or feta)
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For the Dressing:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional Garnishes:
- Extra cilantro
- Extra lime wedges
- A dash of chili powder or Tajín
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water, toss with olive oil, and set aside in a large bowl.
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, chili powder, and garlic powder. Cook in a grill pan or skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes per side until 165°F. Let rest, then chop into cubes.
- If using fresh corn, brush with olive oil and grill or pan-roast until lightly charred (10-12 minutes). Cut kernels off the cob. If using frozen corn, cook in a skillet with butter or oil until lightly browned (8-10 minutes). Let cool slightly.
- Prepare the dressing by whisking together mayonnaise, sour cream or Greek yogurt, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Add roasted corn, diced red onion, chopped jalapeño (if using), cilantro, grilled chicken, and Cotija cheese to the bowl with the pasta.
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss until well coated. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve immediately or chill for 30-60 minutes for flavors to meld. Garnish with extra cilantro, chili powder, and lime wedges before serving.
Notes
- Use short, ridged pasta like rotini or fusilli for best dressing adhesion.
- Grilling or roasting the corn adds a desirable smoky flavor.
- Adjust the amount of jalapeño or chili powder to control the heat level.
- The salad can be prepared ahead of time; store dressing separately and combine before serving for optimal freshness.
- Feta cheese is a good substitute for Cotija cheese.
- Keep the salad chilled if serving at outdoor events.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling/Roasting and Mixing
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (estimated)
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