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A vibrant bowl of Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad with bow-tie pasta, corn, black beans, avocado, and crumbled cheese.

Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

This Mexican street corn pasta salad is perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or quick family meals. The creamy chili lime dressing and mix of fresh ingredients make it vibrant, flavorful, and highly shareable.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 9 minutes
Total Time 34 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 520
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the salad
  • 2 cups mini bowtie pasta uncooked
  • 3 cups corn kernels fresh or frozen
  • 1/3 cup green onions finely sliced
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon jalapeño finely diced
  • 1/3 cup crumbled cotija cheese
  • 1 large avocado diced
  • 1/2 cup black beans drained and rinsed
For the dressing
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon lime zest
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Tray
  • Large bowl
  • Small bowl

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions until tender.
  2. Add the corn to the boiling pasta during the last 1 minute of cooking, then drain and rinse briefly with cool water.
  3. Spread the pasta and corn on a tray and let them cool completely.
  4. In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, corn, green onions, cilantro, jalapeño, black beans, and cotija cheese.
  5. In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, chili powder, paprika, cumin, hot sauce, lime juice, lime zest, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
  6. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to coat evenly.
  7. Fold in the diced avocado just before serving to keep it fresh.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or lime juice if needed.
  9. Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes for enhanced flavor.

Notes

For the best flavor, use freshly cooked or lightly charred corn and add avocado just before serving to prevent browning.