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Easy street corn pasta salad – vibrant pasta salad with corn, tomatoes, feta, and creamy dressing
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Street Corn Pasta Salad

This Easy Street Corn Pasta Salad is the ultimate summer side dish! Sweet corn, juicy cherry tomatoes, tangy feta or cotija cheese, and fresh cilantro are tossed with rotini pasta and a creamy, zesty chili-lime dressing. Ready in just 25 minutes, it's perfect for BBQs, potlucks, and picnics. For another delicious pasta salad, try our Classic Italian Pasta Salad.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Mexican-Inspired
Keyword: creamy pasta salad, mexican street corn pasta salad, street corn pasta salad
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 380kcal
Author: Angela

Equipment

  • Large Pot For boiling pasta.
  • Large Mixing Bowl For combining salad ingredients.
  • Small Bowl For whisking the dressing.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb rotini pasta
  • 2 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 0.5 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup crumbled feta or cotija cheese
  • 0.5 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 0.5 cup mayonnaise
  • 0.25 cup sour cream
  • 2 tbsp lime juice (from about 1 lime)
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Set aside.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, corn, cherry tomatoes, red onion, crumbled feta, and cilantro. Toss gently to combine.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  • Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
  • Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Before serving, give the salad a good stir and adjust seasoning if needed.

Notes

Pro Tips: For the most authentic street corn flavor, use cotija cheese instead of feta. Don't skip the chilling step – letting the salad sit for at least 30 minutes (or overnight) allows the flavors to meld and deepen. If using fresh corn, you can grill it first for a smoky twist. This salad is incredibly versatile – add grilled chicken for protein, jalapeños for heat, or avocado for extra creaminess. It tastes even better the next day!