Juicy Street Corn Pasta Salad is a vibrant, flavorful dish inspired by Mexican street corn (elote), combining tender pasta with smoky charred corn, fresh herbs, and a zesty, creamy chili-lime dressing. Key ingredients include pasta (bowtie, rotini, or cavatappi), fresh or frozen corn charred for smoky depth, diced jalapeños, green onions, cilantro, cotija cheese, and avocado for creaminess.
The dressing blends mayonnaise, sour cream or crema, lime juice and zest, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and a touch of sriracha or chipotle for heat. All ingredients are tossed together and chilled, allowing the pasta to soak up the bold flavors.
The salad is festive, bright, and perfect for summer BBQs or a satisfying side dish anytime.