This delicious Juicy Street Corn Pasta Salad comes together in about 30 minutes and is made all in one bowl for a quick and easy weeknight meal that your family will love! Switch up the veggies or use whatever you have lying around in the fridge to make it truly your own. Whether you’re looking for a light side for BBQs or an easy dinner to whip up on a busy night, this pasta salad ticks all the boxes!
Ingredients You’ll Need
8 oz Pasta
Pasta is the heart of this dish! I prefer rotini or fusilli for this recipe because those little twists hold onto the dressing beautifully, but you can use whatever shape you have on hand penne, farfalle, or even macaroni will work wonderfully here too!
2 Cups Fresh Corn (or Canned)
Fresh corn adds that sweet, crisp bite that makes this salad a standout. It’s a nod to the classic street corn, which is my absolute favorite! However, frozen or canned corn will work beautifully in a pinch, just rinse it off before adding to the mix!
1 Bell Pepper, Diced
I like to use a red bell pepper for its sweetness and vibrant color, but feel free to swap in yellow or orange for a different kick. They all add a nice crunch and brightness to the salad.
1/2 Red Onion, Diced
Red onion gives a little zing! I prefer it for its mildness compared to yellow onion. If you’re on the fence about raw onion, soaking it in cold water for a few minutes can tone down that sharpness.
1 Cup Cherry Tomatoes, Halved
These little bursts of juiciness are a fabulous addition. They add a fresh sweetness and just look so appealing when you slice them open! Regular tomatoes can work too, but make sure you’ve got something that’s going to provide a good moisture balance.
1/4 Cup Cilantro, Chopped
Cilantro really ties the whole dish together with its fresh flavor! If you’re not a fan, feel free to use parsley. Or omit it entirely, there’s no hard and fast rule here. Cooking should be fun!
1/4 Cup Mayonnaise
A little creamy magic to make everything stick together. I find that using a good quality mayo really enhances the flavors, but if you want it lighter, Greek yogurt is a great substitute.
1/4 Cup Sour Cream
This adds some depth and a slight tang. Full-fat sour cream works best for that creamy texture, but you can go with Greek yogurt here, too, if you’re feeling adventurous!
1 Lime, Juiced
The zest from lime wakes all the flavors in this salad up! Plus, the acidity helps balance the creaminess of the dressing. If you’re in a pinch, bottled lime juice will do, but fresh is always ideal.
Salt and Pepper to Taste
Just a couple pinches really bring those flavors out! It helps them shine like they deserve, don’t skimp on this step.
Let’s Get Cooking!
1. Boil the Pasta
Start by cooking your chosen pasta according to the package instructions. Make sure to salt your water for flavor! Once done, drain and let it cool. This should take about 10-12 minutes. Trust me, you don’t want hot pasta in your salad, it’ll wilt your veggies!
2. Mix the Veggies
Grab a large mixing bowl (the bigger, the better!) and toss in the cooled pasta, fresh corn, diced bell pepper, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and chopped cilantro. Each color in this bowl is a feast for the eyes!
3. Whisk the Dressing
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, and a couple pinches of salt and pepper until smooth and creamy (about 1-2 minutes). Your kitchen will start smelling so good right about now!
4. Combine Everything
Pour that golden dressing over your pasta mixture and toss everything together gently, just enough to coat without smashing the ingredients (about 1-2 minutes). Oh man, doesn’t it look vibrant?
5. Chill and Serve
Cover the bowl and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This lets those flavors meld together in the most wonderful way. Enjoy it at your summer BBQs or casual potlucks!
Why I Love This Recipe
This is my go-to recipe when I’m looking for something quick, light, and super flavorful! It’s my family’s favorite comfort food, especially on warm summer nights when the thought of a heavy dinner feels a bit… much. I’m a real sucker for anything that can evolve based on what I have in the fridge, this salad is just that! You can swap in leftover veggies or nudge the dressing here and there depending on your preferences.
If you loved this Juicy Street Corn Pasta Salad, be sure to check out my Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta, my Healthy Broccoli Pasta, or my Best Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
This salad comes together in under 30 minutes! No standing over a hot stove for hours just chop, whisk, and enjoy! It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need that dinner ready in a flash.
One Pot Wonder
Minimal cleanup is required here since everything is made in one bowl. Just toss ingredients in, give it a mix, and you’re done! That means more time for family and less time scrubbing pots!
Customizable
Use whatever ingredients you have on hand! If you’re missing an item here or there, no stress this salad can handle it. Toss in some black beans for protein, zucchini for more veggies, or even a dash of chili powder for a kick.
Budget-Friendly
This recipe is super affordable! Using everyday ingredients means you don’t have to break the bank to throw a fantastic meal.
Crowd-Pleaser
Trust me, the whole family will love it! It’s loaded with crunch and creamy goodness, making it a showstopper at any gathering.
Serving and Storage Tips
How to Serve This Salad
Serve this pasta salad chilled. Perfect as a side for grilled meats, as a light lunch, or even at potlucks and picnics.
Storage
This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for about 3-5 days. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container to maintain that freshness!
Reheating Tips
It’s best served cold, but if you do have leftovers and want to heat it up, a couple seconds in the microwave should do the trick, just don’t overdo it!
Freezer-Friendly?
Honestly, I wouldn’t recommend freezing it. The textures won’t hold well once thawed. But, believe me, it’s so good you’ll probably eat it all before leftovers are even an option!
So there you have it a seriously simple and incredibly tasty Juicy Street Corn Pasta Salad that your family will love! I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do. Can’t wait to hear how it turns out for you!
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Juicy Street Corn Pasta Salad
Ingredients
Method
- Start by cooking your chosen pasta according to the package instructions. Make sure to salt your water for flavor! Once done, drain and let it cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, toss in the cooled pasta, fresh corn, diced bell pepper, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and chopped cilantro.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, and a couple pinches of salt and pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the dressing over your pasta mixture and toss everything together gently until everything is coated.
- Cover the bowl and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.