Street-Corn Pasta Salad

Published: May 26, 2025

by Sarah Connor

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Street-Corn Pasta Salad is not only easy to prepare but also bursting with flavors that dance on your palate
You can customize it based on what you have in your fridge
Its colorful presentation makes it a showstopper at any gathering
Perfect for summer cookouts, yet versatile enough for cozy dinners at home

I remember making this salad for a friend’s barbecue last summer. Their delighted faces told me everything—I think I might have created some real food magic!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Pasta: Use any shape you love; my favorites are fusilli or penne for their sauce-hugging abilities.
Sweet Corn: Fresh or canned works well; just make sure it’s sweet to elevate the flavor!
Red Bell Pepper: Adds a crisp texture and vibrant color—go for firm ones without blemishes. BBQ Meatball Skewers with Pineapple.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brings brightness; if you’re not a fan, parsley is a great substitute.
Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice brightens up the entire salad—don’t skimp on this!
Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta adds creaminess and tang; feel free to adjust based on your taste.
Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for its rich flavor—your salad will thank you later!
Salt and Pepper: Essential for bringing all those flavors together—season generously!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.

Add the Corn: If using fresh corn, grill or boil until tender, then slice off the kernels. If using canned corn, simply drain it well and add it to the cooled pasta.

Mingle Those Veggies: Dice the red bell pepper and chop fresh cilantro while admiring how colorful your kitchen now looks! Toss these into your big bowl along with the pasta.

Create the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice and olive oil until blended well. Season generously with salt and pepper—taste testing is encouraged!

Toss Everything Together: Pour the dressing over your pasta mixture and toss gently to combine all those fabulous flavors without crushing anything.

Add Feta: Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top and give one final toss. Admire how beautiful this Street-Corn Pasta Salad looks before serving—it’s almost too pretty to eat! For more inspiration, check out this chicken sausages with pasta recipe.

And there you have it! A delightful Street-Corn Pasta Salad that not only impresses but also satisfies hunger pangs while keeping things light and fresh. Enjoy! For more inspiration, check out this fresh herbed tuna salad recipe.

You Must Know

Street-Corn Pasta Salad is a vibrant dish combining flavors and textures that pop!
It’s perfect for summer BBQs or potlucks
The crunchy corn, creamy dressing, and tangy lime make it a crowd-pleaser
Plus, it’s easy to prepare, ensuring you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the party!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by boiling the pasta until al dente. While it’s cooking, grill or char the corn for that smoky flavor. Toss everything together with fresh ingredients and dressing for a delicious finish.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out ingredients like using quinoa instead of pasta or adding black beans for extra protein. Customize with your favorite herbs or spices to make it truly yours!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For best results, enjoy it cold; simply toss before serving to refresh the flavors.

Chef's Helpful Tips

To achieve the best flavor in your Street-Corn Pasta Salad, don’t skip grilling the corn; it adds depth
Make sure to taste as you go, adjusting seasoning as needed
Lastly, let it chill for at least 30 minutes before serving for optimal flavor melding

Sharing my first experience making Street-Corn Pasta Salad was unforgettable. Friends raved about it at a picnic, and I felt like a culinary rock star when they requested the recipe! Spicy Corn Ribs Recipe.

FAQ

What type of pasta is best for Street-Corn Pasta Salad?

Use short pasta like rotini or fusilli for great texture and flavor absorption.

Can I make Street-Corn Pasta Salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! It tastes even better after marinating overnight in the fridge.

What can I use instead of mayonnaise in this salad?

Greek yogurt or avocado are excellent mayo alternatives that keep it creamy yet light.

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📖 Recipe Card