This Mexican street corn pasta salad takes everything you love about elote—sweet corn, creamy dressing, tangy cheese, and bold spices—and turns it into an easy, crowd-pleasing pasta salad.

This easy Mexican street corn pasta salad recipe is perfect for summer BBQs, potlucks, or an easy make-ahead side dish.

What is Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad?

Mexican street corn pasta salad is inspired by elote, a popular Mexican street food made with grilled corn, creamy sauce, cheese, lime, and spices. You all loved our Mexican street grilled corn salad so we added some pasta for a hearty, flavorful side dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Packed with bold Mexican street corn flavor
• Creamy, tangy, and slightly smoky
• Perfect for BBQs and potlucks
• Easy to make ahead
• Great as a side or a light main dish

Ingredients for Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

• Corn (grilled or roasted): sweet, smoky flavor (the star!)
  • TIP: Most grocery stores sell roasted corn in the freezer section which is a great shortcut!
• Butter: adds richness and helps bring out the natural sweetness of the corn
• Salt: enhances the flavor of the corn and the overall dish
• Pasta (ditalini or similar): hearty base that holds the dressing well
• Cotija Cheese: adds a salty, crumbly bite that’s classic for elote
• Avocados: add a creamy texture and fresh flavor
• Cilantro: adds a bright, herby finish
• Red Onion: adds a sharp bite and a little crunch

For the Dressing:

• Mayonnaise or Mexican Crema: adds a creamy base that coats everything evenly
• Sour Cream: adds tanginess and balances the richness
• Chili Powder: adds a mild smoky flavor and a hint of spice
• Cumin: adds warm, earthy flavor
• Lime Zest & Juice: adds brightness and a fresh citrusy kick
• Garlic: adds bold, savory depth
• Salt + Pepper: enhances and balances all the flavors

How to Make Homemade Coleslaw

If you’re looking for a simple, crowd-pleasing homemade coleslaw recipe, you’re in the right place. This one is creamy, crisp, and full of flavor with just a few easy ingredients.

I recently showed my husband how to make this homemade coleslaw, and now he’s hooked! He loves the contrast of the crisp cabbage and carrots paired with the creamy dressing. My quick and easy recipe uses a mix of green and purple cabbage for color and crunch, all tossed in a simple, flavorful homemade dressing.

With his southern roots, it was important that this coleslaw passed his taste test, and it did! I’m confident that once you try this American classic coleslaw recipe, it’ll become your go-to coleslaw recipe no matter where you’re from. Whether you’re piling it onto a pulled pork sandwich, serving it alongside burgers, or adding crunch to brisket tacos, this coleslaw will take your backyard barbecues to the next level.

Ingredients For The Perfect Homemade Coleslaw:

With just a few basic ingredients, you can whip up this easy coleslaw recipe in minutes. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Bag of Coleslaw Mix: I usually grab the pre-shredded cabbage mixture with green and red cabbage because it’s quick, easy, and tastes just as good as shredding it yourself. If you’re feeling ambitious, go ahead and slice your own with a sharp knife, food processor, or mandolin.
• Mayonnaise: This part really matters. I swear by Duke’s Mayo for the best flavor. Hellman’s is a decent substitute if that’s what you have on hand, but steer clear of light or avocado mayo unless you don’t mind changing the taste.
• Shredded Carrots: They add a little sweetness and crunch, and I love the pop of color they bring.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Just the right amount of tang to balance out the creamy dressing. If you’re out, lemon juice or white vinegar will work in a pinch.
• Sugar: Just a touch to round everything out and keep it from tasting too sharp.
• Salt and Pepper: A must for bringing all the flavors together.
• Celery Seed: Optional, but it gives the slaw that classic, savory flavor that makes it taste like the real deal.

How to Make Easy Homemade Coleslaw:

Making coleslaw at home couldn’t be easier. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a creamy, crunchy side dish in minutes.

1. Whisk: combine ACV, Sugar, Mayo, Salt, Pepper, and Celery Salt in a large bowl and stir until well combined.
2. Read more

Grilled Peach Caprese Salad Recipe

This Grilled Peach Caprese Salad might just be the most irresistible twist on caprese yet. Sweet grilled peaches, cool slices of mozzarella, ripe summer tomatoes, and creamy avocado all finished with a rich balsamic drizzle – it’s fresh, colorful, and packed with flavor in every bite.

Why We Love This Salad

This salad is a go-to around here because it’s simple, stunning, and packed with layers of flavor – sweet grilled fruit, creamy mozzarella, and that tangy balsamic glaze. We served it at a church BBQ and the entire platter disappeared faster than anything else on the table. It’s one of those dishes that looks fancy, tastes even better, and takes almost no effort to pull off.

What to Serve It With

My grilled peach salad makes an easy, elegant pairing for just about any summer meal. We especially love it with BBQ dishes, grilled meats, or anything rich and savory. Try it with our juicy Flank Steak, herby Easy 3 Ingredient Chicken Marinade, or a side of our Secret Best Grilled Corn for the ultimate warm-weather dinner.

Ingredients for Grilled Peach Avocado Caprese Salad

This salad is fresh, simple, and full of texture – no fancy ingredients, just a few summery staples that shine on their own.

• Lemons: Grilled for a sweet, smoky citrus flavor.
• Peach: Ripe and thickly sliced so it caramelizes on the grill.
• Olive Oil: Helps with grilling and adds richness.
• Tomatoes: Juicy and vibrant – summer tomatoes work best.
• Avocado: Sliced just before serving for creamy texture.
• Sea Salt or Sea Salt Flakes: A good finishing salt makes all the difference.
• Fresh Ground Black Pepper: Adds balance and warmth.
• Fresh Mozzarella: Soft and milky – mozzarella pearls or burrata work too.
• Arugula or Arugula Mix: Adds peppery crunch and stretches the salad for a crowd.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Reduced to a sweet, glossy drizzle.