Amazing Street Corn Pasta Salad

It’s time to say hi to the BEST pasta salad I’ve ever made in my life! I first made this street corn pasta salad a few years ago and AK readers raved about it.

Well, it’s back again with a reminder to make it for all of your summer BBQs, parties and weeknight dinners. LET’S DO THIS THANG.

I’ve had a lot of experience with a wide variety of pasta salads. My Dad used to make his famous tuna noodle with lots of miracle whip while mom preferred the healthier pesto and tomato based pasta salads. Basically, I grew up on pasta salads and wouldn’t have it any other way.

Usually my go-to pasta salads are my Mediterranean pasta salad with beautiful roasted vegetables and my chickpea avocado pasta salad which is perfect for vegetarians who want extra protein. Both delicious options, but nowhere near as incredible as this street corn pasta salad! I’m telling you, it’s a recipe you’re going to want to make again and again. PROMISE.

I first came up with this recipe when Tony and I were on one of our long morning walks by the lake. I was dreaming about a way to make a unique pesto and since I’m basically obsessed with cilantro, I knew that had to be it. First I thought about putting it on grilled street corn, but in my brain the recipe kept evolving, and I’m so glad it did. This street corn pasta salad is so fresh and flavorful, I could eat it every single day.

Ingredients in street corn pasta salad

• Grilled corn. The star of the show. Drizzle two ears of corn with a little avocado or olive oil, sprinkle with cumin and chili powder, then a sprinkle of salt and pepper. You’ll grill it to perfection, then shave off the corn with a knife.
• Pasta. You can use any kind of pasta you like, although we really loved bowtie pasta in this. I also think rotini would be fantastic. My favorite gluten free pasta is the Trader Joe’s brown rice pasta. If you have any other great gluten free pasta recommendations, I’d love to hear them in the comments!
• Cilantro pesto. This is basically a version of basil pesto, except we’re using lime juice, jalapeño, cashews and of course, lots of fresh cilantro aka my life blood. You might want to just double the batch and save some for putting on EVERYTHING (tacos, enchiladas, sandwiches, etc!).
• Avocado. We’re making this heart healthy by adding ripe avocado. Plus, it adds another layer of creaminess.
• Goat cheese. My latest obsession that I can’t stop putting in everything. If you’re not into goat cheese, sub feta!
• Red bell pepper: Adds a nice crunch factor and makes the pasta pretty.
• Red onion: We’re only using a little bit, but it adds a ton of flavor. If you love onions, add more!

How to make street corn pasta salad

1. First, grill your corn. Preheat your grill to high and drizzle corn with olive or avocado oil. Sprinkle with chili powder, cumin, salt and pepper. Place the corn directly on grill and turn occasionally until corn is charred and cooked, about 10 minutes. Allow corn to cool then cut the corn from the cob and set aside.
2. While the corn is cooking, you can boil your pasta until al dente, according to the directions on the pasta package.
3. Once the pasta is done, drain, rinse with cool water then add to a large bowl.
4. Next make the cilantro pesto: Add cilantro, cashews, lime juice, garlic clove, jalapeno, olive oil, salt and pepper to the bowl of a food processor. Process until smooth, add water if necessary to help thin the pesto and make it easier to process.
5. Add the pesto directly to the bowl with the pasta and mix to combine.
6. Next add in the corn, red bell pepper, avocado, goat cheese and red onion. Gently mix together.
7. Place in fridge for serving for later, or serve immediately! Once ready to serve, garnish with extra cilantro, avocado, goat cheese and jalapeno slices, if you’d like.

Extra tips for making it

• Be sure to salt your pasta water and only cook until it’s al dente. This will ensure that it’s nicely seasoned and doesn’t get mushy.
• Use a ripe, but firm, avocado so that it stays intact as you mix.
• Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice if the pasta salad will be sitting out for a bit or if you’re making it ahead of time. This will prevent the avocado from browning.
• I suggest adding grilled chicken to this recipe to make it a main meal.

Customize this street corn pasta salad

• If you don’t have a grill or any sweet corn available, canned corn will work just fine.
• To make it vegan: simply omit the cheese.
• Add a boost of protein with grilled chicken, shrimp, or even black beans!
• Feel free to add or swap extra veggies like grape tomatoes and arugula.

How to make street corn pasta salad ahead of time

You can absolutely make this recipe ahead of time! Just add everything except avocado. Store covered in the fridge until ready to serve. Once ready to serve add avocado and a little lime juice.

Personally, I love this pasta for parties. It makes about 6-8 side servings (or 4-5 large main servings), but people that I’ve tested it on have loved it so much that they’ve gone back for more! I promise you will too. I’ll be making it for the 4th of July and can’t wait to have it again.

P.S. Tony says it tastes like a Chipotle burrito bowl, which in his book means it’s pretty epic!

See how to make the street corn pasta salad:

If you try this street corn pasta salad, be sure to leave a comment and rate it below and let me know how you liked it. And of course, don’t forget to snap a photo and tag #ambitiouskitchen on Instagram so I can see your beautiful creations. xo!

Recipe by: Monique Volz // Ambitious Kitchen | Photography by: Eat Love Eats

More summer BBQ recipes you’ll love

Avocado Strawberry Mango Salsa

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Ultimate Vegan Black Bean Burgers with Creamy Tahini Garlic Sauce

Firecracker Salmon with Peach Avocado Salsa

Jalapeño-Goat Cheese Grilled Stuffed Mini Peppers