Creamy, crunchy, and loaded with street corn flavor!

If there’s one dish that belongs at every backyard get-together, it’s pasta salad. But forget the bland, mayo-heavy version because this Backyard Street Corn Pasta Salad brings the party. It’s loaded with sweet corn, fresh veggies, a creamy chili-lime dressing, and a crunchy Takis topping that makes it impossible to stop eating. Think of it as the ultimate cookout sidekick: colorful, zesty, and just as fun as the games and laughter happening around the picnic table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy pasta salad with bold chili-lime flavor
• Loaded with roasted corn, fresh veggies, and cotija cheese
• Crunchy Takis topping for extra spice and texture
• Perfect side dish for BBQs, cookouts, and backyard parties
• Easy to make ahead and crowd-friendly

Ingredient Notes

• Pasta- Rotini or cavatappi work best because their twists hold the dressing.
• Corn- Grilled or roasted corn gives the salad its signature street corn flavor.
• Cotija cheese- A salty, crumbly cheese that’s classic for street corn; feta can be used in a pinch.
• Cilantro- Fresh herbs that brighten up the creamy flavors.
• Takis- Crushed chili-lime chips that add spice, crunch, and fun.

Before You Make

Do I need to grill the corn for this salad?
Nope! Grilled corn gives the best smoky flavor, but you can easily use roasted, frozen, or even canned corn. Just make sure it’s drained and patted dry so the salad doesn’t get watery.

Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes. You can prepare the pasta and veggies a day in advance, then mix in the dressing right before serving. For the best crunch, add the crushed Takis on top just before serving.

How spicy is this pasta salad?
It has a mild to medium heat thanks to the jalapeño and Takis. If you want it milder, skip the jalapeño seeds and use fewer chips.

FAQ

What pasta works best for pasta salad?
Short, twisty pasta like rotini or cavatappi works best because it holds onto the creamy dressing.

What can I substitute for cotija cheese?
Feta cheese is the closest match—it’s salty and crumbly just like cotija.

How long does this street corn pasta salad last?
Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors get even better, but the chips should always be added fresh.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check your chips for a gluten-free brand.

Is this pasta salad served warm or cold?
It’s meant to be served chilled or at room temperature, making it perfect for cookouts and potlucks.

Sprinkle of Fun

Serve this pasta salad at your next backyard hangout and turn it into a full-on fiesta. Set up a little “DIY lawn games corner” with cornhole, giant Jenga, or even a homemade ring toss. While everyone is laughing, competing, and soaking up the sunshine, pass around bowls of the salad. It’s the kind of dish that tastes even better when you’re barefoot in the grass, music playing, and friends grabbing second helpings between turns.