Name: Street Corn Pasta Salad with Cilantro Pesto & Goat Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Ingredients: 2 large ears of corn, shucked and cleaned; 1-2 teaspoons avocado or olive oil; ½ teaspoon chili powder; ½ teaspoon cumin; Freshly ground salt and pepper, to taste; 8 ounces bow tie pasta (or your favorite pasta); 1 red bell pepper, diced; ½ avocado, diced; ⅓ cup goat cheese crumbles; ½ cup diced red onion; 1 cup cilantro leaves (about ½ a bunch); ⅓ cup roasted or raw cashews; 1 small lime, juiced; 1 clove garlic; 1 jalapeño, seeded; 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil; ¼ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1-2 tablespoons water, if necessary to thin the pesto; Extra cilantro; ½ avocado, sliced (optional); 2 tablespoons goat cheese crumbles; Jalapeño slices (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 15 reviews

If you’re craving a dish that bursts with vibrant colors, bold flavors, and fresh ingredients, you’ve got to try this Street Corn Pasta Salad with Cilantro Pesto & Goat Cheese Recipe. It’s a delightful celebration of sweet, smoky grilled corn paired with creamy goat cheese and a zesty cilantro pesto that brings everything together beautifully. This salad is perfect for warm-weather get-togethers, potlucks, or anytime you want a meal that feels both fresh and indulgent. The textures, from tender pasta to crunchy red onion, and the bright herbal notes all sing in harmony, making this one recipe you’ll reach for again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white bowl full of dry farfalle pasta placed at the center on a white marbled surface. Around the bowl, there are two ears of yellow corn at the bottom left, a whole halved avocado with bright green inside and the seed visible above the bowl, a bunch of fresh green cilantro on the top left, a red bell pepper on the top right, and a small purple onion at the bottom center. Nearby, there are two small white bowls, one with white cheese and the other with cashew nuts, along with a small bowl of red spices and a small bowl with a golden oil-like liquid. Two halves of lime and a green chili pepper are also near the bottom of the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every component in this salad plays a crucial role, making it both simple and vibrant. From the smoky grilled corn to the creamy goat cheese and the fresh punch of cilantro pesto, these ingredients deliver a perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color.

Corn: 2 large ears of corn, shucked and cleaned – fresh corn adds a naturally sweet, smoky base that makes this salad sing.
Oil: 1-2 teaspoons avocado or olive oil – helps char the corn perfectly while adding a subtle richness.
Spices: ½ teaspoon chili powder & ½ teaspoon cumin – bring warmth and depth that elevate the grilled corn.
Salt and Pepper: Freshly ground, to taste – essential seasoning that enhances all the flavors.
Pasta: 8 ounces bow tie pasta (or your favorite shape) – holds the salad together with a tender bite.
Vegetables: 1 red bell pepper diced, ½ avocado diced, ½ cup diced red onion – these add freshness, creaminess, and crunch.
Goat Cheese: ⅓ cup crumbles – adds tangy creaminess that complements the smoky, spicy notes perfectly.
Cilantro Pesto: 1 cup cilantro leaves, ⅓ cup cashews, juice of 1 small lime, 1 garlic clove, 1 seeded jalapeño, 2 tablespoons olive or avocado oil, ¼ teaspoon salt plus freshly ground black pepper – this vibrant sauce ties everything together with fresh, zesty flavor.
Water: 1-2 tablespoons as needed – to adjust pesto consistency for easy mixing.
Garnishes: Extra cilantro, avocado, goat cheese, and optional jalapeño slices – for that final fresh, inviting touch.

How to Make Street Corn Pasta Salad with Cilantro Pesto & Goat Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Grill the Corn to Perfection

Start by preheating your grill to high heat. Drizzle the corn with avocado or olive oil, sprinkling on chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Place the corn directly on the grill, turning occasionally until the kernels are beautifully charred and tender, about 10 minutes. The smoky char from the grill will develop the dish’s signature depth of flavor, so don’t rush this step!

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

While your corn is grilling, boil the bow tie pasta until it reaches a perfect al dente texture according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cool water to stop the cooking process and keep the noodles firm and fresh—this ensures your salad won’t turn mushy later.

Step 3: Make the Cilantro Pesto

In a food processor, combine fresh cilantro leaves, cashews, lime juice, garlic, seeded jalapeño, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Pulse until smooth, adding water one tablespoon at a time if needed to thin the pesto slightly. This bright, nutty pesto will infuse the salad with a fresh herbal note and a hint of heat.

Step 4: Combine the Salad

Pour the vibrant cilantro pesto over the cooled pasta and stir until every piece is beautifully coated. Next, fold in the grilled corn kernels, diced red bell pepper, avocado, goat cheese crumbles, and red onion. Mix gently so all the ingredients harmonize without mashing the delicate avocado or goat cheese.

Step 5: Chill or Serve

You can enjoy the salad immediately or pop it in the refrigerator for a couple of hours to let the flavors meld. When you’re ready, garnish with extra cilantro, more avocado slices, additional goat cheese, or even jalapeño slices for an extra kick. This step makes the dish as visually appealing as it is tasty.

How to Serve Street Corn Pasta Salad with Cilantro Pesto & Goat Cheese Recipe

Two white bowls filled with a colorful layered salad sit on a white marbled surface. The salad has small square pieces of light yellow avocado scattered on top, along with bright green slices of jalapeño pepper and tiny white crumbles of cheese. There are visible red bell pepper chunks and beige grains mixed throughout. One bowl has a silver spoon inside, and a woman's hand holds the spoon, ready to scoop. Nearby, there are sprigs of green cilantro and half a lime showing its bright green interior. The overall scene is fresh and vibrant with a mix of creamy, crunchy, and soft textures. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Garnishing thoughtfully makes all the difference. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro leaves adds bright green vibrancy, while extra goat cheese crumbles bring delightful creaminess. For those who love a little heat, thin slices of jalapeño work beautifully. A few slices of fresh avocado on top provide a buttery finish that invites you to dig right in.

Side Dishes

This salad is a fantastic main event for a casual lunch or side dish for BBQs and picnics. Pair it with grilled chicken or shrimp to add protein, or serve alongside fresh crusty bread to round out the meal. It also works as a colorful complement to lighter dishes like a simple green salad or citrus-marinated grilled vegetables.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation matters! Try serving this salad in clear glass bowls or layered parfait-style in individual jars for a festive look. It’s also lovely when spooned atop large lettuce leaves or served alongside lime wedges to add a fresh citrus burst at the table. These ideas elevate the salad, turning it into a stunning centerpiece at any gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers of this Street Corn Pasta Salad with Cilantro Pesto & Goat Cheese Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 2 to 3 days, although the avocado might brown slightly. Adding a bit of fresh lime juice before storing can help maintain the avocado’s vibrant color.

Freezing

This salad is best enjoyed fresh and does not freeze well because the creamy avocado and goat cheese can change texture after thawing. For the best experience, prepare only what you plan to eat within a couple of days.

Reheating

Since this salad shines brightest cold or at room temperature, reheating isn’t recommended. If you prefer it slightly warmer, allow it to sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before serving rather than microwaving, to preserve the fresh textures and flavors.

FAQs

Can I substitute the goat cheese with another cheese?

Absolutely! Feta cheese works well as a tangy, crumbly alternative, though goat cheese offers a creamier texture and a distinct flavor that pairs wonderfully with this salad.

What can I use if I don’t have a grill for the corn?

You can char the corn in a hot cast-iron skillet on the stove or roast it under the broiler, turning frequently until it develops a nice char. This still brings out that smoky flavor essential to the recipe.

Is this recipe vegan-friendly?

To make it vegan, skip the goat cheese and add more cashews or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Also, ensure your oil and other ingredients meet your dietary preferences.

How spicy is this salad?

The heat level is moderate and adjustable, thanks to the seeded jalapeño. For less spice, omit the jalapeño or reduce its quantity; for more kick, add in some seeds or extra slices as a garnish.

Can I use dried pasta instead of fresh?

This recipe calls for dry bow tie pasta, but any dry pasta shape you love will work. Just be sure to cook it al dente and rinse to keep the perfect texture in the salad.

Final Thoughts

Every bite of this Street Corn Pasta Salad with Cilantro Pesto & Goat Cheese Recipe is like a burst of sunshine on your plate. It’s fresh, creamy, spicy, and satisfying all at once, making it a true crowd-pleaser whether for a picnic, potluck, or a simple weeknight dinner. I promise, once you try it, it’ll become one of your go-to recipes for showcasing seasonal corn with a flavorful twist. So grab your ingredients and give it a whirl—you won’t regret it!