Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn)

This Elote Pasta Salad Recipe brings the vibrant flavors of Mexican street corn right to your table. With roasted corn, creamy dressing, and zesty lime, this dish is perfect for summer barbecues, potlucks, or a simple weeknight dinner. Its blend of textures and tastes will please everyone, making it a go-to favorite in your recipe collection.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bursting with Flavor: This salad combines sweet corn, spicy jalapenos, and creamy cotija cheese for a delightful taste experience.
• Easy to Prepare: With just a few steps, you can whip up this delicious pasta salad quickly—perfect for busy days.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it as a side at barbecues or enjoy it as a main dish; it’s great for any occasion.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with corn and Greek yogurt, this salad offers nutritious benefits without sacrificing taste.
• Make Ahead Friendly: Prepare it in advance for meal prep or potlucks—just add garnishes before serving!

Tools and Preparation

To make this Elote Pasta Salad effortless, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment on hand will streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Colander
• Baking sheet (if roasting corn)
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk or spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta efficiently.
• Colander: Helps drain pasta effectively while keeping it intact.
• Baking sheet: Perfect for roasting corn evenly for enhanced flavor.
• Mixing bowl: Necessary for combining all ingredients seamlessly.

Ingredients

This Elote Pasta Salad has all the flavors of traditional Mexican street corn with roasted corn, tender pasta, cotija cheese, fresh herbs, and a creamy dressing. It might just be your new favorite pasta salad recipe!

For the Salad

• 8 oz pasta, dry
• 4 cups whole corn kernels (454g), or 16 oz bag of frozen corn
• ½ cup cotija cheese, crumbled (75g), or queso fresco, feta, or parmesan cheese
• ½ a red onion, diced (215g)
• ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (8g), or fresh parsley
• 1 jalapeno pepper, pulp and seeds removed, chopped

For the Dressing

• 1 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt (226g)
• 2 Tbsp olive oil mayonnaise
• 2 limes, zest of 1 and juice of both
• 1½ tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder

How to Make Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn)

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Cook the pasta according to package directions. If you prefer al dente pasta:
1. Cook it 1-2 minutes less than the instructions suggest.
2. Drain the cooked pasta and drizzle with olive oil to prevent sticking. Let it cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Corn

If using fresh ears of corn:
1. Cook using your preferred method (boil or grill).
2. Remove kernels from the cob after cooking. I recommend roasting them by coating with olive oil, salt, and pepper before wrapping in foil and baking at 425°F (220°C) for 25-30 minutes.

If using frozen corn:
1. Heat in a skillet over medium-high until thawed and warm (about 4-5 minutes).

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl:
1. Combine Greek yogurt with olive oil mayonnaise.
2. Add lime zest, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
3. Mix well using a whisk or spoon until smooth.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl:
1. Add cooled pasta along with prepared corn, cilantro, red onion, cotija cheese, and jalapeno.
2. Pour the dressing over everything and toss gently to combine.

Step 5: Serve

If making ahead:
– Wait to add cotija cheese and cilantro until just before serving to maintain freshness.

Now you’re ready to enjoy your delicious Elote Pasta Salad!

How to Serve Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn)

Elote Pasta Salad is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or enjoying a family dinner, this salad will impress your guests and elevate any meal.

As a Side Dish

• This salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats like chicken or steak. The smoky flavors complement the creamy pasta well.

At Picnics and Potlucks

• Perfect for sharing, Elote Pasta Salad is a crowd-pleaser at gatherings. It’s easy to transport and can be served cold.

As a Light Lunch

• Enjoy it on its own for a refreshing lunch option. It’s filling yet light, making it ideal for warm days.

With Tortilla Chips

• Serve the salad alongside tortilla chips for added crunch. This creates a fun twist on classic nachos!

How to Perfect Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn)

To ensure your Elote Pasta Salad turns out amazing every time, keep these tips in mind.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh corn and herbs enhance the flavor and texture of the salad significantly.

• Adjust spice levels: Feel free to modify the jalapeno quantity based on your heat preference, making it milder or spicier as desired.

• Chill before serving: Allowing the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes enhances the flavors as they meld together.

• Add extra toppings: For more flavor, consider garnishing with additional cotija cheese or lime wedges before serving.

Best Side Dishes for Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn)

Elote Pasta Salad is delicious on its own but pairs wonderfully with other dishes. Here are some great side options to consider.

1. Grilled Chicken Skewers: Marinated chicken grilled to perfection provides a protein-packed addition to your meal.

2. Black Bean Tacos: Flavorful black bean tacos bring a hearty element that complements the fresh pasta salad.

3. Mexican Street Corn: For an authentic touch, serve traditional street corn alongside the pasta salad for double the flavor!

4. Guacamole and Salsa: A dip combo adds freshness and zest, perfect for scooping with tortilla chips while enjoying your meal.

5. Cilantro Lime Rice: This aromatic rice dish offers a light yet satisfying complement to the creamy pasta salad.

6. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies provide color and nutrition, enhancing both taste and presentation of your table setting.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Elote Pasta Salad requires attention to detail. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Skipping the cooling step: If you don’t let the pasta cool before mixing, it can become mushy and ruin the salad texture. Always toss it in olive oil and let it cool before combining with other ingredients.

• Using too much dressing: Adding too much dressing can make your salad soggy. Start with a smaller amount and add more as needed to achieve your desired creaminess.

• Neglecting seasoning: Failing to season at each step can leave your salad bland. Season the corn, pasta, and dressing separately for a more flavorful dish.

• Overcooking corn: Whether using fresh or frozen corn, overcooking can diminish its sweetness and crunch. Cook just until tender to keep that fresh flavor.

• Forgetting toppings: Adding cotija cheese and cilantro too early can cause them to lose their freshness. Mix these ingredients in right before serving for optimal taste and presentation.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Elote Pasta Salad in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
• Keep the cotija cheese and cilantro separate until serving for better freshness.

Freezing Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn)

• It is not recommended to freeze this pasta salad due to its creamy dressing.
• The texture of the pasta may change upon thawing, making it less enjoyable.

Reheating Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn)

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm covered for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe dish for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn)?

Elote Pasta Salad is a fusion dish that combines traditional Mexican street corn flavors with pasta, featuring roasted corn, creamy dressing, and cheese.

Can I customize my Elote Pasta Salad?

Absolutely! You can add diced bell peppers, black beans, or avocado for extra flavor and texture. Adjust spices according to your taste preferences as well.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make this salad gluten-free, simply use gluten-free pasta. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Can I use different types of cheese in the Elote Pasta Salad Recipe?

Yes! While cotija is traditional, you can substitute queso fresco, feta, or even parmesan cheese based on your preference.

How long will my Elote Pasta Salad stay fresh?

When stored properly in the refrigerator, this salad will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Just keep an eye on the texture of the ingredients!

Final Thoughts

This Elote Pasta Salad Recipe offers a delightful blend of flavors reminiscent of Mexican street corn while being versatile enough for any occasion. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients or spice levels. It’s perfect as a side dish at barbecues or potlucks! Try it today; you won’t be disappointed!

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Elote Pasta Salad

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x

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Description

Elote Pasta Salad is a refreshing twist on traditional Mexican street corn, perfect for summer gatherings or casual weeknight dinners. This vibrant dish features roasted corn, tender pasta, and a creamy dressing that beautifully balances zesty lime and spices. Each bite is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, making it an instant favorite at barbecues, potlucks, or as a light lunch. With its nutritious ingredients like Greek yogurt and fresh herbs, you can indulge guilt-free. This easy-to-make salad can be prepared in advance, ensuring you have a delicious side or main ready to impress your guests.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz dry pasta
• 4 cups whole corn kernels (or 16 oz frozen corn)
• ½ cup cotija cheese (or queso fresco/feta)
• ½ red onion, diced
• ½ cup fresh cilantro (or parsley)
• 1 jalapeno pepper, chopped
• 1 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt
• 2 Tbsp olive oil mayo
• zest and juice of 2 limes
• chili powder
• smoked paprika
• garlic powder

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Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente; drain and let cool.
2. Roast fresh corn or heat frozen corn in a skillet.
3. In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt with mayo, lime zest/juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, and garlic powder until smooth.
4. In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta with corn, cilantro, onion, cotija cheese, and jalapeno. Add dressing and toss gently.
5. Chill before serving for enhanced flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 410mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 15mg