Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn)

Name: Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 8 oz dry pasta; 4 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen); ½ cup cotija cheese (or feta/parmesan); ½ red onion, diced; ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped; 1 jalapeno pepper, chopped; For the dressing: Greek yogurt, olive oil mayonnaise, lime zest and juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder

Published: July 20, 2025

by Victoria

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavorful Fusion: Enjoy the classic taste of Mexican street corn in a refreshing pasta salad.
Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time and simple ingredients, this dish comes together in 30 minutes or less.
Versatile Serving Options: Ideal as a side dish or main course; serve it warm or chilled according to your preference.
Great for Gatherings: Perfect for potlucks and barbecues as it serves up to 10 people!
Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe by adding your favorite veggies or proteins.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools can make preparing the Elote Pasta Salad much easier. Here are some essential items you’ll need to gather before you start cooking.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large pot
Strainer
Baking sheet
Mixing bowl
Whisk or spoon

Importance of Each Tool

Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta efficiently without crowding.
Strainer: Helps drain pasta quickly while maintaining its shape.
Baking sheet: Perfect for roasting corn evenly in the oven.
Mixing bowl: Provides ample space to combine all ingredients without mess.

Ingredients

For the Pasta Salad

8 oz dry pasta
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
Zest of 1 lime and juice of both limes
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 pasta according to the package directions. If you prefer al dente pasta, cook it for 1-2 minutes less than recommended. When done, drain and toss it with a drizzle of olive oil. Let it cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Corn

If using fresh corn, cook it using your preferred method and remove kernels from the cob. I recommend coating them in olive oil, salt, and pepper before wrapping in foil and roasting at 425°F (220°C) for 25-30 minutes. Alternatively, if using frozen corn, heat it in a skillet on medium-high heat until thawed and warmed through—about 4-5 minutes.

Step 3: Mix the Dressing

In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, olive oil mayonnaise, lime zest, lime juice, and spices. Whisk or stir well to ensure everything is combined smoothly.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, add cooled pasta along with corn kernels, cilantro, diced red onion, cotija cheese, and chopped jalapeno. Pour the dressing over everything and toss well to coat all ingredients evenly.

Step 5: Serve It Right!

If you’re making this salad ahead of time, wait to add cotija cheese and cilantro until right before serving to keep them fresh.

Enjoy your delicious Elote Pasta Salad!

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

Elote pasta salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that can be served in various ways. Whether at a summer barbecue or a casual get-together, this salad’s delightful blend of flavors will impress your guests.

As a Side Dish

Pair it with grilled meats like chicken or steak for a refreshing contrast.
Serve alongside tacos for a complete Mexican-inspired meal.

In Individual Portions

Use small mason jars to create individual servings, perfect for picnics or potlucks.
Top each jar with extra cotija cheese for an appealing presentation.

As a Main Course

Add shredded rotisserie chicken or black beans to make it more filling.
Serve it cold on a hot day as a light lunch option.

With Tortilla Chips

Present the salad with tortilla chips on the side for added crunch.
Encourage guests to scoop up the salad with chips for a fun twist.

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

To ensure your elote pasta salad turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

Use fresh corn: If possible, opt for fresh corn on the cob for better flavor and texture.
Adjust spice level: Feel free to add more jalapeno if you like it spicier or omit it if you prefer milder flavors.
Chill before serving: Letting the salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Mix just before serving: To maintain freshness, mix in the cilantro and cotija cheese right before serving.

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

Elote pasta salad pairs well with many delicious side dishes. Here are some great options to consider when planning your meal.

Grilled Chicken Skewers: Marinated chicken skewers add protein and are easy to cook on the grill.
Black Bean Tacos: Hearty black bean tacos offer a satisfying vegan option that complements the salad’s flavors.
Chili Lime Watermelon: A refreshing fruit salad with chili and lime is perfect for balancing savory dishes.
Guacamole and Chips: Creamy guacamole served with crispy tortilla chips makes for an irresistible appetizer.
Mexican Street Corn (Elote): For an authentic touch, serve traditional elote alongside your pasta salad.
Cilantro Lime Rice: This zesty rice dish enhances the Mexican theme while adding another layer of flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making the Elote Pasta Salad Recipe, there are a few common pitfalls that can affect your dish. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

Using Overcooked Pasta: Cooking pasta longer than necessary will make it mushy. Aim for al dente by cooking it 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions.
Skipping the Dressing: The dressing is key for flavor. Make sure you prepare it and mix it thoroughly with the other ingredients for a delicious taste.
Not Adding Fresh Ingredients Last: Adding ingredients like cotija cheese and cilantro too early can lead them to wilt or lose their flavor. Add these right before serving for the best results.
Ignoring Seasoning Adjustments: Each corn variety has a different sweetness level. Taste your salad before serving and adjust seasoning as needed to enhance flavors.
Forgetting to Chill: This salad tastes best when served cold. If you can, let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes after assembling.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Keep your Elote Pasta Salad Recipe in an airtight container.
It will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Store any leftover dressing separately to maintain freshness.

Freezing Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn)

Freezing is not recommended for this salad due to potential texture changes in the pasta and vegetables.
If necessary, freeze only the cooked corn and pasta separately, but it’s best enjoyed fresh.

Reheating Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn)

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the salad in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil to prevent drying out.
Microwave: Heat in short intervals of 30 seconds, stirring between each until warmed through. Be careful not to overheat as it may change the texture.
Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, stirring gently until warmed. You may need to add a little olive oil or water to keep it moist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen corn for the Elote Pasta Salad Recipe?

Yes, using frozen corn is perfectly fine! Just heat it in a skillet before adding it to your salad.

What is cotija cheese, and can I substitute it?

Cotija cheese is a crumbly Mexican cheese that adds a salty flavor. You can substitute it with feta or parmesan if needed.

How long does this Elote Pasta Salad last?

The salad lasts about 3 days in the refrigerator when stored properly in an airtight container.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare most of the salad ahead of time but add fresh herbs and cheese just before serving for optimal flavor.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make this Elote Pasta Salad gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta varieties available on the market.

Final Thoughts

This Elote Pasta Salad Recipe combines vibrant flavors reminiscent of Mexican street corn with tender pasta, making it perfect for gatherings or as a hearty side dish. It’s versatile; feel free to customize with additional veggies or proteins. Try this delightful recipe and experience its refreshing taste today!

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