Name: Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 8 oz dry pasta; 4 cups whole corn kernels (or 16 oz frozen corn); ½ cup crumbled cotija cheese (or queso fresco/feta); ½ red onion, diced; ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (or parsley); 1 jalapeno pepper, chopped (seeds removed); 1 cup plain Greek yogurt; 2 Tbsp mayonnaise; 1 lime, zest and juice; ½ tsp chili powder; ½ tsp smoked paprika; ½ tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp kosher salt; ¼ tsp black pepper

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If you’re looking for a deliciously refreshing dish that combines the classic flavors of Mexican street corn with the comfort of pasta, you’ve come to the right place! This Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn) is not just about taste; it’s a celebration of vibrant ingredients and textures. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, packing a quick lunch for work, or simply craving something flavorful for dinner, this pasta salad is your go-to. It’s light yet satisfying, making it perfect for any occasion.

The best part? This dish comes together quickly and easily, so you can enjoy all the goodies without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll find yourself making it time and time again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to prepare: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, you can whip up this delightful salad even on your busiest days.
Bursting with flavor: The combination of roasted corn, fresh herbs, and zesty lime brings an explosion of taste in every bite.
Perfect for meal prep: This salad keeps well in the fridge, making it ideal for make-ahead lunches or picnics.
Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the creamy dressing and crunchy veggies, making it a hit at family gatherings.
Versatile options: You can easily customize this recipe to fit your dietary preferences or ingredient availability.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this delightful Elote Pasta Salad, gather these simple and wholesome ingredients. They are packed with flavor and will transform your dish into a fiesta on a plate!

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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

Olive oil mayonnaise
1 cup plain Greek yogurt (226g)
2 Tbsp mayonnaise (30g)
1 lime, zest and juice (about 2 Tbsp lime juice)
½ tsp chili powder
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp kosher salt
¼ tsp black pepper

Variations

This Elote Pasta Salad is incredibly flexible! You can easily adapt it to suit your taste preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some fun ideas:

Swap the cheese: Try using vegan cheese if you’re looking for a plant-based version without compromising on flavor.
Add some protein: Toss in grilled chicken or chickpeas for an extra boost of protein to make it even more filling.
Make it spicier: If you love heat, add more jalapenos or sprinkle in some cayenne pepper for an added kick!
Go gluten-free: Substitute traditional pasta with gluten-free pasta to enjoy this salad without worries.

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

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by cooking your pasta according to the package directions. If you prefer al dente pasta—a little firmer in texture—cook it just 1-2 minutes less than suggested. Once done, drain the pasta and toss it with a drizzle of olive oil. This helps prevent sticking while adding a lovely richness as it cools down.

Step 2: Prepare the Corn

If you’re using fresh corn on the cob, cook it using your favorite method until it’s tender. I love roasting mine at 425°F (220°C) wrapped in foil; it really brings out that sweet flavor! After about 25-30 minutes in the oven, let it cool before cutting off those delicious kernels. If using frozen corn, simply heat it through in a skillet over medium-high heat until it’s warmed—about 4-5 minutes will do!

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Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt with olive oil mayonnaise along with lime zest, lime juice, and spices. Whisk everything together until you have a smooth dressing that’s packed with flavor. This dressing ties everything together beautifully!

Step 4: Assemble Your Salad

In a large bowl, combine your cooled pasta with roasted corn kernels, chopped cilantro (or parsley), diced red onion, crumbled cotija cheese, and chopped jalapeno. Pour that fabulous dressing over everything and toss gently yet thoroughly until all ingredients are coated evenly.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!

If you’re preparing this salad ahead of time for an event or lunch during the week, save adding cotija cheese and cilantro until just before serving to keep things fresh! Then dig in and enjoy every colorful bite of this wonderful Elote Pasta Salad!

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Pro Tips for Making Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn)

Creating the perfect Elote Pasta Salad is easy with a few handy tips!

Cook pasta al dente: This ensures that the pasta holds its shape and texture in the salad, preventing it from becoming mushy when combined with the dressing and other ingredients.
Use fresh corn when possible: Freshly roasted corn adds an incredible depth of flavor and sweetness that frozen corn may lack, enhancing the overall taste of your salad.
Chill before serving: Allowing the salad to sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes helps all the flavors meld together beautifully, resulting in a more delicious dish.
Adjust spices to your liking: If you prefer a spicier kick, feel free to add more jalapeno or chili powder. Tailoring the spice levels ensures it’s just right for your palate!
Mix in other veggies: Consider adding diced bell peppers or cherry tomatoes for added color and nutrition. They can bring extra freshness and crunch to your salad.

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

This vibrant Elote Pasta Salad is not only a delight to eat but also beautiful to present. Here are some serving suggestions that will impress your guests!

Garnishes

Fresh cilantro: A sprinkle of chopped cilantro on top adds a bright pop of color and enhances the flavor profile.
Lime wedges: Serve lime wedges on the side for squeezing over individual portions, giving everyone the option to add an extra zesty touch.
Extra cotija cheese: Crumbling more cotija cheese on top right before serving elevates both presentation and taste.

Side Dishes

Grilled Vegetable Skewers: Colorful vegetables grilled to perfection make a great companion, adding smoky flavors that complement the pasta salad wonderfully.
Black Bean Tacos: These hearty tacos filled with seasoned black beans and topped with avocado provide a satisfying contrast to the lightness of the salad.
Corn on the Cob: Serve fresh corn on the cob alongside for a classic pairing that echoes the flavors of the main dish while being fun to eat.
Avocado Salad: A refreshing avocado salad mixed with lime juice and herbs provides creaminess and balances out the pasta salad’s flavors perfectly.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Elote Pasta Salad Recipe is perfect for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy throughout the week. With its vibrant flavors and satisfying ingredients, you can prepare it in advance and have a delicious dish ready whenever you need it.

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Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the fridge.
It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
If possible, keep the cotija cheese and cilantro separate until serving to maintain freshness.

Freezing

This pasta salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you need to freeze it, do so without the dressing or cheese.
Pour the cooled pasta and corn mixture into a freezer-safe bag or container.
It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before adding dressing and serving.

Reheating

If desired, you can serve this salad slightly warmed; simply remove from the fridge and let sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving.
Avoid microwaving as it can change the texture of the pasta and corn.

FAQs

Can I make this Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn) gluten-free?

Yes! You can easily substitute traditional pasta with gluten-free pasta. Just ensure that all other ingredients are also gluten-free.

How long can I store Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn) in the fridge?

The salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best taste, consume it within this time frame.

What should I do if I can’t find cotija cheese?

If cotija cheese is unavailable, you can use queso fresco, feta cheese, or parmesan as a suitable substitute without losing too much flavor.

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Is this Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn) suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This recipe is great for meal prep as it keeps well in the fridge and makes a wonderful side dish or light lunch throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

This Elote Pasta Salad Recipe is more than just a dish; it’s a celebration of flavors inspired by classic Mexican street corn! I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do. It’s perfect for gatherings, picnics, or simply enjoying a tasty meal at home. Don’t hesitate to get creative with your variations—I’d love to hear how yours turns out!