Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn)

This Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn) captures the vibrant flavors of traditional Mexican street corn in a refreshing pasta salad. Perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or a simple family dinner, this dish combines roasted corn, creamy dressing, and zesty lime for a delightful twist. With its colorful ingredients and easy preparation, it’s sure to impress your guests and become a staple at your gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful Fusion: Enjoy the rich taste of Mexican street corn blended with tender pasta and creamy dressing.
• Easy to Make: Whip up this dish in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it as a side or main dish; it pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or as a vegetarian option.
• Crowd-Pleaser: This recipe serves 10, making it ideal for parties and family gatherings.
• Fresh Ingredients: Packed with fresh herbs and vegetables, this salad is a healthy choice that doesn’t compromise on flavor.

Tools and Preparation

Preparing this Elote Pasta Salad requires just a few essential tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk or spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for cooking pasta evenly and providing enough space to prevent sticking.
• Skillet: Useful for roasting fresh corn or warming frozen corn to bring out the best flavors.
• Mixing bowl: Necessary for combining all ingredients effortlessly without spills.
• Whisk or spoon: Helps in mixing the dressing thoroughly for an even distribution of flavor throughout the salad.

Ingredients

To create this delicious Elote Pasta Salad, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Pasta 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

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

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Cook pasta according to the package directions. If you prefer al dente pasta, cook it 1-2 minutes less than recommended.
2. Once cooked, drain and toss it with a drizzle of olive oil. Allow it to cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Corn

If using fresh ears of corn:
1. Cook using your preferred method (boiling, grilling, or roasting).
2. Remove kernels from the cob. If roasting, coat with olive oil, salt, and pepper, wrap in foil, and roast at 425°F (220°C) for 25-30 minutes.

If using frozen corn:
1. Heat in a skillet on medium-high heat until thawed and warmed through (about 4-5 minutes).

Step 3: Make the Dressing

1. In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, olive oil mayonnaise, lime zest, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper.
2. Mix well using a whisk or spoon until fully combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

1. In a large bowl, add the cooled pasta along with roasted corn kernels, chopped cilantro, diced red onion, crumbled cotija cheese, and chopped jalapeno.
2. Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients and toss until everything is well combined.

Step 5: Serve

If preparing in advance:
– Add cotija cheese and cilantro right before serving to keep them fresh.

Enjoy your flavorful Elote Pasta Salad at your next gathering!

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

Elote Pasta Salad is a delightful dish perfect for various occasions. Its combination of flavors makes it a versatile choice for any meal or gathering.

Casual Gatherings

• Serve it chilled or at room temperature for a refreshing side dish that complements grilled meats and vegetables.

Potlucks

• This pasta salad is great for potlucks; simply prepare it in advance and present it in a large bowl. It serves a crowd and is sure to impress.

Taco Night

• Pair this salad with tacos for a festive Mexican-inspired dinner. The flavors of the salad enhance the richness of the tacos beautifully.

Picnic Basket

• Pack this salad in your picnic basket! It’s easy to transport and tastes delicious even after sitting out for a while.

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

For the best results with your Elote Pasta Salad, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh corn on the cob enhances the flavor and texture of your salad, giving it that authentic street corn taste.
• Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer more heat, add extra jalapenos or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.
• Chill Before Serving: Letting the salad sit in the fridge for at least an hour allows flavors to meld together beautifully.
• Customize Your Cheese: Feel free to substitute cotija cheese with feta or parmesan if you want a different flavor profile while keeping it creamy.
• Add More Veggies: Consider adding diced bell peppers or avocado for extra color and nutrition.

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

Elote Pasta Salad pairs well with numerous side dishes, enhancing any meal. Here are some excellent options to consider:

1. Grilled Chicken Skewers: Marinated chicken threaded onto skewers, grilled to perfection, makes a hearty complement to this light salad.
2. Spicy Black Bean Tacos: Flavor-packed black bean tacos can add protein and spice, creating a satisfying meal alongside the pasta salad.
3. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins make for a delightful contrast to the savory flavors of the pasta salad.
4. Guacamole and Chips: Creamy guacamole served with crunchy tortilla chips offers a classic Mexican snack that pairs perfectly with your salad.
5. Cilantro Lime Rice: This fragrant rice dish adds another layer of flavor while keeping with the Mexican theme.
6. Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted seasonal vegetables brings earthy flavors that balance well with the refreshing pasta salad.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Elote Pasta Salad, avoid these common pitfalls for the best results.

• Overcooking the Pasta: Cooking pasta too long can result in a mushy texture. For al dente pasta, reduce the cooking time by 1-2 minutes.
• Not Cooling the Pasta: Adding hot pasta directly to the salad can warm up other ingredients. Always cool your pasta with olive oil after draining.
• Skipping the Dressing: The dressing is essential for flavor. Don’t skip making it; it ties all ingredients together beautifully.
• Using Old Ingredients: Freshness matters! Check that your corn, herbs, and dairy are fresh to ensure the best taste.
• Not Adjusting Spices: Taste as you go! The spices can be adjusted based on personal preference, so feel free to add more or less chili powder and smoked paprika.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your Elote Pasta Salad in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn)

• Freezing is not recommended for this salad due to its creamy texture that may change upon thawing.
• If you must freeze it, separate components like cheese and dressing before freezing.

Reheating Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn)

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the salad in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place a serving in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat gently over low heat in a pan, stirring occasionally until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Elote Pasta Salad is a delicious fusion dish that combines traditional Mexican street corn flavors with pasta, creating a creamy and flavorful salad perfect for gatherings.

Can I make Elote Pasta Salad ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the salad a day in advance. Just wait to add cotija cheese and cilantro until right before serving for optimal freshness.

What can I substitute for cotija cheese?

You can use queso fresco, feta, or parmesan cheese as alternatives to cotija cheese without losing much flavor.

How can I customize this Elote Pasta Salad Recipe?

Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or avocado for extra texture and flavor. You could also swap out herbs based on your preference.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make this salad gluten-free, simply use gluten-free pasta of your choice while keeping all other ingredients the same.

Final Thoughts

This Elote Pasta Salad Recipe brings vibrant flavors and textures that everyone will love. It’s versatile enough to accompany any meal or serve as a standalone dish at parties. Customize it with your favorite ingredients for an even more personalized touch!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn)

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• Author: Vanessa
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 8 people 1x

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Description

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of our Elote Pasta Salad Recipe, a delightful fusion that captures the essence of traditional Mexican street corn. This refreshing dish combines roasted corn kernels, creamy dressing, and zesty lime for an unforgettable twist. Perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or casual family dinners, this pasta salad is both colorful and easy to prepare. With fresh ingredients and a short prep time, it’s sure to impress at any gathering while being a healthy option for all.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz dry pasta
• 4 cups whole corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
• ½ cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta/parmesan)
• ½ red onion, diced
• ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 jalapeno pepper, chopped
• olive oil mayonnaise
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 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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Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and toss with olive oil. Allow to cool.
2. Prepare corn: If fresh, grill or roast until tender; if frozen, heat until warmed through.
3. In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt with dressing ingredients; mix well.
4. In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta with corn, cilantro, onion, cheese, and jalapeno. Pour dressing over and toss until combined.
5. Chill before serving for best flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Side dish
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 350mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 39g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 15mg