Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn)

This Elote Pasta Salad Recipe brings together the vibrant flavors of traditional Mexican street corn in a refreshing pasta salad. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or casual dinners, this dish is not only delicious but also easy to prepare. With roasted corn, creamy dressing, and zesty lime, it’s sure to be a hit at any gathering!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavor Explosion: The combination of roasted corn, cotija cheese, and spices creates a delightful burst of flavor in every bite.
• Quick and Easy: This recipe can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it as a side dish or main course; it complements a variety of meals and occasions.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with fresh vegetables and Greek yogurt, this salad is both nutritious and satisfying.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite ingredients or adjust the spice level to suit your taste.

Tools and Preparation

Gathering the right tools will make your cooking experience smoother. Here are some essentials you’ll need to prepare this flavorful salad.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for cooking pasta evenly and ensuring it doesn’t stick together.
• Strainer: Helps drain the cooked pasta efficiently without losing shape.
• Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows you to combine all ingredients easily without spills.

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 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

Cook pasta according to the package directions. If you prefer al dente pasta, cook it 1-2 minutes less than the box calls for. When the pasta is done cooking:
1. Drain it using a strainer.
2. Toss it in a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.
3. Let it cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Corn

If using fresh ears of corn:
1. Cook them using your preferred method until tender.
2. Remove kernels from the cob.
– I coat mine with olive oil, salt, and pepper before wrapping in foil and roasting 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 (about 4-5 minutes).

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl:
1. Combine the Greek yogurt, olive oil mayonnaise, lime zest, lime juice, and spices.
2. Use a whisk or spoon to mix well until smooth.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl:
1. Add cooled pasta, corn, cilantro, red onion, cotija cheese, and jalapeno.
2. Pour dressing on top.
3. Toss everything gently to combine.

Step 5: Serve with Care

If preparing in advance:
– Wait to add cotija cheese and cilantro until right before serving for optimal freshness!

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

This Elote Pasta Salad is a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Its vibrant flavors make it perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual lunch or a festive gathering. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

As a Standalone Dish

• Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature for a refreshing meal.
• It’s great as a light dinner or a filling lunch option.

With Grilled Meats

• Pair it with grilled chicken or steak to create a hearty meal.
• The salad complements smoky flavors, making it an excellent side.

At Potlucks and Gatherings

• Bring this dish to potlucks for an easy crowd-pleaser.
• Its colorful presentation will attract attention on any buffet table.

With Tortilla Chips

• Serve alongside crispy tortilla chips for added crunch.
• This combination makes for a fun appetizer or snack.

As Part of a Taco Bar

• Include it in a taco bar setup for guests to enjoy with their favorite tacos.
• The creamy dressing adds richness that balances spicy flavors.

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

To ensure your Elote Pasta Salad turns out perfectly, consider these helpful tips. Each step will enhance the flavor and texture of this delightful dish.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh corn and herbs elevate the salad’s taste significantly. If possible, use seasonal produce for the best flavor.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Modify the amount of jalapeno based on your heat preference. For milder flavors, remove all seeds and membranes.
• Chill Before Serving: Allow the salad to chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This lets the flavors meld beautifully.
• Experiment with Cheeses: While cotija cheese is traditional, feel free to mix in other cheeses like feta or parmesan for different flavor profiles.
• Add Lime Zest: Incorporating lime zest into the dressing intensifies the citrus notes. It brightens up the overall taste of the salad.
• Garnish Just Before Serving: Add cilantro and cotija cheese right before serving to maintain their freshness and texture.

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

Pairing side dishes with your Elote Pasta Salad can create a balanced meal. Here are some excellent options that complement its flavors well.

1. Grilled Shrimp Skewers: Marinated shrimp grilled to perfection provide protein and pairs wonderfully with the salad’s creaminess.
2. Black Bean Tacos: Flavorful black bean tacos offer a satisfying vegetarian option that enhances the Mexican theme of your meal.
3. Avocado and Tomato Salad: A fresh avocado-tomato salad brings additional brightness and creaminess, making it a perfect sidekick.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add color and nutrients, while their caramelized flavor contrasts nicely with the pasta salad.
5. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins add a comforting touch and are great for soaking up any dressing left on your plate.
6. Chips and Salsa: Classic tortilla chips served with salsa create an irresistible snack that complements any Mexican-inspired dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making this Elote Pasta Salad, avoiding a few common mistakes can enhance your dish’s flavor and texture.

• Skipping the cooling step – Not allowing the pasta to cool can make your salad mushy. Toss it in olive oil and let it cool before mixing.
• Overcooking the pasta – Cooking pasta too long can lead to a soggy salad. Aim for al dente by cooking it 1-2 minutes less than the package suggests.
• Ignoring seasoning – Forgetting to season your corn or dressing can result in bland flavors. Mix spices into the dressing for a flavorful boost.
• Adding cheese too early – If you prepare this salad in advance, adding cotija cheese too soon can cause it to lose its texture. Add it just before serving for best results.
• Rushing the assembly – Hurrying through mixing can lead to uneven distribution of ingredients. Take your time to toss everything well for even flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-4 days for best freshness.

Freezing Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn)

• Freezing is not recommended as the texture may change upon thawing.
• If necessary, freeze components separately (like cooked corn and pasta).

Reheating Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn)

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm covered in foil for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave – Heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through.
• Stovetop – Heat gently over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common queries about this delicious recipe.

Can I use different types of cheese in the Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn)?

Yes! You can substitute cotija with queso fresco, feta, or even parmesan for a different flavor profile.

How do I make this salad spicier?

To add more heat, include additional jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper in the dressing.

Is this Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn) gluten-free?

You can easily make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta instead of regular pasta.

Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare everything except for the cheese and cilantro. Add them right before serving for freshness.

What dishes pair well with this pasta salad?

This salad complements grilled meats, tacos, or any summer barbecue dishes beautifully.

Final Thoughts

This Elote Pasta Salad is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that brings Mexican street corn into a refreshing dish. Its adaptability makes it perfect for potlucks or family dinners. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite veggies or proteins!

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

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Description

Experience the vibrant flavors of Mexican street corn in this delightful Elote Pasta Salad. Combining roasted corn, creamy dressing, and zesty lime, this dish is perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or casual weeknight dinners. With its explosion of flavor from cotija cheese and fresh herbs, it’s not only easy to prepare in under 30 minutes but also a versatile addition to any meal. This refreshing salad can be served chilled or at room temperature, making it a crowd-pleaser that’s bound to impress. Customize it with your favorite ingredients or spice levels for a dish that’s truly your own.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz dry pasta
• 4 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
• ½ cup crumbled cotija cheese
• ½ red onion, diced
• ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 jalapeño, chopped
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 Tbsp olive oil mayonnaise
• zest and juice of 1 lime
• 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 cool.
2. Roast fresh corn or sauté frozen corn until warm.
3. Mix dressing ingredients in a small bowl until smooth.
4. In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, corn, cilantro, onion, cheese, and jalapeño; toss with dressing.
5. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 310
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 480mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 15mg