Elote Pasta Salad is the perfect blend of bold Mexican street corn flavors with the comforting texture of pasta. Each bite is packed with creamy dressing, smoky corn, spicy jalapeño, and tangy cotija cheese, making it an irresistible summer dish. Whether you’re serving it as a side at a BBQ or as a main meal for lunch, this salad brings a fiesta of flavors to your table. This dish is not only visually stunning with its vibrant colors, but it’s also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with additional ingredients like diced tomatoes, avocado, or black beans for extra protein. The zesty lime dressing adds just the right amount of brightness, making every bite refreshing and satisfying. Serve it chilled for the ultimate summer treat!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 8 oz uncooked pasta (rotini, fusilli, or bow-tie)
- 3 cups corn kernels (frozen or fresh)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1-2 jalapenos, seeded and diced
- 1 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 cup crumbled cotija cheese
Dressing Ingredients:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ⅓ cup sour cream
- 3 tbsp lime juice
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder
Optional Ingredients:
- Tajin seasoning
- Diced avocado
- Diced tomato
- Sliced green onion
Directions:
- Cook pasta according to package directions, drain, and rinse under cold water.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter and sauté the corn for 5-7 minutes until slightly charred.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sautéed corn, diced jalapeno, chopped cilantro, and crumbled cotija cheese.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, garlic powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss to coat evenly.
- Garnish with additional cheese, chopped cilantro, and Tajin seasoning if desired.
- Serve immediately or chill for enhanced flavor.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Why You’ll Love This Dish
One of the best things about Elote Pasta Salad is its versatility. It can be served as a side dish or a light main course, and it complements a wide variety of other dishes. Whether you’re grilling steak, chicken, or seafood, this pasta salad is a great accompaniment. The combination of creamy dressing, tangy lime, smoky paprika, and crumbly cotija cheese creates an irresistible balance of flavors.
Another reason this recipe stands out is its balance of textures. The pasta provides a soft, chewy base, while the corn adds a burst of sweetness and crunch. The cotija cheese crumbles give it a slightly salty and creamy texture, and the jalapeños bring just the right amount of heat. It’s a dish that excites the palate with every bite.
Additionally, this pasta salad is easy to prepare in advance, making it ideal for meal prep. The flavors meld together beautifully when left to sit in the refrigerator for a few hours, enhancing the depth of taste. If you’re planning to make it ahead, just be sure to keep some extra dressing on hand to refresh the salad before serving.
Customizing Your Elote Pasta Salad
While the core ingredients of Elote Pasta Salad stay true to traditional Mexican street corn, there are many ways to customize the dish to suit different dietary needs and flavor preferences.
Pasta Variations
The type of pasta you use can significantly impact the overall texture and experience of the dish. Rotini and fusilli are great choices because their grooves help hold onto the creamy dressing. Bow-tie pasta (farfalle) is another excellent option for a more elegant presentation. For a healthier alternative, whole wheat pasta or gluten-free pasta works well, ensuring that this dish can be enjoyed by those with dietary restrictions.
Protein Additions
To turn this pasta salad into a heartier meal, you can add protein such as grilled chicken, shrimp, or black beans. These additions not only increase the dish’s nutritional value but also make it more filling. If you want to keep it vegetarian but add extra protein, chickpeas or roasted tofu are great plant-based options.
Spice and Flavor Enhancements
For those who love heat, adding extra jalapeños, serrano peppers, or even a dash of cayenne pepper can elevate the spice level. Smoked paprika and chili powder provide a depth of flavor that enhances the grilled corn’s natural sweetness. If you prefer a more citrus-forward taste, increasing the lime juice or zest can add extra brightness.
Extra Toppings and Mix-ins
Adding toppings such as diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, or red onion can bring additional flavors and textures to the dish. A sprinkle of Tajín seasoning gives an extra tangy and spicy kick, enhancing the traditional Mexican street corn taste. Crushed tortilla chips or crispy bacon bits can also be sprinkled on top for a bit of crunch.
Best Occasions to Serve Elote Pasta Salad
Elote Pasta Salad is a dish that fits a wide range of occasions. Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout, planning a picnic, or preparing a weeknight meal, this recipe is an excellent choice.
BBQs and Cookouts
Since this pasta salad pairs exceptionally well with grilled meats, it’s a staple for BBQs and outdoor gatherings. The bright flavors contrast nicely with smoky barbecue dishes, creating a well-rounded plate.
Potlucks and Gatherings
Because this salad can be made ahead of time and served cold, it’s a hassle-free dish to bring to a potluck. It travels well and doesn’t require reheating, making it a stress-free addition to any communal meal.
Weeknight Dinners and Meal Prep
If you’re looking for a quick and satisfying dinner, Elote Pasta Salad can be served on its own or as a side to a simple protein. Since it stays fresh in the fridge for a few days, it’s also a great option for meal prep. Just store the dressing separately and mix it in before serving to maintain the creamy texture.
Health Benefits of This Recipe
This dish isn’t just delicious it also offers some nutritional benefits. Corn is a good source of fiber and antioxidants, while the fresh cilantro provides vitamins A and K. Jalapeños contain capsaicin, which has been linked to metabolism-boosting properties. Using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream in the dressing can reduce calories and add probiotics, making the dish a bit healthier.
If you opt for whole wheat pasta or add protein-rich ingredients like beans or chicken, this salad can be even more balanced and nutritious. The combination of carbs, protein, and healthy fats makes it a well-rounded meal that provides sustained energy.
How to Store and Serve Elote Pasta Salad
To ensure the best flavor and texture, it’s recommended to serve Elote Pasta Salad within a few hours of preparation. However, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Because the pasta absorbs the dressing over time, you may need to refresh it with an extra drizzle of dressing before serving.
If you’re making the salad ahead of time, you can assemble all the ingredients except for the dressing and store them separately. Toss everything together just before serving to maintain the best consistency.
Conclusion:
Elote Pasta Salad is the perfect blend of creamy, tangy, smoky, and slightly spicy flavors. It’s a dish that’s easy to prepare, highly customizable, and perfect for a variety of occasions. Whether you’re serving it at a summer barbecue, bringing it to a potluck, or preparing it for a weeknight dinner, this salad is sure to impress.
With so many ways to personalize it, Elote Pasta Salad is a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. It’s a fun and unique twist on both Mexican street corn and classic pasta salad, bringing together the best of both worlds in a single, delicious dish.