This Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn) combines the vibrant flavors of traditional Mexican street corn with the comfort of pasta. Perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or a quick weeknight dinner, this dish is both refreshing and filling. With its creamy dressing, fresh herbs, and roasted corn, it’s sure to become a crowd favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor-packed: Enjoy the delicious blend of roasted corn, tangy lime, and spices that bring this salad to life.
- Easy to prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this salad in no time—perfect for busy days.
- Versatile dish: Serve it as a side at gatherings or make it a main course by adding your choice of protein.
- Crowd-pleaser: The combination of textures and flavors makes it a hit among both kids and adults alike.
- Make-ahead friendly: This salad holds up well in the fridge, allowing you to prepare it ahead of time for convenience.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the ingredients, let’s gather some essential tools to make your cooking experience seamless.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Baking sheet
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or spoon
- Knife and cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta evenly without overcrowding.
- Baking sheet: Great for roasting corn to enhance its natural sweetness and flavor.
- Mixing bowls: Useful for combining ingredients without spilling.
- Whisk or spoon: Helps in thoroughly mixing the dressing for a smooth consistency.
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:
- 8 oz pasta, dry
For the Corn:
- 4 cups whole corn kernels (454g), or 16 oz bag of frozen corn
For the Dressing:
- 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
For Assembly:
- 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
- olive oil mayonnaise
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 recommended. Once cooked, drain the pasta and toss it in a drizzle of olive oil to let it cool.
Step 2: Prepare the Corn
If using fresh ears of corn:
1. Cook using your preferred method until tender.
2. Remove kernels from the cob.
3. For roasting, coat with olive oil, salt, and pepper; wrap in foil; roast at 425°F (220°C) for 25-30 minutes.
If using frozen corn:
1. Heat in a skillet on medium-high until thawed and warmed through (about 4-5 minutes).
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl:
1. 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 combined.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl:
1. Add cooled pasta, roasted corn (or thawed frozen corn), cilantro, diced red onion, cotija cheese, and chopped jalapeno.
2. Pour dressing over all ingredients and toss gently to combine.
Step 5: Serve
If preparing in advance:
– Wait to add cotija cheese and cilantro until right before serving to keep them fresh.
With these easy steps completed, your Elote Pasta Salad is ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn)
This Elote Pasta Salad is a delightful dish that can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience. Whether it’s a casual lunch or a festive occasion, here are some serving suggestions.
As a Standalone Dish
- Enjoy the pasta salad on its own for a refreshing and filling meal. The combination of flavors makes it satisfying without needing additional sides.
With Grilled Chicken
- Pair the salad with grilled chicken breast for added protein. The smoky flavor of the chicken complements the creamy dressing beautifully.
In Lettuce Wraps
- Serve the pasta salad in large lettuce leaves for a fun and low-carb option. This presentation is great for parties or gatherings.
Topped with Avocado
- Add slices of fresh avocado on top for a creamy texture that pairs well with the tangy dressing. It’s an easy way to elevate the dish.
As a Picnic Favorite
- Pack the salad in portable containers for picnics or outdoor gatherings. It’s perfect for warm weather dining and can be made ahead of time.
How to Perfect Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn)
Creating the perfect Elote Pasta Salad involves attention to detail and a few helpful tips. Here are some suggestions to ensure your dish shines.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh corn, herbs, and vegetables will enhance the overall flavor, making your salad taste vibrant and delicious.
Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to modify spice levels based on your preference. Adding more chili powder or lime juice can give it an extra kick.
Chill Before Serving: Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps meld all the flavors together beautifully.
Experiment with Cheese: While cotija cheese is traditional, trying queso fresco or feta can offer different textures and flavors that suit your taste.
Add More Veggies: Incorporate additional vegetables like bell peppers or diced tomatoes for extra crunch and color in your salad.
Best Side Dishes for Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn)
Complementing your Elote Pasta Salad with delicious side dishes can enhance your meal even further. Here are some great options to consider.
Grilled Vegetables: A colorful mix of seasonal veggies grilled until tender adds a smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the pasta salad.
Corn on the Cob: Freshly grilled corn brushed with lime and chili powder echoes the flavors of the pasta salad while being easy to prepare.
Black Bean Salsa: This hearty salsa adds protein and flavor, making it a great accompaniment alongside your pasta salad.
Chips and Guacamole: Crispy tortilla chips paired with creamy guacamole provide a fun crunch that balances out the creaminess of the salad.
Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit medley brings sweetness to your plate, creating a nice contrast against savory dishes like pasta salad.
Cucumber Salad: A light cucumber salad dressed in vinegar offers a refreshing bite that complements the richness of Elote Pasta Salad well.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To make the most of your Elote Pasta Salad Recipe, be mindful of these common mistakes.
- Ignoring pasta cooking time: Overcooking the pasta can lead to a mushy texture. Follow the package instructions closely and consider cooking it al dente for the best bite.
- Not cooling the pasta properly: If you skip cooling the pasta, it can wilt fresh ingredients and make the salad less enjoyable. Tossing it with olive oil helps prevent sticking and retains its quality.
- Using unseasoned corn: Fresh corn needs flavor to shine. Always season with salt and pepper before adding it to the salad for an enhanced taste.
- Skipping the dressing preparation: Not mixing your dressing well can leave some bites bland. Ensure all ingredients are fully combined for a uniform flavor throughout the salad.
- Adding cheese too early: If you prepare this salad in advance, wait until just before serving to add cotija cheese. This keeps it fresh and prevents sogginess.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Keep cool to maintain freshness.
Freezing Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn)
- It is best not to freeze this salad due to the creamy dressing; however, if necessary, store for up to 2 months.
- Use a freezer-safe container, leaving space for expansion.
Reheating Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn)
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm covered for about 15 minutes, adding a splash of broth if needed.
- Microwave: Heat in short bursts at medium power, stirring frequently until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat, stirring often to avoid sticking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about this Elote Pasta Salad Recipe.
Can I use different types of pasta?
Yes! You can substitute any pasta shape you prefer or even use gluten-free options.
How spicy is this Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn)?
The spice level depends on how much jalapeno you add. For less heat, omit or reduce the amount used.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute cotija cheese with a vegan cheese alternative or simply omit it altogether for a delicious plant-based option.
What can I serve with Elote Pasta Salad?
This salad pairs well with grilled chicken or fish and makes an excellent side dish at barbecues or potlucks.
Final Thoughts
This Elote Pasta Salad Recipe beautifully combines vibrant flavors and textures that are sure to please your palate. Its versatility allows you to customize ingredients based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. Enjoy experimenting with various herbs or spices!
Elote Pasta Salad
Elevate your mealtime with this delightful Elote Pasta Salad, inspired by the vibrant flavors of traditional Mexican street corn. This refreshing dish combines roasted corn, tender pasta, and a creamy dressing that tantalizes your taste buds. Perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or quick weeknight dinners, this salad is not only easy to prepare but also versatile enough to serve as a main course or a side dish. Packed with flavor and texture, it’s sure to be the star of any gathering.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves about six people 1x
Ingredients
- 8 oz dry pasta
- 4 cups whole corn kernels (or 16 oz frozen corn)
- 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
- ½ cup cotija cheese (or queso fresco)
- ½ red onion (diced)
- ½ cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
- 1 jalapeno pepper (chopped)
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and toss with olive oil to cool.
- For fresh corn: roast in foil at 425°F for 25-30 minutes; for frozen corn: sauté until warmed through.
- Mix Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lime zest and juice, chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.
- In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, corn, cilantro, red onion, jalapeno, and cheese. Add dressing and toss gently.
- Chill before serving for best flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (245g)
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 440mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 10mg