Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn)

This Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn) combines the vibrant flavors of traditional Mexican street corn with delicious pasta. Perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or a refreshing lunch, this salad is not only easy to make but also packed with flavor. The creamy dressing and fresh ingredients will make it a hit at any gathering!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Packed with Flavor: Enjoy the delightful combination of roasted corn, cotija cheese, and spices that elevate your pasta salad.
• Quick and Easy: With a prep time of just 5 minutes and a cook time of 25 minutes, you can whip up this dish in no time.
• Versatile Dish: This salad works great as a side dish, main course, or even a meal prep option for busy weekdays.

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Tools and Preparation

To make your Elote Pasta Salad a breeze, gather your essential tools. These will help ensure everything goes smoothly as you prepare this delicious dish.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Colander
• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk or spoon
• Baking sheet (if roasting corn)

Importance of Each Tool

• Large Pot: Ideal for boiling pasta quickly and efficiently.
• Whisk or Spoon: Essential for mixing the creamy dressing to achieve a smooth consistency.

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

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:
Drain it in a colander.
Toss it with a drizzle of olive oil.
Let it cool while you prepare other ingredients.

Step 2: Prepare the Corn

If using fresh ears of corn:
Cook them using your preferred method until tender.
Remove the kernels from the cob.
For frozen corn:
Heat it in a skillet on medium-high heat until thawed and warmed (about 4–5 minutes).

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl:
Combine Greek yogurt, olive oil mayonnaise, lime zest, lime juice, and spices.
Mix well using a whisk or spoon until fully combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl:
Add cooled pasta, corn kernels, cilantro, diced red onion, cotija cheese, and chopped jalapeno.
Pour the dressing over the top.
Toss everything together gently to combine.

Step 5: Final Touches

If preparing in advance:
Wait to add cotija cheese and cilantro until just before serving for maximum freshness.

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

Elote Pasta Salad is not only delicious but also versatile. You can serve it in various ways to enhance your dining experience. Here are some great serving suggestions to complement this refreshing dish.

As a Main Dish

• This pasta salad can be enjoyed as a light main course. Pair it with grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.

At a Potluck

• Perfect for gatherings, this Elote Pasta Salad is sure to impress your friends and family. It’s easy to transport and serves well cold.

As a Side Dish

• Serve it alongside tacos or burritos for a delightful Mexican meal. The creamy dressing pairs beautifully with spicy dishes.

In Meal Prep Containers

• This salad keeps well in the fridge, making it an ideal choice for meal prep. Pack individual servings for quick lunches throughout the week.

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

To achieve the best version of your Elote Pasta Salad, consider these helpful tips that will elevate the flavors and textures of your dish.

• Use fresh corn: Cooking fresh corn on the cob enhances flavor and sweetness. Roasting adds a smoky element that compliments the other ingredients.

• Adjust seasoning: Taste as you go! Adjust lime juice and spices according to your preference for acidity and heat.

• Chill before serving: Allow the salad to chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This helps flavors meld together beautifully.

• Be cautious with dressing: Start with half the dressing and add more as needed. You want it creamy but not soggy.

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

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

1. Grilled Chicken Tacos: Flavorful chicken wrapped in soft tortillas, perfect for a satisfying bite alongside your pasta salad.

2. Black Bean Salsa: A zesty mix of black beans, tomatoes, onions, and lime juice adds freshness and protein to your meal.

3. Chips and Guacamole: Creamy guacamole paired with crispy tortilla chips offers a delightful crunch that contrasts nicely with the pasta salad’s texture.

4. Spicy Grilled Shrimp: Marinated shrimp grilled to perfection brings heat and protein, balancing out the creamy pasta salad beautifully.

5. Mexican Street Corn: Keep the theme going by serving traditional elote alongside your pasta salad for double the corn goodness!

6. Avocado Salad: A simple avocado salad with lime dressing provides creaminess without overpowering the main dish’s flavor profile.

7. Cilantro Lime Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with cilantro and lime complements both the pasta salad and any grilled proteins you choose to serve.

8. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies bring color and nutrition to your plate while enhancing the overall flavor experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making the Elote Pasta Salad Recipe, it’s easy to slip up. Here are some common mistakes and how to sidestep them.

• Not cooking pasta properly: Overcooking or undercooking pasta can ruin the salad texture. Follow the package instructions carefully for best results.
• Skipping fresh ingredients: Using canned corn instead of fresh or frozen can diminish flavor. Opt for roasted or grilled corn for a more authentic taste.
• Ignoring seasoning: Failing to season properly can lead to blandness. Taste your dressing before mixing and adjust spices as needed.
• Adding cheese too soon: Mixing cotija cheese in advance may cause it to lose its texture. Add it just before serving for optimal freshness.
• Forgetting lime juice: Lime juice is essential for balancing flavors. Don’t skip this step; it adds brightness to the salad.
• Overmixing the salad: Tossing too aggressively can break down pasta and ingredients. Gently combine everything to maintain texture.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn)

• Not recommended for freezing, as it may alter the texture of the ingredients.

Reheating Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn)

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring between, until warm.
• Stovetop: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about the Elote Pasta Salad Recipe.

Can I make Elote Pasta Salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance. Just wait to add cotija cheese and cilantro until right before serving for freshness.

What kind of pasta works best?

Any short pasta like rotini or penne works well. They hold onto dressing and ingredients nicely.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

You can easily make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta options available at most grocery stores.

Can I substitute cotija cheese?

Absolutely! Queso fresco, feta, or even parmesan cheese work great as alternatives in this recipe.

How do I make it spicier?

If you prefer more heat, leave some jalapeno seeds in or add extra chili powder to the dressing.

What should I serve with this salad?

This salad pairs well with grilled meats or can be served as a stand-alone side dish at gatherings.

Final Thoughts

The Elote Pasta Salad Recipe combines delightful Mexican street corn flavors with hearty pasta for a refreshing meal. It’s perfect for potlucks or any gathering where you want to impress guests. Feel free to customize with your favorite veggies or proteins for a personal touch!