This Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn) combines the best flavors of traditional Mexican street corn with a creamy twist. Perfect for BBQs, potlucks, or as a quick dinner side, this salad is not only delicious but also easy to make. With roasted corn, juicy pasta, and zesty dressings, you’ll find it hard to resist this refreshing dish!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavorful Fusion: Enjoy the unique blend of Mexican street corn flavors in a pasta salad.
- Easy Preparation: Quick to whip up, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Versatile Dish: Great as a side or main dish; pair it with grilled meats or enjoy it solo.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for parties, it’s sure to impress family and friends alike.
- Nutrient-Rich: Packed with wholesome ingredients like corn and Greek yogurt for added nutrition.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the Elote Pasta Salad recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Colander
- Baking sheet (if using fresh corn)
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta quickly and efficiently.
- Colander: Helps drain the cooked pasta without losing any pieces.
- Mixing bowl: Provides ample space to combine all ingredients evenly.
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 the Salad Mix
- 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
How to Make Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn)
Follow these simple steps to create your delicious Elote Pasta Salad.
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Boil water in a large pot.
- Add the dry pasta and cook according to package directions.
- For al dente texture, reduce cooking time by 1-2 minutes.
- Drain the pasta in a colander and drizzle with olive oil to prevent sticking. Let cool.
Step 2: Prepare the Corn
- If using fresh ears of corn:
- Coat them in olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Wrap in foil and roast at 425°F (220°C) for 25-30 minutes until tender.
- Cool slightly before removing kernels.
- If using frozen corn:
- Heat in a skillet over medium-high heat for about 4-5 minutes until warmed through.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
- 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.
- Whisk together until smooth.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta with roasted corn kernels.
- Add chopped cilantro, diced red onion, crumbled cotija cheese, and chopped jalapeno.
- Pour dressing over ingredients and toss until everything is coated evenly.
Step 5: Serve
- If making ahead of time, wait to add cotija cheese and cilantro until just before serving for freshness.
Enjoy this vibrant Elote Pasta Salad at your next gathering!
How to Serve Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn)
Elote Pasta Salad is a versatile dish that can be served in many delightful ways. Whether as a main course or a side, it brings the vibrant flavors of Mexican street corn to your table. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.
As a Main Dish
- Serve it chilled for a refreshing summer meal.
- Pair with grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein.
As a Side Dish
- Excellent alongside tacos or burritos, complementing their bold flavors.
- Great for picnics and potlucks, easy to transport and serve.
In a Wrap
- Use as a filling in tortilla wraps for a delicious lunch option.
- Add some greens for extra crunch and nutrition.
With Tortilla Chips
- Serve it as a dip with tortilla chips for an appetizer at gatherings.
- Drizzle with extra lime juice for an added zing.
How to Perfect Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn)
To make your Elote Pasta Salad even better, consider these simple tips. Each one will help you enhance the flavors and presentation of the dish.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh corn and herbs elevate the salad’s taste significantly.
- Experiment with cheeses: Try different cheeses like feta or parmesan if cotija is unavailable.
- Adjust spice levels: Modify jalapeno quantity based on your heat preference.
- Chill before serving: Letting the salad sit in the fridge for about an hour allows flavors to meld beautifully.
Best Side Dishes for Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn)
Pairing your Elote Pasta Salad with complementary side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some delicious options to consider.
- Grilled Vegetables: A mix of zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus adds color and health benefits.
- Mexican Street Corn: Keep the theme going with this classic side; it’s perfect for corn lovers!
- Black Bean Salsa: A refreshing salsa made with black beans, tomatoes, and lime complements the salad’s flavors.
- Guacamole: Creamy guacamole balances the salad’s texture while adding healthy fats.
- Cilantro Lime Rice: This fragrant rice dish pairs wonderfully with the salad while enhancing its Mexican flair.
- Chips and Salsa: A crunchy snack that guests will love; opt for homemade salsa for freshness!
- Roasted Potatoes: Seasoned roasted potatoes provide a hearty addition to your meal.
- Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad can cleanse the palate between bites of the rich pasta salad.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making the Elote Pasta Salad Recipe, it’s easy to overlook certain steps. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for the best results.
- Using Overcooked Pasta – Cooking pasta too long can make it mushy. Follow the package instructions and aim for al dente for the best texture.
- Skipping Fresh Ingredients – Fresh herbs and vegetables add crucial flavor. Don’t substitute them with dried or canned options if you want that authentic taste.
- Not Chilling the Salad – Serving immediately can miss out on flavors melding. Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance taste.
- Ignoring Seasoning Adjustments – Tasting as you cook is essential. Adjust salt and lime juice to suit your preference for a balanced flavor.
- Forgetting to Reserve Toppings – Adding all ingredients too early can lead to sogginess. Save cotija cheese and cilantro until just before serving for freshness.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Consume within 3-5 days for optimal freshness and flavor.
Freezing Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn)
- This salad is not recommended for freezing as the texture will change upon thawing.
Reheating Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn)
- Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish until warm, about 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave – Heat in short intervals of 30 seconds, stirring in between until warmed through.
- Stovetop – Place in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about the Elote Pasta Salad Recipe.
What is an Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn)?
An Elote Pasta Salad combines traditional Mexican street corn flavors with pasta, featuring roasted corn, cotija cheese, and creamy dressing.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free pasta to ensure this Elote Pasta Salad fits gluten-free dietary needs without compromising flavor.
How can I customize this Elote Pasta Salad Recipe?
Feel free to add ingredients like black beans or avocado for extra nutrition and flavor. You can also adjust spice levels by adding more jalapeño.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This salad stores well in the fridge, making it a great option for meal prep throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
This Elote Pasta Salad Recipe offers a delightful mix of flavors inspired by classic Mexican street corn. Its versatility allows you to customize ingredients based on your preferences, making it perfect for any occasion. Give it a try; you might discover your new favorite pasta salad!
Elote Pasta Salad Recipe
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of our Elote Pasta Salad Recipe, a delightful fusion inspired by traditional Mexican street corn. This refreshing dish combines roasted corn, al dente pasta, and a zesty creamy dressing, making it the ultimate side for BBQs, potlucks, or easy weeknight dinners. With its unique blend of ingredients like cotija cheese and fresh herbs, this salad is sure to please any crowd. Whether served chilled or at room temperature, it’s a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire that captures the essence of summer in every bite. Make this salad your new go-to for gatherings or simply as a delicious meal prep option!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mexican
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 cup crumbled cotija cheese
- Fresh cilantro
- Diced red onion
- Chopped jalapeño
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions; drain and cool.
- Roast fresh corn or heat frozen corn in a skillet until warm.
- In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lime zest and juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- In a large bowl, combine pasta with corn, cotija cheese, cilantro, red onion, and jalapeño.
- Pour dressing over the mixture and toss to coat evenly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
