Elote Pasta Salad

Elote Pasta Salad is a vibrant and creamy dish that combines the beloved flavors of Mexican street corn (elote) with the comfort of pasta salad. Featuring charred corn, tender pasta, a tangy dressing, and a sprinkle of cheese, this dish offers a perfect blend of smokiness, sweetness, and spice. It’s ideal for barbecues, picnics, or any time you want a crowd-pleasing side dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Elote Pasta Salad stands out because it effortlessly merges two favorite dishes into one irresistible creation. The smoky charred corn combined with creamy, spicy dressing and al dente pasta makes for a hearty and flavorful experience. It is easy to prepare, customizable to your spice preferences, and perfect for making ahead, allowing flavors to deepen over time.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Pasta (such as rotini, fusilli, or elbow macaroni)
• Fresh corn on the cob (or frozen if fresh is unavailable)
• Mayonnaise
• Sour cream
• Cotija cheese (or feta as a substitute)
• Fresh cilantro
• Jalapeño pepper
• Lime juice
• Chili powder
• Garlic powder
• Salt and pepper

Directions

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
2. While the pasta cooks, grill or sauté the corn until charred. If using frozen corn, thaw and then lightly toast in a pan.
3. In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Add the cooked pasta, charred corn, diced jalapeño, crumbled cotija cheese, and chopped cilantro to the bowl.
5. Toss everything together until well coated with the dressing.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 6 to 8 servings.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Chilling time: 30 minutes
Total time: about 55 minutes

Variations

• Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a lighter dressing.
• Add diced red bell pepper for extra color and crunch.
• Mix in black beans for additional protein.
• Use feta cheese if cotija is unavailable.
• Add avocado chunks for creaminess.
• For a spicier salad, include more jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Storage/Reheating

Store Elote Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir before serving to redistribute the dressing. This dish is best served cold or at room temperature and does not require reheating. If the salad dries out slightly in the refrigerator, you can refresh it by stirring in a little extra mayonnaise or sour cream before serving.

FAQs

What type of pasta works best for Elote Pasta Salad?

Short, sturdy pasta shapes like rotini, fusilli, or elbow macaroni are ideal because they hold the dressing well.

Can I use canned corn instead of fresh?

Yes, canned corn can be used; simply drain and toast it lightly in a pan for better flavor.

How spicy is Elote Pasta Salad?

The spice level is mild to moderate, depending on the amount of jalapeño and chili powder added; you can adjust to your preference.

Can I make Elote Pasta Salad ahead of time?

Yes, it is actually better after chilling for a few hours or overnight as the flavors meld beautifully.

What can I use instead of cotija cheese?

Feta cheese is a good substitute if cotija is unavailable.

How long does Elote Pasta Salad last?

It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.

Can I make this salad dairy-free?

Yes, use dairy-free mayonnaise and a plant-based sour cream alternative, and omit or substitute the cheese.

Should the pasta be rinsed after cooking?

Yes, rinse the pasta with cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and cool it down for the salad.

Can I serve Elote Pasta Salad warm?

It is traditionally served cold or at room temperature, but you can serve it slightly warm if preferred.

How do I prevent the pasta from absorbing too much dressing?

Make sure to cool the pasta before adding it to the dressing, and if needed, add a little extra dressing right before serving.

Conclusion

Elote Pasta Salad is a deliciously unique twist on classic pasta salad, bringing bold flavors and a satisfying texture to any meal. Whether you serve it at a casual cookout or prepare it for a weekday lunch, this dish is guaranteed to impress. With its versatility and easy preparation, it is bound to become a staple in your recipe rotation.

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