Elote Pasta Salad

Featured in Delicious Main Course Recipes for Every Occasion.

Elote Pasta Salad is a flavorful and easy dish inspired by Mexican street corn. Made with roasted corn, pasta, cotija cheese, and a creamy dressing, this salad is perfect for a quick meal or side dish. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s packed with fresh flavors and can be customized with your favorite herbs or spices. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days and enjoy a taste of Mexico anytime!
Home Delicious Recipes
Updated on Sat, 08 Mar 2025 04:22:42 GMT
Elote Pasta Salad Pin it
Elote Pasta Salad | homedeliciousrecipes.com

This Elote Pasta Salad is a celebration of summer, a delightful fusion of creamy, tangy, and spicy flavors inspired by Mexican street corn. It's the kind of dish that brings a burst of sunshine to any gathering, perfect for cookouts, potlucks, or simply as a vibrant side to your favorite Mexican dishes. I've been making this for friends and family, and it's always a hit, disappearing quickly as everyone goes back for seconds.

The way the creamy dressing clings to the tender pasta and sweet corn, punctuated by the salty cotija and fresh cilantro, is simply irresistible. I remember the first time I made this, my neighbor said it tasted like a street food festival in a bowl.

Selecting the Ingredients: A Colorful Palette

  • Pasta: Choose a pasta shape with grooves, like rotini, to hold the creamy dressing. I prefer chickpea pasta for added protein and fiber.
  • Corn: Fresh corn, roasted or grilled, adds a smoky sweetness. Frozen corn, thawed and warmed, is a convenient alternative.
  • Cotija Cheese: This salty, crumbly cheese adds a delightful tang. Queso fresco, feta, or parmesan can be used as substitutes.
  • Red Onion: Adds a crisp, pungent bite.
  • Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a bright, herbaceous note. Parsley can be used as a substitute.
  • Jalapeño: Adds a spicy kick. Adjust the amount of seeds to control the heat.
  • Greek Yogurt: Nonfat plain Greek yogurt provides a creamy, tangy base for the dressing.
  • Olive Oil Mayonnaise: Adds richness and creaminess. Avocado oil or vegan mayonnaise can be used as substitutes.
  • Limes: Fresh lime zest and juice add a vibrant, citrusy tang.
  • Chili Powder, Smoked Paprika, and Garlic Powder: These spices add depth and warmth to the dressing.
Easy Elote Pasta Salad Pin it
Easy Elote Pasta Salad | homedeliciousrecipes.com

Crafting the Elote Pasta Salad: A Step-by-Step Fiesta

Cooking the Pasta to Perfection:
Cook the pasta according to package directions, aiming for al dente. Drain the pasta and toss it with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking. Allow it to cool while you prepare the other ingredients.
Preparing the Corn with Care:
If using fresh corn, roast or grill it until tender, then cut the kernels off the cob. If using frozen corn, heat it in a skillet over medium high heat until thawed and warmed, about four to five minutes.
Whisking the Creamy Dressing:
In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, olive oil mayonnaise, lime zest, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
Assembling the Vibrant Salad:
In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, corn, crumbled cotija cheese, diced red onion, chopped cilantro, and chopped jalapeño. Pour the creamy dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
Serving with Style:
Garnish the salad with extra cilantro and cotija cheese if desired. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve. This salad is delicious served chilled, making it perfect for picnics and barbecues.

My family loves adding diced avocado and black beans to this salad for extra creaminess and protein. It turns it into a complete and satisfying meal.

Tips for Best Elote Pasta Salad

  • Prevent Sticking: Toss the pasta with olive oil.
  • Make Ahead: Add cotija cheese and cilantro just before serving.
  • Spice Level: Adjust jalapeño seeds.
  • Pasta Choice: Use a grooved pasta shape.

Variations

  • Spicy: Add red pepper flakes, cayenne, or hot sauce.
  • Deluxe: Mix in black beans, diced tomatoes, or avocado.
  • High Protein: Add shredded chicken or your favorite protein.
  • Vegan: Use vegan mayo and plant based yogurt.
Elote Pasta Salad Recipe Pin it
Elote Pasta Salad Recipe | homedeliciousrecipes.com

Storage

  • Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to four to five days.

This Elote Pasta Salad is a vibrant, flavorful, and healthy dish that's perfect for any summer gathering. It's a recipe that brings the taste of Mexican street corn to your table in a fun and creative way.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use regular pasta instead of chickpea pasta?
Yes, but chickpea pasta adds extra protein and fiber.
→ Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, if you use gluten-free pasta like chickpea pasta.
→ Can I make this vegan?
Yes, use vegan cheese and plant-based yogurt and mayo.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4–5 days.
→ Can I use frozen corn?
Yes, frozen corn works well. Thaw and warm it before using.

Elote Pasta Salad

Elote Pasta Salad is a delicious twist on Mexican street corn, featuring roasted corn, pasta, cotija cheese, and a creamy dressing. Ready in 30 minutes!

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Mexican, American

Yield: 10 Servings

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Salad

01 8 oz (227 g) dry pasta (e.g., Banza Rotini Chickpea Pasta)
02 4 cups (454 g) whole corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
03 ½ cup (75 g) cotija cheese, crumbled (or queso fresco, feta, or Parmesan)
04 ½ red onion, diced (215 g)
05 ½ cup (8 g) fresh cilantro, chopped (or parsley)
06 1 jalapeño pepper, seeds removed, chopped

→ Elote Dressing

07 1 cup (226 g) nonfat plain Greek yogurt
08 2 tablespoons (30 g) olive oil mayonnaise (or avocado oil mayo)
09 2 limes (zest of 1, juice of both)
10 1½ teaspoons chili powder
11 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
12 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

Step 01

Cook the pasta according to package directions. For al dente pasta, cook 1–2 minutes less than recommended. Drain, toss with olive oil, and let cool.

Step 02

If using fresh corn, roast it in the oven at 425°F (220°C) for 25–30 minutes (coat with olive oil, salt, and pepper, wrap in foil). Remove kernels from the cob. If using frozen corn, heat in a skillet over medium-high heat until thawed and warmed, about 4–5 minutes.

Step 03

In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lime zest, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Mix well.

Step 04

In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, corn, cilantro, red onion, cotija cheese, and jalapeño. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.

Step 05

If making ahead, add cotija cheese and cilantro just before serving. Enjoy!

Notes

  1. Salt the pasta water for extra flavor.
  2. Use grooved pasta shapes to hold more dressing.
  3. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4–5 days.

Tools You'll Need

  • Cutting board
  • Kitchen knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Mixing bowls
  • Saucepan

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (cotija cheese, Greek yogurt)
  • Gluten (if using regular pasta)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 175
  • Total Fat: 4 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 29 g
  • Protein: 10 g