Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn)

This Elote Pasta Salad Recipe combines the delicious flavors of traditional Mexican street corn with a creamy twist. Perfect for summer barbecues, potlucks, or a quick weeknight dinner, this dish is both refreshing and satisfying. With roasted corn, tender pasta, and a zesty dressing, it’s sure to become a crowd-pleaser!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful: Enjoy the rich taste of roasted corn paired with creamy dressing and spices.
• Versatile: Great as a side dish or a main course; perfect for any gathering.
• Easy to Make: A straightforward recipe that requires minimal prep time.
• Nutritious: Packed with fresh ingredients like vegetables and Greek yogurt for added health benefits.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare in advance for stress-free entertaining.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Elote Pasta Salad successfully, you’ll need a few essential tools to simplify your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Colander
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Necessary for boiling pasta efficiently.
• Colander: Helps drain pasta quickly and effectively after cooking.
• Mixing bowl: Ideal for combining all ingredients without making a mess.
• Whisk: Ensures your dressing is blended smoothly for optimal flavor.

Ingredients

To prepare this delicious Elote Pasta Salad, gather the following ingredients:

Main Ingredients

• 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

Dressing Ingredients

• 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)

Follow these steps to create your flavorful Elote Pasta Salad:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Cook pasta according to the package directions. If you prefer al dente pasta, cook it 1-2 minutes less than the box calls for.
2. When done cooking, drain the pasta and toss it with a drizzle of olive oil. Let it cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Corn

1. If using fresh ears of corn, cook them using your preferred method and remove kernels from the cob.
2. A popular method is to coat in olive oil, salt, and pepper; wrap in foil; then roast at 425°F (220°C) for 25–30 minutes.
3. Grilling adds even more flavor!
4. If using frozen corn, 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 smooth.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

1. In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta with corn kernels, cilantro, red onion, cotija cheese, and jalapeno.
2. Pour dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to combine all ingredients.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!

Hint: If preparing in advance, add cotija cheese and cilantro right before serving for best flavor!

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

This Elote Pasta Salad is versatile and can be served in various ways to enhance your meal. Whether it’s a casual lunch or a festive gathering, here are some serving suggestions to consider.

As a Standalone Dish

• Perfect for lunch: Enjoy this salad on its own for a refreshing and satisfying meal.
• Great for potlucks: Bring it along to share at gatherings; it’s sure to impress.

With Grilled Proteins

• Serve with grilled chicken: The smoky flavor of grilled chicken pairs beautifully with the creamy pasta salad.
• Accompany with shrimp skewers: The lightness of shrimp complements the richness of the salad.

As a Taco Bar Ingredient

• Use as a taco filling: Add this salad to soft or hard taco shells for an exciting twist on traditional tacos.
• Top with additional toppings: Enhance your tacos with avocado, salsa, or hot sauce for extra flavor.

As a Side Dish

• Pair with BBQ: This pasta salad makes an excellent side dish for barbecued meats, balancing out the richness.
• Serve alongside grilled vegetables: The freshness of the salad can brighten up any grilled veggie dish.

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

To elevate your Elote Pasta Salad, consider these helpful tips. Each tip focuses on enhancing flavor and presentation.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh corn and herbs significantly boost flavor and texture compared to frozen options.
• Adjust spice levels: Customize the heat by adding more jalapeno or including diced chili peppers based on your preference.
• Chill before serving: Letting the salad sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes allows flavors to meld beautifully.
• Experiment with cheese: While cotija is traditional, try feta or parmesan for a unique twist that adds different textures.

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

Pairing side dishes with your Elote Pasta Salad can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options:

1. Grilled Chicken: Seasoned and grilled chicken breasts add protein and complement the flavors of the pasta salad.
2. Black Bean Tacos: Flavorful black bean tacos provide a hearty vegetarian option that pairs well with elote flavors.
3. Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal veggies roasted until tender adds color and nutrition to your meal.
4. Cornbread: Sweet cornbread serves as an excellent contrast to the savory elements of the pasta salad.
5. Guacamole: Creamy guacamole offers a delicious dip option that enhances the Mexican theme of your meal.
6. Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips served with fresh salsa provide a fun crunch alongside your salad.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making the Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn) can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Using the wrong pasta type: Not all pasta works well in salads. Opt for shapes that hold dressing well, like rotini or penne.
• Skipping the cooling step: If you don’t cool the pasta before mixing, it can lead to a soggy salad. Always let it cool after draining.
• Overcooking the corn: Overcooked corn loses its crunch. Roast or grill it until just tender for best results.
• Forgetting the dressing balance: Too much mayonnaise can overpower flavors. Use a mix of Greek yogurt and mayo for creaminess without heaviness.
• Not adjusting seasoning: Taste your salad before serving. You may need extra salt or lime juice to elevate the flavor.
• Adding cheese too early: Cotija cheese should be added right before serving to keep it fresh and crumbly.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Best consumed within 3 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn)

• This salad is not recommended for freezing due to texture changes in the dressing and pasta.

Reheating Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn)

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), cover with foil, and heat for about 15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring in between until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Add a splash of water or broth in a skillet over medium heat, stir often until heated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about the Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn).

Can I make Elote Pasta Salad ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare it a day in advance. Just wait to add cilantro and cheese until right before serving.

What can I substitute for cotija cheese?

You can use queso fresco, feta, or even parmesan as alternatives to cotija cheese.

Is this salad gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free!

How do I make this recipe spicier?

Add more jalapeño or include diced serrano peppers for an extra kick of heat.

Can I customize the ingredients?

Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or avocado for more flavor and nutrition.

Final Thoughts

This Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn) is not just delicious but also versatile. It’s perfect as a side dish or main meal. Experiment with different herbs and vegetables to suit your taste!