Elote Pasta Salad Recipe

If you adore vibrant, flavor-packed dishes that bring a fiesta to your taste buds, you are going to love this Elote Pasta Salad Recipe! It’s a delightful twist on the classic Mexican street corn, reimagined as a creamy pasta salad that bursts with fresh corn sweetness, zesty lime, and that unmistakable smoky paprika kick. This salad is the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and crunchy, making it a standout at any picnic, potluck, or weeknight dinner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Elote Pasta Salad Recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an essential role in creating layers of flavor, texture, and color that make the dish truly special. From the tender pasta to the fresh corn kernels, and the creamy dressing spiked with lime and spices, every element shines.

• 8 oz pasta, dry: Choose a sturdy pasta like rotini or penne that holds onto the dressing well.
• 4 cups whole corn kernels: Fresh or frozen corn provides that sweet crunch that’s the heart of this salad.
• ½ cup cotija cheese, crumbled: Adds a salty, crumbly texture that’s key to the authentic elote flavor.
• ½ a red onion, diced: Brings a sharp, colorful bite that wakes up the palate.
• ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped: Provides a burst of fresh herbal brightness, though parsley works if you prefer.
• 1 jalapeno pepper, chopped: Adds a gentle heat that balances the creaminess perfectly; remove seeds for mildness.
• Olive oil mayonnaise: Creates richness in the dressing and helps it cling to every bite.
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt: Brings tangy creaminess and a dose of protein.
• 2 Tbsp mayonnaise: Adds an extra layer of smooth texture to the dressing.
• 1 lime, zest and juice: Brightens the salad with essential citrus flavor, making all the flavors pop.
• ½ tsp chili powder: Introduces warm, smoky spice for depth.
• ½ tsp smoked paprika: Essential for that characteristic smoky flavor reminiscent of grilled elote.
• ½ tsp garlic powder: Infuses subtle savory notes without overpowering.
• ½ tsp kosher salt: Enhances all the natural flavors.
• ¼ tsp black pepper: Adds gentle heat and complexity.

How to Make Elote Pasta Salad Recipe

Step 1: Perfectly Cook Your Pasta

Start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions, but stop cooking a couple of minutes early if you like your pasta al dente. Once done, drain it well to avoid sogginess and toss it with a bit of olive oil so the noodles don’t stick together as they cool. This simple step ensures every bite stays beautifully textured.

Step 2: Prepare the Corn for Maximum Flavor

If you’re using fresh corn, roasting it is a game changer. Coat the ears with olive oil, salt, and pepper, wrap them in foil, and roast at 425°F for about 25-30 minutes to develop that sweet, toasty flavor. If grilling is an option, that’s even better for the smoky notes in this recipe! For convenience, frozen corn works just fine—just warm it up in a skillet to revive its sweetness.

Step 3: Whip Up the Elote Dressing

This dressing is what takes the Elote Pasta Salad Recipe to the next level. Combine Greek yogurt, olive oil mayonnaise, lime zest, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk it all together until perfectly smooth and creamy – it should have a zingy, smoky character that ties the entire salad together.

Step 4: Toss Everything Together

In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, roasted corn, diced red onion, chopped cilantro, crumbled cotija, and jalapeno. Pour the dressing over everything and gently toss until every piece is coated in that flavorful sauce. It’s already tempting here but wait until you taste it!

Step 5: Final Touches Before Serving

If you’re making the salad ahead of time, hold off on adding the cotija cheese and fresh cilantro until just before serving. This prevents the cheese from absorbing too much moisture and the herbs from wilting, keeping the salad fresh and vibrant.

How to Serve Elote Pasta Salad Recipe

Garnishes

To finish your Elote Pasta Salad Recipe, sprinkle extra cotija cheese and a few cilantro leaves on top for an inviting pop of color and flavor. You can also add a light dusting of smoked paprika or a drizzle of lime juice right before serving — it’s those final touches that make your salad irresistible.

Side Dishes

This salad plays well with lots of dishes! Serve it alongside grilled chicken, steak, or fish to complement the smoky and creamy flavors. It’s also a perfect pairing with classic BBQ sides like coleslaw, baked beans, or cornbread, elevating any summer cookout or casual meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fresh presentation, serve the Elote Pasta Salad Recipe in individual mason jars for easy picnic grabs. Alternatively, scoop it into bell pepper cups or avocado halves for a fun, colorful appetizer. The creamy, textured salad stands out beautifully against bright serving dishes or rustic bowls, inviting everyone to dig in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Elote Pasta Salad Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to 3 days, but remember to keep the cotija cheese and cilantro separate until you’re ready to enjoy it again. This helps avoid sogginess and keeps those flavors as lively as when first made.

Freezing

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, so freezing is not recommended. The creamy dressing and fresh vegetables don’t freeze well and can become watery or lose their texture. For peak flavor and texture, plan to consume it within a few days of making it.

Reheating

Since the Elote Pasta Salad Recipe is served cold, reheating is unnecessary. If you prefer, you can let refrigerated leftovers sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to bring some of the creaminess back before enjoying.

FAQs

Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen corn works wonderfully and saves time. Just warm it in a skillet before adding it to the salad to bring out that sweet corn flavor.

What pasta shape works best for this salad?

Short, sturdy pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or shells are ideal because they hold onto the dressing well without getting mushy.

Is there a substitute for cotija cheese?

If cotija isn’t available, feta, queso fresco, or even a mild parmesan can be great substitutes. Each one brings a slightly different flavor and texture but still adds that salty, crumbly element.

Can I make this Elote Pasta Salad Recipe vegan?

To make it vegan, swap the Greek yogurt and mayonnaise for plant-based alternatives, and omit the cheese or use a vegan cheese substitute. You might miss some creaminess, but it can still taste fantastic.

How spicy is the salad with jalapeno included?

The jalapeno adds a gentle heat that complements the other flavors without overwhelming. Removing the seeds and membranes softens the spice significantly, making it mild enough for most palates.

Final Thoughts

This Elote Pasta Salad Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to dishes because it’s a crowd-pleaser with so much personality. It’s creamy but fresh, smoky but bright, and the perfect way to take pasta salad to an entirely new, exciting level. I can’t wait for you to try it and share it with those you love!

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