Go Back
–+ servings
Elote Pasta Salad

Creamy Elote Pasta Salad That Elevates Summer Gatherings

This creamy elote pasta salad blends Mexican street corn flavors with pasta, perfect for summer gatherings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 2 cups Pasta Choose elbow, rotini, or bowtie
For the Salad
  • 2 ears Corn Grilled fresh corn; canned corn is a substitute
  • 1 small Red Onion Finely diced
  • 1/2 cup Cilantro Finely chopped; can swap with parsley
  • 1 cup Cotija Cheese Crumbled; can substitute feta or queso fresco
For the Dressing
  • 1/2 cup Mayonnaise Can use half Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup Sour Cream Can replace with plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons Lime Juice Fresh lime preferred
  • 1 teaspoon Lime Zest
  • 1 teaspoon Chili Powder Adjust according to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon Smoked Paprika Optional for smoky flavor
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black Pepper
Optional Add-ins
  • 1 medium Jalapeño Diced
  • 1 cup Protein Add-ins Like grilled chicken, shrimp, or black beans
  • 1/4 cup Green Onions Diced

Equipment

  • Pot
  • Grill
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Colander
  • Spatula

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. Prepare the Corn: Grill fresh corn on medium-high heat for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally until charred. Let cool and cut kernels off the cobs.
  3. Make the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, lime zest, chili powder, garlic, and smoked paprika (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the pasta, corn, red onion, cilantro, and cotija cheese. Pour dressing over and toss to coat.
  5. Chill (Optional): Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes for enhanced flavor. You can serve immediately if short on time.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Toss again before serving and garnish with extra cotija cheese, cilantro, lime wedges, and a sprinkle of chili powder.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 10gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Chill for at least 30 minutes to meld flavors. Fresh ingredients enhance the dish's quality.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!