Description
Elote Pasta Salad is a vibrant twist on the classic Mexican street corn dish, perfectly blending tender pasta with roasted corn, creamy dressing, and zesty flavors. This refreshing salad is ideal for summer picnics, potlucks, or casual dinners at home. With its colorful ingredients and delightful texture, Elote Pasta Salad will be the star of your table. Easy to prepare and highly customizable, it’s a crowd-pleaser that satisfies both adults and kids alike. Serve it as a light main course or as a tantalizing side dish alongside grilled meats or tacos. Enjoy the taste of Mexico with every bite!
Ingredients
- 8 oz dry pasta
- 4 cups whole corn kernels (or 16 oz frozen corn)
- ½ cup crumbled cotija cheese (or alternative cheese)
- ½ red onion, diced
- ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 jalapeño pepper, chopped (optional)
- Dressing: Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lime juice & zest, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt & pepper
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and cool with a drizzle of olive oil.
- Roast fresh corn or heat frozen corn in a skillet until warmed through.
- In a bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lime juice & zest, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt & pepper to create the dressing.
- Combine cooled pasta, corn kernels, cilantro, red onion, cotija cheese, and jalapeño in a large mixing bowl. Pour dressing over and toss gently.
- Chill before serving for enhanced flavors; add fresh toppings just before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (245g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: For added protein: consider mixing in cooked chicken or black beans. Adjust spice levels by modifying or omitting the jalapeño based on preference. Feel free to substitute cotija cheese with feta or parmesan if needed.