Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn)

This Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn) perfectly combines the vibrant flavors of traditional Mexican street corn with tender pasta, making it ideal for gatherings or a refreshing dinner. The creamy dressing, fresh herbs, and cotija cheese create a delightful dish that suits various occasions, from potlucks to summer picnics.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this pasta salad comes together quickly.
• Bursting with Flavor: Enjoy the unique combination of roasted corn, spices, and creamy dressing that offers a taste of Mexico.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it as a main course or side dish; it’s perfect for any meal or gathering.
• Healthy Choice: Packed with protein and fiber, this salad is both nutritious and satisfying.
• Make-Ahead Option: Prepare it in advance for stress-free entertaining; just add fresh herbs before serving.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Elote Pasta Salad smoothly, you’ll need some essential tools.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk or spoon
• Knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Necessary for boiling the pasta to the perfect texture.
• Skillet: Ideal for heating up corn, enhancing its flavor through roasting.
• Mixing bowl: A spacious bowl makes it easy to combine all ingredients without making a mess.

Ingredients

This Elote Pasta Salad has all the flavors of traditional Mexican street corn with roasted corn, tender pasta, cotija cheese, fresh herbs, and a creamy dressing. It might just be your new favorite pasta salad recipe!

For the Pasta Salad

• 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

For the Dressing

• 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)

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

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

Step 2: Prepare the Corn

If using fresh ears of corn:
1. Cook using your preferred method until tender.
2. Remove corn kernels from the cob.
3. Coat them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Wrap in foil and roast at 425°F (220°C) for 25-30 minutes.

If using frozen corn:
1. Heat in a skillet on medium-high until thawed and warmed (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 with a whisk or spoon until smooth.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl:
1. Add cooled pasta, corn kernels, cilantro, red onion, cotija cheese, and jalapeno.
2. Pour dressing over everything and toss gently to combine.

Step 5: Serve with Fresh Herbs

Hint: If you’re making this salad in advance wait to add cotija cheese and cilantro right before serving for maximum freshness!

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

Elote Pasta Salad is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a potluck, enjoying a picnic, or simply looking for a quick lunch, this salad fits the bill perfectly.

As a Main Dish

• This salad can stand alone as a light main course. It’s filling yet refreshing, making it ideal for warm days.

As a Side Dish

• Pair the Elote Pasta Salad with grilled meats or fish. The creamy dressing and spices complement smoky flavors beautifully.

For Meal Prep

• Portion the salad into containers for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week. Just add fresh toppings before serving!

At Potlucks

• Bring it to your next gathering! This pasta salad is sure to be a hit and is easy to transport in a large bowl.

With Tortilla Chips

• Serve alongside crispy tortilla chips for added crunch. It’s a fun way to enjoy the flavors of Mexican street corn!

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

To ensure your Elote Pasta Salad shines, consider these helpful tips. They will elevate the dish and enhance its flavors.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh corn and herbs will provide vibrant flavors compared to canned or frozen options.

• Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to tweak the jalapeno quantity based on your heat preference. Removing seeds reduces spiciness.

• Chill Before Serving: Letting the salad chill for at least 30 minutes allows flavors to meld beautifully.

• Add Extra Toppings: Try drizzling with extra lime juice or sprinkling additional cotija cheese on top before serving for extra flavor.

• Make Ahead: This dish keeps well in the fridge, so you can prepare it a day in advance—just wait to add fresh herbs until serving.

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

Elote Pasta Salad pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that complement its flavors. Here are some great options:

1. Grilled Chicken: Juicy grilled chicken thighs or breasts seasoned with lime and chili powder make an excellent protein addition.

2. Corn on the Cob: Classic Mexican-style corn topped with cotija cheese and chili powder amplifies the street corn theme.

3. Black Bean Salsa: A zesty black bean salsa adds freshness and pairs well with the creamy texture of the pasta salad.

4. Guacamole: Creamy guacamole provides a rich contrast that balances out the tangy pasta salad perfectly.

5. Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips served with fresh salsa makes for an easy appetizer or snack alongside your meal.

6. Grilled Vegetables: Colorful grilled veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and onions enhance any plate and add healthy variety.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making the perfect Elote Pasta Salad can be tricky if you don’t watch for common mistakes. Here are some pitfalls to avoid:

• Ignoring pasta cooking time: Overcooking your pasta can lead to a mushy texture. Always follow package instructions and consider cooking it al dente.
• Skipping the dressing: The creamy dressing is key to bringing flavors together. Don’t forget to mix all the ingredients well before adding them to the salad.
• Using old ingredients: Freshness matters! Make sure your corn, herbs, and cheese are fresh for the best taste and texture.
• Not cooling the pasta: Adding warm pasta to the salad can wilt the other ingredients. Allow it to cool after cooking.
• Adding cheese too early: Cotija cheese adds great flavor but should be added just before serving to keep its texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Keep it refrigerated at all times.

Freezing Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn)

• It’s best not to freeze this salad as the texture may change.
• If necessary, store for up to 1 month in a freezer-safe container.

Reheating Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn)

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat until warm, about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring in between until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Use low heat in a skillet, stirring gently until heated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Elote Pasta Salad.

How can I make my Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn) spicier?

You can add more jalapeno or even some diced serrano peppers for extra heat.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance. Just add cotija cheese and cilantro before serving for freshness.

What type of pasta works best?

Short pasta varieties like rotini or fusilli work well because they hold onto the dressing nicely.

Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Absolutely! This Elote Pasta Salad is vegetarian-friendly and packed with flavors.

Final Thoughts

This Elote Pasta Salad is sure to become a favorite with its delightful combination of flavors. Enjoy it as a main dish or a side at gatherings. Feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies or proteins!