Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn)

This Elote Pasta Salad Recipe combines the mouthwatering flavors of traditional Mexican street corn with delicious pasta. Perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or as a side dish at dinner, this salad is a refreshing and vibrant addition to any meal. The creamy dressing, fresh herbs, and roasted corn create a delightful blend that will impress your guests and family alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful Fusion: The Elote Pasta Salad brings together the best of both worlds—Mexican street corn and classic pasta salad.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe can be made in just under 30 minutes.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it as a side for barbecues or as a main dish for lunch; it fits any occasion perfectly.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with fresh vegetables and lean Greek yogurt, this salad is both nutritious and satisfying.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it in advance for potlucks or meal prep without sacrificing flavor—just add fresh herbs before serving.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into making this delightful Elote Pasta Salad, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment will make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Colander
• Baking sheet (if roasting corn)
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk or spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta evenly and ensuring it cooks to your desired texture.
• Colander: Helps drain excess water from the pasta efficiently after cooking.
• Baking sheet: Perfect for roasting corn to enhance its flavor before adding it to the salad.
• Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows you to combine all ingredients easily 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 Base

• 8 oz pasta, dry

For the Corn Mixture

• 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 it in a colander and toss it with a drizzle of olive oil. Allow it to cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Corn

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

If using frozen corn:
1. Heat it in a skillet on medium-high heat until thawed and warmed through—about 4-5 minutes.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl:
1. Combine the 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

In a large mixing bowl:
1. Add cooled pasta along with roasted corn, cilantro, red onion, cotija cheese, and jalapeno.
2. Pour the dressing on top.
3. Toss everything together until well combined.

Step 5: Serve

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

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

This Elote Pasta Salad is not only delicious but also versatile. You can serve it in various ways to suit different occasions and preferences.

As a Main Dish

• Serve it chilled for a refreshing main course on hot days.
• Pair it with grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.

At a Potluck

• This salad is perfect for potlucks; simply bring it in a large bowl.
• Garnish with additional cotija cheese and fresh cilantro to impress guests.

As a Side Dish

• Complement BBQ dishes like ribs or burgers with this flavorful pasta salad.
• It pairs wonderfully with Mexican-themed meals, enhancing the overall dining experience.

In Meal Prep

• Portion it into containers for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.
• Add extra lime wedges for a zesty kick when serving later.

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

Enhancing your Elote Pasta Salad is simple with a few tips. These suggestions will help you achieve the best flavor and texture.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh corn and herbs will elevate the salad’s taste and authenticity.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to add more jalapeno if you prefer extra heat or omit it for milder flavors.
• Chill Before Serving: Letting the salad chill for at least an hour allows flavors to meld beautifully.
• Experiment with Cheese: Try different cheeses like feta or queso fresco to find your favorite combination.
• Add Crunch: Incorporate nuts or seeds, like toasted pumpkin seeds, for added texture and nutrition.

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

When serving Elote Pasta Salad, pairing it with the right side dishes can enhance your meal. Here are some excellent options:

1. Grilled Vegetable Skewers: Colorful vegetables brushed with olive oil and grilled until tender complement the salad well.
2. Spicy Black Bean Tacos: These hearty tacos add a protein punch while keeping with the Mexican flavor profile.
3. Cilantro Lime Rice: A light, zesty rice dish that pairs perfectly with the creamy pasta salad.
4. Avocado Corn Salsa: A refreshing salsa that brings out the flavors of corn in both dishes.
5. Chips and Guacamole: Crunchy tortilla chips served with smooth guacamole create a fun snacking option before the main meal.
6. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes provide a lovely contrast to the savory elements of the pasta salad.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making the perfect Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn) can be simple, but a few common mistakes can hinder your results. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Overcooking the pasta – Cooking pasta too long results in a mushy texture. Always follow package instructions for al dente pasta, or cook it 1-2 minutes less.

• Skipping the cooling step – If you don’t cool the pasta before mixing, it can make the salad warm and unappetizing. Toss the drained pasta with olive oil and let it cool before adding other ingredients.

• Ignoring seasoning – Under-seasoning can make your salad bland. Be sure to taste your dressing and adjust seasoning as needed before combining with the pasta.

• Forgetting fresh herbs – Fresh herbs add vibrancy and flavor. Always include cilantro or parsley for that authentic touch of freshness.

• Overloading with cheese – While cotija cheese adds great flavor, too much can overpower other ingredients. Stick to the recommended amount for balance.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• The salad will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn)

• It is best not to freeze this salad due to the creamy dressing and fresh ingredients.
• If you must freeze, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month but be aware of changes in texture.

Reheating Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn)

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Spread salad on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave – Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish. Heat on medium power for about 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop – Heat on low in a skillet with a splash of water or broth until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding the Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn):

Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen corn works well! Simply thaw and warm it before adding to your salad.

How long does this salad last?

The Elote Pasta Salad will stay tasty in the refrigerator for up to three days if stored properly.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Substitute Greek yogurt with plant-based yogurt and cotija cheese with vegan cheese alternatives for a delicious vegan version.

What should I serve with Elote Pasta Salad?

This salad pairs well as a side dish with grilled meats or can be served as part of a light lunch alongside fresh fruit.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta while following the rest of the recipe as is.

Final Thoughts

The Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn) is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or proteins. This vibrant dish brings together comforting flavors that everyone will love. Try making it today – you won’t be disappointed!