Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn)

This Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn) combines the delightful flavors of traditional Mexican street corn with a creamy pasta salad twist. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a quick family dinner, this dish is both satisfying and unique. The roasted corn, tender pasta, and zesty dressing create a refreshing yet hearty meal that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful Fusion: Enjoy the rich taste of Mexican street corn in a delightful pasta salad form.
• Quick Preparation: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect as a side or main dish, suitable for any occasion from barbecues to holiday dinners.
• Crowd-Pleaser: This recipe serves up to 10 people, making it great for sharing with family and friends.
• Customizable Ingredients: Easily swap ingredients based on your preferences or dietary needs.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Elote Pasta Salad, gather the necessary tools to simplify your cooking experience.

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 cooking pasta evenly and efficiently.
• Colander: Helps drain pasta properly without losing any precious noodles.
• Baking sheet: Ideal for roasting corn to enhance its flavor before mixing it into the salad.

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

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. If you prefer al dente pasta, cook it 1-2 minutes less than indicated.
2. Drain the cooked pasta and toss it with a drizzle of olive oil. Let it cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Corn

1. If using fresh ears of corn, cook using your preferred method until tender.
2. I recommend coating them with olive oil, salt, and pepper; wrapping in foil; and roasting at 425°F (220°C) for 25-30 minutes for best flavor.
3. If using frozen corn, heat it in a skillet over medium-high heat until thawed and warmed through—about 4-5 minutes.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

1. In a small bowl, combine 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

1. In a large bowl, add cooled pasta, roasted corn kernels (or thawed frozen corn), chopped cilantro, diced red onion, crumbled cotija cheese, and jalapeno.
2. Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to combine.

Step 5: Serve

1. If preparing in advance, add cotija cheese and cilantro just before serving for maximum freshness.

Enjoy your delicious Elote Pasta Salad as a vibrant addition to your next meal!

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

This Elote Pasta Salad is versatile and can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience. Whether you’re hosting a potluck or enjoying a cozy dinner at home, here are some serving suggestions to elevate this dish.

As a Main Course

• A hearty portion of this pasta salad makes for a filling main dish, perfect for lunch or dinner.

At Potlucks

• This salad is an ideal potluck dish due to its crowd-pleasing flavors and easy preparation. Just toss it together and serve!

With Grilled Proteins

• Serve the pasta salad alongside grilled chicken, steak, or shrimp for a complete meal that’s rich in flavor.

In Lettuce Wraps

• For a lighter option, spoon the salad into crisp lettuce leaves for refreshing wraps that are easy to eat.

With Tortilla Chips

• Pair with tortilla chips for a fun twist, allowing guests to scoop up the salad like a dip!

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

To ensure your Elote Pasta Salad turns out perfectly every time, consider these simple tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh corn and herbs will enhance the flavor significantly compared to frozen alternatives.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Modify the amount of jalapeno based on your heat preference; it can easily be omitted for milder taste.
• Chill Before Serving: Allow the salad to chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes; this helps meld all the flavors beautifully.
• Experiment with Cheese: If cotija isn’t available, try using feta or queso fresco for similar creamy textures.
• Add More Veggies: Consider adding diced bell peppers or cherry tomatoes for additional color and nutrition.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the salad a day in advance (without cheese), allowing flavors to develop even more.

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

Pairing side dishes with your Elote Pasta Salad can create a balanced and delightful meal. Here are some great options:

1. Grilled Vegetables: Colorful vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers add a smoky flavor when grilled.
2. Mexican Street Corn: Serve traditional street corn alongside for a cohesive theme full of flavor.
3. Black Bean Salsa: A fresh salsa made with black beans, tomatoes, and onions complements the pasta well.
4. Avocado Toast: Creamy avocado on toasted bread provides richness that pairs nicely with the pasta salad’s flavors.
5. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: The sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes contrasts beautifully with the savory notes of the salad.
6. Chips and Guacamole: Classic tortilla chips served with guacamole make for an irresistible snack before the main meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making an Elote Pasta Salad can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Using overcooked pasta: Overcooked pasta can make your salad mushy. Aim for al dente for a better texture.
• Not seasoning the corn: Fresh or frozen corn needs flavor. Toss it with olive oil, salt, and pepper before adding it to the salad.
• Skipping the dressing: The dressing is essential for flavor. Don’t skip it; combine all ingredients well for a creamy finish.
• Adding ingredients too early: If preparing in advance, wait until just before serving to add fresh herbs and cheese to keep them vibrant.
• Neglecting to taste: Always taste your salad before serving. Adjust seasoning as needed to enhance flavors.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Best consumed within 3 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn)

• Not recommended for freezing, as the texture may change once thawed.

Reheating Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn)

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm covered for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals of 30 seconds, stirring in between until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Warm on medium heat while stirring gently until heated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about the Elote Pasta Salad Recipe? Here are some common inquiries!

What is the Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn)?

This recipe combines roasted corn with pasta, cotija cheese, fresh herbs, and a creamy dressing reminiscent of traditional Mexican street corn.

Can I use frozen corn for this recipe?

Yes! Frozen corn works well and saves time. Just heat it in a skillet until warmed through.

How long does Elote Pasta Salad last?

It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, it’s best enjoyed fresh.

Is this Elote Pasta Salad vegetarian?

Absolutely! This recipe is vegetarian-friendly and packed with flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Elote Pasta Salad is not only delicious but also versatile. Perfect for potlucks or as a quick lunch option, it allows for customization based on your preferences. Add grilled chicken or swap out cheeses to make it your own!