Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn)

This Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn) combines the vibrant flavors of traditional Mexican street corn in a delightful pasta salad. Perfect for potlucks, BBQs, or a quick weeknight meal, this dish is not only easy to prepare but also packed with fresh ingredients that make it a standout choice for any occasion. With roasted corn, creamy dressing, and zesty lime, you’ll find this salad is a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful Fusion: Enjoy the bold tastes of Mexican street corn blended perfectly with pasta.
• Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights or last-minute gatherings.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect as a side or main dish, and pairs well with various cuisines.
• Fresh Ingredients: Made with wholesome ingredients like corn, herbs, and creamy yogurt dressing.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Serves 10, making it great for parties or meal prep for the week.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools on hand makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Here are some essential items that will help you create this delicious Elote Pasta Salad.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk or spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Necessary for boiling the pasta evenly without overcrowding.
• Skillet: Ideal for roasting fresh corn to enhance its flavor before adding it to the salad.
• Mixing bowl: Provides ample space to combine all ingredients thoroughly without spills.
• Whisk or spoon: Helps in mixing the creamy dressing smoothly for an even coating on the pasta.

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

• 8 oz pasta, dry

For the Corn

• 4 cups whole corn kernels (454g), or 16 oz bag of frozen corn

For the Salad

• 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.
2. If you prefer al dente pasta, cook it 1-2 minutes less than instructed.
3. When done cooking, drain and toss in a drizzle of olive oil; let cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Corn

1. If using fresh ears of corn:
2. Cook using your preferred method until tender.
3. Remove kernels from cob.
4. For best flavor, coat with olive oil, salt, and pepper; wrap in foil; roast at 425°F (220°C) for 25-30 minutes.
5. If using frozen corn:
6. Heat in a skillet on medium-high until thawed and warmed (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 along with roasted corn, cilantro, red onion, cotija cheese, and jalapeno.
2. Pour dressing over top and toss gently to combine.

Step 5: Serve

1. If preparing in advance:
2. Wait to add cotija cheese and cilantro until just before serving for freshness.

Now you have a vibrant Elote Pasta Salad ready to impress your family and friends! Enjoy this flavorful dish at your next gathering!

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

This Elote Pasta Salad is a vibrant dish that pairs wonderfully with various meals. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or enjoying a casual dinner, here are some fantastic ways to serve this delicious salad.

As a Standalone Dish

• Perfect for potlucks: This pasta salad is hearty and full of flavor, making it an excellent main dish for gatherings.
• Great for meal prep: Pack it in individual containers for easy lunches throughout the week.

With Grilled Proteins

• Compliments grilled chicken: The creamy dressing and corn flavors balance well with the smoky taste of grilled chicken.
• Pairs nicely with steak: The rich flavors of beef enhance the savory elements in the Elote Pasta Salad.

Alongside Fresh Salsas

• Enhance with tomato salsa: A fresh tomato salsa adds a burst of acidity that complements the creamy salad.
• Try mango salsa: The sweetness of mango salsa brings out the flavors of the corn and lime in the salad.

With Tortilla Chips

• Serve with tortilla chips: Crunchy chips make for a delightful contrast to the creamy pasta salad.
• Create a nacho platter: Layer chips with Elote Pasta Salad for a fun twist on traditional nachos.

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

To elevate your Elote Pasta Salad, consider these simple yet effective tips. They will help you achieve the best flavor and texture.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh corn and herbs will significantly enhance the taste compared to canned or dried alternatives.
• Adjust spice levels: Feel free to modify jalapeno amounts to customize spiciness based on your preference.
• Chill before serving: Letting the salad sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes allows flavors to meld beautifully.
• Add extra toppings: Consider garnishing with additional cotija cheese or fresh cilantro just before serving for added freshness.

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

Pairing side dishes with your Elote Pasta Salad can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options:

1. Grilled Veggies: Seasonal vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers are tasty when lightly seasoned and grilled.
2. Black Bean Tacos: These hearty tacos provide protein and work well with the flavors of your pasta salad.
3. Corn on the Cob: Roasted or grilled corn enhances the corn flavor in your salad while adding texture.
4. Avocado Salad: A light avocado salad dressed in lime juice offers creaminess that complements your pasta dish.
5. Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes seasoned with herbs are a satisfying side that pairs well with any meal.
6. Cucumber Salsa: Fresh cucumber mixed with tomatoes and onions provides a refreshing crunch alongside your salad.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Elote Pasta Salad, it’s easy to make a few common errors. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Overcooking the Pasta: Cooking pasta longer than instructed can lead to mushy texture. Aim for al dente by reducing cooking time by 1-2 minutes.

• Skipping the Cooling Process: Adding warm pasta to the salad can wilt ingredients. Ensure you cool the pasta in olive oil before mixing it with other components.

• Using Unseasoned Corn: Fresh or frozen corn without seasoning may lack flavor. Always season corn with salt and pepper or cook it on high heat for added char.

• Ignoring the Dressing Ratio: Too much dressing can overpower the salad. Start with a small amount and add more gradually until you achieve your desired flavor.

• Adding Cheese Too Early: If making in advance, adding cotija cheese too soon can make it soggy. Mix cheese in right before serving for the best texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• This Elote Pasta Salad will stay fresh for up to 3 days.

Freezing Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn)

• It is not recommended to freeze this salad due to its creamy dressing, which may separate upon thawing.

Reheating Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn)

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals of 30 seconds, stirring in between, until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, stirring gently until heated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about this Elote Pasta Salad Recipe:

Can I use different types of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne or rotini, while keeping the overall cooking time similar.

What if I can’t find cotija cheese?

You can use queso fresco, feta, or even parmesan cheese as a substitute if cotija is unavailable.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

Simply use gluten-free pasta instead of regular wheat-based pasta to keep this dish gluten-free.

Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare all ingredients and mix them together just before serving for optimal freshness.

What sides pair well with Elote Pasta Salad?

This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled vegetables, tacos, or alongside any protein dishes like grilled chicken or fish.

Final Thoughts

This Elote Pasta Salad Recipe brings together vibrant flavors reminiscent of traditional Mexican street corn. Its creamy dressing combined with roasted corn and fresh herbs creates a delightful dish perfect for gatherings or family meals. Feel free to customize it by adding extra veggies or adjusting spices according to your taste!