Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn)

This Elote Pasta Salad Recipe brings you the vibrant flavors of traditional Mexican street corn in a delightful and easy-to-make dish. Perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or a simple dinner at home, this salad combines roasted corn, tender pasta, creamy dressing, and fresh herbs. It’s not just a salad; it’s a celebration of flavor that everyone will love!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only about 30 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of roasted corn, spices, and creamy dressing delivers an unforgettable taste that will have your guests coming back for seconds.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it as a side or make it the star of your meal. This pasta salad is great for BBQs, picnics, or any occasion.
• Crowd-Pleaser: With its delicious ingredients and beautiful presentation, this salad is sure to impress both family and friends.
• Customizable: Feel free to tweak the ingredients based on your preferences. You can use different cheeses or add more veggies!

Tools and Preparation

Getting ready to make the Elote Pasta Salad Recipe is simple when you have the right tools on hand. Here are some essentials that will help streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or spoon
• Skillet (optional)
• Baking sheet (for roasting corn)

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta evenly and ensuring it cooks perfectly.
• Mixing bowls: Helps in combining all ingredients thoroughly without making a mess.
• Whisk or spoon: These tools are key for mixing the creamy dressing smoothly.
• Skillet (optional): Ideal if you prefer sautéing frozen corn instead of roasting.

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!

Ingredients:
– 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
– 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)

Follow these steps to create your own delicious Elote Pasta Salad.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Cook pasta according to the package directions. For al dente pasta, cook it 1-2 minutes less than suggested.
2. Once done cooking, drain the pasta and drizzle with olive oil to prevent sticking. Let it cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Corn

1. If using fresh corn on the cob, cook using your preferred method until tender.
2. A great option is wrapping in foil with olive oil, salt, and pepper before roasting in an oven at 425°F (220°C) for 25-30 minutes.
3. If using frozen corn, heat 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, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix well using a whisk or spoon until fully blended.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

1. In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta with roasted corn kernels, chopped cilantro (or parsley), diced red onion, cotija cheese (or alternative), and chopped jalapeno.
2. Pour the dressing over the top and gently toss all ingredients together until well combined.

Step 5: Serve

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

Enjoy this tasty Elote Pasta Salad Recipe at your next meal!

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

Elote Pasta Salad is a versatile dish that can be served in many delightful ways. Whether it’s for a casual gathering or a festive celebration, this salad brings the essence of Mexican street corn to your table, making it a hit among guests.

As a Side Dish

• This pasta salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, adding a fresh and creamy contrast to the smoky flavors.

In a Taco Bar

• Set up a taco bar and include Elote Pasta Salad as a unique topping alongside traditional options like salsa and guacamole.

As Part of a Picnic Spread

• Pack this salad for picnics or outdoor gatherings. It’s easy to transport and can be served chilled, making it perfect for warm days.

For Meal Prep

• Portion the salad into containers for quick lunches throughout the week. Just remember to add the cotija cheese and cilantro right before eating!

As an Appetizer

• Serve small portions in cups or small bowls for guests to enjoy as an appetizer at parties, giving them a taste of something special.

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

Perfecting your Elote Pasta Salad can elevate its flavor and presentation. Here are some tips to make it even better:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh corn adds sweetness and texture. If possible, use corn on the cob during the summer months for the best flavor.

• Customize Your Spices: Feel free to adjust the spice levels. Add more chili powder if you like heat or substitute smoked paprika for regular paprika based on your taste preference.

• Chill Before Serving: Allowing the salad to chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes enhances the flavors as they blend together beautifully.

• Experiment with Cheese: While cotija is traditional, feel free to mix in feta or parmesan if you prefer something different yet still delicious.

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

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

1. Grilled Chicken Skewers: Marinate chicken pieces in spices and grill until juicy. They add protein that balances the pasta salad’s creamy texture.

2. Vegetable Quesadillas: Stuff tortillas with assorted veggies and cheese, then grill until crispy. They offer a crunchy contrast to the soft pasta salad.

3. Black Bean Tacos: Fill soft or hard shells with seasoned black beans, fresh avocado, and salsa for a hearty addition that matches well with the pasta salad’s flavors.

4. Corn on the Cob: Roasted or grilled corn dressed with butter and lime echoes the sweet corn flavor found in Elote Pasta Salad.

5. Guacamole with Tortilla Chips: Creamy guacamole served with crunchy chips provides a satisfying dip that complements each bite of pasta salad.

6. Cilantro Lime Rice: Fluffy rice tossed with cilantro and lime juice offers a refreshing side that pairs well with Mexican-inspired dishes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Elote Pasta Salad turns out perfectly, here are some common mistakes to avoid.

• Bold Preparation Mistake: Not cooking the pasta properly can lead to a mushy salad. Always follow package instructions and consider cooking it al dente for the best texture.
• Bold Corn Selection Error: Using canned corn instead of fresh or frozen can compromise flavor. Opt for roasted fresh corn or sautéed frozen corn for a deeper taste.
• Bold Dressing Ratio Miscalculation: Adding too much dressing can make your salad soggy. Start with a small amount and adjust based on your preference for creaminess.
• Bold Ingredient Timing Issue: Mixing all ingredients too early can lead to wilted herbs and soggy texture. Add fresh ingredients like cilantro and cheese right before serving.
• Bold Skipping Seasoning: Forgetting to season the dressing will lead to bland flavors. Don’t skip the spices; they are essential for bringing the dish to life.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn)

• Freezing is not recommended due to the creamy dressing and texture changes of the ingredients.

Reheating Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn)

• Bold Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10 minutes, covered with foil.
• Bold Microwave: Heat in short intervals of 30 seconds, stirring in between until warm.
• Bold Stovetop: Warm over low heat in a skillet, stirring frequently, until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I make Elote Pasta Salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it ahead but add fresh ingredients like cilantro and cheese just before serving for maximum flavor.

What can I substitute for cotija cheese?

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

How spicy is this Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn)?

The spice level depends on how much jalapeno you include. You can omit it entirely for a milder salad.

Can I use gluten-free pasta?

Absolutely! This recipe works well with gluten-free pasta options available in stores.

Final Thoughts

This Elote Pasta Salad Recipe combines vibrant flavors that capture the essence of Mexican street corn. Its versatility allows you to customize with your favorite herbs or additional veggies. Whether served at a potluck or enjoyed as a side dish, this salad is sure to impress!