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Best Elote Pasta Salad

Best Elote Pasta Salad with a Creamy Twist You’ll Love

Delight in the Best Elote Pasta Salad, blending Mexican street corn flavors with creamy pasta salad perfection.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 8 ounces pasta (elbow, rotini, or bowtie) Cook until al dente.
  • 2 cups corn Grilled, roasted, or canned.
  • 1 medium red onion Finely diced.
  • 1/2 cup cilantro Chopped.
  • 1 cup cotija cheese Crumbled.
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise Can mix with Greek yogurt.
  • 1/2 cup sour cream Can use plain Greek yogurt.
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice & zest Fresh is a must.
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder Adjust to preference.
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika Optional for smokiness.
  • 2 cloves garlic Minced.
  • to taste salt
  • to taste black pepper
  • 1 medium jalapeño Optional, diced.
  • 1 cup protein add-ins Options like grilled chicken, shrimp, or black beans.
  • 2 scallions green onions Optional, sliced.

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Grill or Skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Plastic Wrap

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water, add pasta, and cook until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. Prepare the Corn: Grill fresh corn for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally. Cool and cut kernels off the cob.
  3. Make the Dressing: Whisk mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, lime zest, chili powder, garlic, and smoked paprika. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, mix cooled pasta, corn, red onion, cilantro, and cotija cheese. Add dressing and toss to coat.
  5. Chill (Optional): Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to meld flavors.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Toss salad before serving and garnish with extra cotija, cilantro, lime wedges, and chili powder.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 10gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 1mg

Notes

This salad can be made 24 hours in advance. Stir before serving to refresh flavors.

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