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–+ servings
elote pasta salad

Elote Pasta Salad

If you’ve ever enjoyed the smoky, tangy flavors of Mexican street corn (elote), this dish is a creamy, zesty fusion combining elote’s vibrant essence with the comfort of pasta. Perfect for barbecues, potlucks, or weekday meals, it’s bold, flavorful, and easy to prepare.
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Course: Main Course, pasta, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: creamy pasta salad, elote pasta salad, mexican street corn pasta salad recipe, Mexican street corn salad
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Resting time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 53 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 299kcal
Cost: $10

Equipment

  • 1 Large pot For cooking pasta
  • 1 Grill or grill pan To char the corn
  • 1 Large mixing bowl For combining ingredients
  • 1 Knife To cut ingredients
  • 1 Whisk For preparing the dessing

Ingredients

  • 12 oz Pasta
  • 4 ears Fresh corn
  • 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup Sour cream
  • 2 tbsp Lime juice
  • 1/2 cup Cotija cheese
  • 1 tsp Chili powder
  • 1/4 cup of cilantro
  • 1 clove Garlic
  • Salt and pepper
  • 1 optional Jalapeño
  • 1 optional Avocado

Instructions

  • Cook the Pasta
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Cook pasta until al dente (about 8–10 minutes).
  • Drain and rinse under cold water to cool and prevent overcooking.
  • Prepare the Corn
  • Grill the corn on an outdoor grill or stovetop grill pan for 3–5 minutes per side until lightly charred.
  • Let it cool, then carefully slice kernels off the cob using a knife.
  • Make the Dressing
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
  • Adjust seasonings to taste.
  • Combine Ingredients
  • In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked pasta, grilled corn, Cotija cheese, and chopped cilantro.
  • Drizzle the dressing over the mixture and toss until evenly coated.
  • Optional Add-Ins
  • For extra flavor, add diced jalapeños for heat or avocado for creaminess.
  • Chill and Serve
  • Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
  • Garnish with additional Cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime wedges if desired.

Notes

  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Refresh with lime juice and dressing before serving again.
  • Pro Tip: Grilled shrimp, shredded chicken, or black beans can be added to make this a complete meal.

Nutrition

Calories: 299kcal