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 pasta. This vibrant and creamy salad is perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or as a refreshing side dish. With roasted corn, fresh herbs, and a zesty dressing, it’s sure to impress your guests and become a staple in your recipe collection.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bursting with Flavor: Enjoy the sweet roasted corn and tangy lime dressing that makes this pasta salad irresistible.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this dish can be prepared in no time.
• Versatile Serving Options: Ideal as a main dish or a side, this salad suits various occasions from casual meals to festive gatherings.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it in advance for hassle-free entertaining; just add fresh herbs before serving for maximum flavor.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with fresh veggies and lean yogurt, it’s a nutritious choice that doesn’t skimp on taste.

Tools and Preparation

To create this delicious Elote Pasta Salad, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment helps streamline the process and ensures great results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Colander
• Baking sheet
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Perfect for boiling pasta efficiently without crowding.
• Colander: Helps drain pasta easily while keeping it al dente.
• Baking sheet: Ideal for roasting corn evenly in the oven, enhancing its flavor.
• Mixing bowl: A spacious bowl allows you to combine all ingredients comfortably without mess.

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)

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Cook pasta according to the package directions. If you prefer al dente pasta, cook it 1–2 minutes less than suggested.
2. Once cooked, drain the pasta and toss it in a drizzle of olive oil. Allow it to cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Corn

1. If using fresh ears of corn, roast them by coating with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Wrap in foil and roast at 425°F (220°C) for 25–30 minutes.
2. Alternatively, grill for added flavor if desired.
3. For frozen corn, heat in a skillet over medium-high heat until warmed through (about 4–5 minutes).

Step 3: Make the Dressing

1. In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, olive oil mayonnaise, lime zest, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper until well combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

1. In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta with roasted corn, chopped cilantro, diced red onion, crumbled cotija cheese, and chopped jalapeno.
2. Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to combine.

Step 5: Serve

1. If preparing in advance, wait to add cotija cheese and cilantro until just before serving to keep them fresh.

Enjoy your flavorful Elote Pasta Salad at your next gathering!

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

This Elote Pasta Salad is not only delicious but also versatile. You can serve it in various ways to enhance your dining experience.

As a Main Dish

• This pasta salad can stand alone as a light and satisfying main course, perfect for lunch or dinner.

At Potlucks and Gatherings

• Bring this dish to potlucks or gatherings; it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser with its vibrant flavors and textures.

Paired with Grilled Meats

• Serve alongside grilled chicken, steak, or fish for a delightful contrast of flavors that complements the creamy dressing.

In Meal Prep Containers

• Portion the salad into containers for quick lunches throughout the week. It’s refreshing and easy to grab on busy days.

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

Elevate your Elote Pasta Salad with these simple tips. With just a few tweaks, you can make this dish even better.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh corn adds a sweet crunch that frozen corn can’t replicate. If possible, opt for fresh ears of corn.

• Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer more heat, leave some seeds in the jalapeno or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing.

• Chill Before Serving: Letting the salad sit in the fridge for an hour allows flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste.

• Experiment with Cheeses: While cotija cheese is traditional, feel free to try feta or even cheddar for different flavor profiles.

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 great options:

1. Grilled Vegetables: A medley of seasonal veggies tossed in olive oil and grilled adds a smoky flavor that complements the salad.

2. Black Bean Tacos: These hearty tacos filled with seasoned black beans make a great protein-rich addition to your meal.

3. Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado slices provide richness and balance out the tangy notes from the salad’s dressing.

4. Cornbread Muffins: Lightly sweet cornbread muffins pair perfectly with the flavors of Mexican street corn in this pasta dish.

5. Fruit Salsa: A refreshing fruit salsa made from mango or pineapple adds sweetness that contrasts nicely with savory elements.

6. Zucchini Fritters: Crispy fritters made from zucchini offer a tasty, crunchy side that’s also healthy and delightful.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making the Elote Pasta Salad Recipe, it’s important to avoid common pitfalls that can affect the flavor and texture of your dish.

• Using Overcooked Pasta: Cooking pasta too long can lead to mushy textures. Aim for al dente by following the package instructions closely or cooking it for 1-2 minutes less.
• Neglecting Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and vegetables enhance flavor. Always opt for fresh cilantro and corn when possible for the best taste.
• Skipping the Dressing Mix: Not mixing the dressing well can result in uneven flavor distribution. Take time to whisk all dressing ingredients thoroughly before adding them to the salad.
• Adding Cheese Too Early: Mixing cotija cheese in advance can make it soggy. Add it just before serving to maintain its texture and flavor.
• Ignoring Chill Time: Skipping refrigeration can dull flavors. Letting the salad chill in the fridge for at least an hour allows all ingredients to meld beautifully.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Freezing Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn)

• It’s best not to freeze this salad due to the creamy dressing and fresh ingredients. However, you can freeze without dressing for up to 2 months.

Reheating Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn)

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), cover with foil, and heat until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe container, cover loosely, and heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring often until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this Elote Pasta Salad Recipe unique?

This recipe combines traditional Mexican street corn flavors with pasta, creating a unique fusion dish that is both satisfying and refreshing.

Can I use frozen corn for this recipe?

Yes! Frozen corn works well; just be sure to thaw and warm it before adding it to your salad.

Is this Elote Pasta Salad Recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This salad is perfect for meal prep as it stays delicious in the fridge for a few days. Just add fresh toppings like cheese before serving.

What other cheeses can I use instead of cotija?

You can substitute cotija cheese with queso fresco, feta cheese, or even parmesan if you’re looking for different flavor profiles.

How do I make this recipe spicier?

To add more spice, include extra chopped jalapeno or a pinch of cayenne pepper in the dressing mix. Adjust according to your heat preference!

Final Thoughts

The Elote Pasta Salad Recipe brings together the delightful flavors of Mexican street corn with pasta, making it a versatile addition to any meal. You can easily customize it by adding proteins like grilled chicken or swapping out veggies based on your preference. Give it a try; it’s sure to impress at potlucks or family dinners!