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Best Elote Pasta Salad

Best Elote Pasta Salad – Creamy, Flavor-Packed Delight

Experience the Best Elote Pasta Salad, a creamy and flavorful twist on traditional pasta salad inspired by vibrant Mexican street corn.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 300
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz elbow, rotini, or bowtie pasta provides the base structure for the salad
For the Corn
  • 2 cups corn grilled, roasted, frozen, or canned; adds sweetness and crunch
For Flavor
  • ½ cup red onion finely diced; introduces a sharp bite
  • ½ cup cilantro chopped; adds a fresh note
  • ½ cup cotija cheese crumbled; offers a rich flavor
For the Dressing
  • ½ cup mayonnaise forms the creamy foundation
  • ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt enhances creaminess
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice boosts acidity and freshness
  • 1 teaspoon lime zest intensifies lime flavor
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder adds a gentle kick of heat
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika optional; gives smoky depth
  • 1 clove garlic minced; adds aromatic richness
  • salt and black pepper to taste; enhances flavors
For Add-Ins
  • 1 jalapeño diced; adds a spicy kick
  • 1 cup diced grilled chicken or black beans provides protein
  • ¼ cup chopped green onions brings color and flavor

Equipment

  • large pot
  • mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Cutting board
  • Knife

Method
 

Cooking Steps
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water.
  2. Grill or sauté corn until lightly charred (about 5–7 minutes). If using fresh corn, cool slightly before cutting kernels.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream or Greek yogurt, fresh lime juice, lime zest, chili powder, smoked paprika, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  4. In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, charred corn, red onion, cilantro, and cotija cheese. Pour dressing over, gently toss until well-coated.
  5. Optional: Cover and refrigerate salad for at least 30 minutes for optimal flavor before serving.
  6. When serving, give a gentle toss and optionally garnish with extra cotija cheese, fresh cilantro, lime wedges, or chili powder.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 8gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 1mg

Notes

For best results, chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. Adjust lime juice in dressing to taste as per preference.

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