Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn) has quickly become a favorite for many, blending the vibrant flavors of Mexican street corn with delicious pasta. This recipe is perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with a dish that’s both flavorful and easy to prepare. The combination of roasted corn, fresh herbs, and creamy dressing will make this salad stand out on any table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The rich taste of roasted corn combined with spices makes every bite enjoyable.
- Easy Preparation: With simple steps and minimal cooking time, this recipe is perfect for busy days.
- Versatile Dish: Great as a side or main dish, it works well for potlucks, BBQs, or even casual dinners.
- Fresh Ingredients: Utilizes wholesome ingredients like fresh corn and herbs for a nutritious boost.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Its unique flavors cater to various palates, making it a hit at any gathering.
Tools and Preparation
To create your Elote Pasta Salad, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment can make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Colander
- Baking sheet
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Essential for cooking pasta evenly.
- Colander: Helps in draining the pasta effectively without losing any pieces.
- Baking sheet: Ideal for roasting corn evenly, enhancing its flavor.
- Mixing bowl: Keeps all ingredients together while assembling the salad.
- Whisk: Useful for mixing the dressing smoothly without lumps.
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!
For the Pasta Salad
- 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
For the Dressing
- 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
- Cook pasta according to the package directions. If you prefer al dente pasta, cook it 1-2 minutes less than instructed.
- Once cooked, drain the pasta and toss it in a drizzle of olive oil. Set aside to cool.
Step 2: Prepare the Corn
- If using fresh ears of corn, cook them using your preferred method (grilling recommended).
- Remove kernels from cobs after cooking.
- If using frozen corn, heat in a skillet over medium-high heat until thawed and warmed (about 4-5 minutes).
Step 3: Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, olive oil mayonnaise, lime zest, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper.
- Mix well with a whisk or spoon until smooth.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
- In a large bowl, add cooled pasta along with roasted corn kernels.
- Add cilantro, red onion, cotija cheese, and chopped jalapeno.
- Pour dressing over all ingredients and toss gently to combine.
Step 5: Serve
- For best results if preparing in advance, add cotija cheese and cilantro right before serving to keep them fresh.
Enjoy your Elote Pasta Salad 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 various ways to enhance your dining experience. Whether it’s a casual dinner or a festive gathering, here are some serving suggestions to make the most of this delightful salad.
As a Side Dish
- Perfect for barbecues or family gatherings, serve it alongside grilled meats such as chicken or steak to balance flavors.
As a Main Course
- For a light lunch or dinner, enjoy this salad on its own. It’s filling enough thanks to the pasta and corn, making it a great option for a meatless meal.
Topped with Additional Ingredients
- Add extra toppings like diced avocado or sliced radishes for added texture and flavor. These toppings complement the creamy dressing beautifully.
In Lettuce Wraps
- Serve the Elote Pasta Salad in romaine lettuce leaves for a fresh and fun twist. This makes it easy to eat and adds extra crunch!
At Potlucks
- This pasta salad is an ideal potluck dish. Its colorful presentation and delicious taste will surely impress your friends and family.
How to Perfect Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn)
To make your Elote Pasta Salad even more delicious, consider these tips for perfect results every time.
Choose Quality Ingredients – Use fresh corn when possible for the best flavor. Fresh ingredients elevate the overall taste of your dish.
Adjust Spice Levels – If you prefer a bit more heat, add extra jalapenos or chili powder. Customize it to match your taste preferences.
Chill Before Serving – Letting the salad sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Use Fresh Herbs – Fresh cilantro adds vibrant flavor. If you’re not a fan, parsley is a great substitute that still keeps the dish fresh.
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 excellent options that complement its flavors perfectly.
Grilled Chicken – Seasoned simply with lime and spices, grilled chicken adds protein while enhancing the Mexican theme.
Mexican Street Tacos – Mini tacos filled with grilled veggies or proteins provide a delightful contrast to the creamy pasta salad.
Roasted Vegetables – A mix of seasonal vegetables roasted until tender brings color and nutrition to your plate.
Black Bean Salsa – This zesty salsa combines black beans, tomatoes, and corn for a refreshing dip or topping.
Guacamole – Creamy guacamole pairs wonderfully, adding richness that complements the salad’s flavors.
Cornbread Muffins – Sweet cornbread muffins offer a subtle sweetness that contrasts nicely with savory dishes.
Chips and Salsa – Crunchy tortilla chips served with fresh salsa make for an irresistible snack before the main course.
Fruit Salad – A light fruit salad featuring seasonal fruits provides a refreshing finish to your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making your Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn), avoid these common pitfalls to ensure a delicious outcome.
- Using overcooked pasta: This can make your salad mushy. Cook the pasta al dente for the best texture.
- Neglecting to cool the pasta: Tossing hot pasta with cold ingredients can ruin the salad’s freshness. Always cool it down first.
- Skipping the fresh herbs: Fresh cilantro or parsley adds vibrant flavor. Don’t leave this ingredient out for a truly authentic taste.
- Not seasoning enough: The right amount of spices enhances flavor. Taste as you go and adjust seasoning to your liking.
- Forgetting to add toppings last: For a fresh presentation, add cotija cheese and cilantro just before serving.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Keep the salad refrigerated to maintain freshness.
Freezing Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn)
- It’s best not to freeze this salad due to its creamy dressing, which may separate when thawed.
- If necessary, you can freeze the components separately (pasta and corn), but do not include the dressing.
Reheating Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn)
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent drying out.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring frequently until warm. Be careful not to overheat.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet on low heat, stirring gently until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions regarding the Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn).
Can I use canned corn instead of fresh or frozen?
You can definitely use canned corn! Just be sure to drain and rinse it well before adding it to your salad.
How long does this Elote Pasta Salad stay fresh?
This pasta salad stays fresh for up to three days when stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Substitute cotija cheese with a plant-based alternative and use vegan mayonnaise for a delicious vegan version of this dish.
What variations can I try with this recipe?
Feel free to add ingredients like diced bell peppers or black beans for extra texture and flavor!
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make this Elote Pasta Salad gluten-free, simply use gluten-free pasta instead of regular pasta.
Final Thoughts
This Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn) is a delightful mix of flavors that will please everyone at your table. Its versatility allows you to customize it with various ingredients while still retaining that classic street corn taste. Give it a try and enjoy every bite!
Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn)
Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn) is a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings the essence of Mexican street food to your table. This delightful salad features tender pasta tossed with roasted corn, creamy dressing, and fresh herbs, making it a perfect addition to summer gatherings, potlucks, or casual dinners. Its unique combination of savory flavors and textures ensures it will be a crowd-pleaser at any occasion. Easy to prepare and customize, this pasta salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
- 8 oz dry pasta
- 4 cups whole corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- ½ cup cotija cheese, crumbled
- ½ red onion, diced
- ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 jalapeno pepper, chopped
- Dressing: Greek yogurt, olive oil mayonnaise, lime juice and zest, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente; drain and toss with olive oil. Let cool.
- If using fresh corn, grill or boil until cooked; remove kernels from cobs. If using frozen corn, heat until warmed through.
- In a bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lime zest and juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta with corn kernels, diced onion, cilantro, cotija cheese, and jalapeno. Drizzle dressing over the top and toss gently.
- Serve immediately or chill for at least 30 minutes for flavors to meld.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
