Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn)

This Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn) brings the vibrant flavors of traditional Mexican street corn right to your table. Perfect for potlucks, summer picnics, or a delightful side dish at dinner, this salad is not only easy to prepare but also bursting with freshness and zest. With roasted corn, creamy dressing, and fresh herbs, it offers a unique twist on the classic pasta salad that your guests will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful Experience: This dish combines sweet roasted corn with zesty lime and creamy dressing for a delightful taste.
• Versatile Dish: Ideal for various occasions such as barbecues, family dinners, or meal prep for the week.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and common ingredients, you can whip this up in no time.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with fresh vegetables and yogurt-based dressing, it’s a nutritious choice.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Great for serving a large group; everyone will enjoy this refreshing take on pasta salad.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need to get started.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk or spoon
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta evenly and efficiently.
• Skillet: Great for sautéing corn and enhancing its flavor.
• Mixing bowl: Provides ample space for combining all ingredients without mess.
• Whisk or spoon: Helps in creating a smooth dressing that mixes well.

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 the box calls for. When the pasta is done cooking, drain it and toss it in a drizzle of olive oil. Let it cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Corn

If using fresh ears of corn:
1. Cook using your preferred method.
2. Remove corn kernels from the cob.
– I coat mine with olive oil, salt, and pepper, wrap in foil, and roast it in the oven at 425°F (220°C) for 25-30 minutes. A grill enhances the flavor even more!
If using frozen corn:
1. Heat it in a skillet on medium-high heat until thawed and warmed through, 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,
– Black pepper.

Mix well until combined using a whisk or spoon.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl:
1. Add cooled pasta,
2. Roasted corn,
3. Cilantro,
4. Red onion,
5. Cotija cheese,
6. Jalapeno.

Pour dressing over the top and toss everything together until well combined.

Step 5: Serve

For best flavor if making in advance, add cotija cheese and cilantro right before serving to keep them fresh! Enjoy this Elote Pasta Salad as your new favorite dish!

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

Elote Pasta Salad is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of Mexican street corn right to your table. It’s versatile and can be served in various ways to complement your meals or gatherings.

As a Main Dish

• Serve it chilled for a refreshing main course during hot summer days.
• Pair it with grilled chicken or turkey for a heartier meal.

At Potlucks

• This pasta salad is perfect for potlucks, offering a unique twist that friends and family will love.
• Present it in a large bowl garnished with extra cilantro and lime wedges for an appealing look.

As a Side Dish

• It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, adding a flavorful touch to any barbecue.
• Serve it alongside tacos or burritos for a complete Mexican-inspired feast.

For Lunches

• Pack it in lunch boxes as a nutritious and filling option.
• It keeps well in the fridge, making it ideal for meal prep throughout the week.

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

To ensure your Elote Pasta Salad stands out, follow these tips for perfection.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh corn and herbs elevate the flavor significantly compared to frozen options.
• Adjust spice levels: Feel free to increase or decrease jalapeño quantity based on your heat preference.
• Let it chill: Allow the salad to sit for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
• Customize toppings: Experiment with different cheeses like feta or parmesan if cotija isn’t available—each offers a unique taste.
• Add protein: For an extra boost, mix in grilled chicken or turkey pieces to make it more filling.
• Garnish wisely: Top with additional lime zest and fresh cilantro just before serving to enhance presentation and flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn)

Elote Pasta Salad makes an excellent main dish, but pairing it with complementary sides can create an unforgettable meal experience.

1. Grilled Chicken Skewers: Marinated chicken skewers cooked over the grill add protein and smokiness that balance the salad’s flavors.
2. Vegetable Quesadillas: Stuffed with melty cheese and colorful veggies, these are easy to prepare and offer great texture contrast.
3. Black Bean Tacos: Simple black bean tacos topped with fresh salsa provide a hearty vegetarian option that complements the salad well.
4. Corn on the Cob: Grill corn on the cob brushed with olive oil and sprinkled with chili powder for an extra burst of flavor.
5. Guacamole and Chips: Creamy guacamole served with crispy tortilla chips makes for a fun appetizer that pairs nicely with the pasta salad.
6. Pico de Gallo: Fresh pico de gallo adds brightness and freshness, enhancing the overall meal experience with its zesty flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making the Elote Pasta Salad Recipe, it’s easy to overlook a few key details. Avoid these common mistakes for the best results.

• Using Overcooked Pasta: Cooking pasta too long can lead to mushy textures. Aim for al dente by cooking it 1-2 minutes less than directed on the package.
• Skipping Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs enhance flavor significantly. Don’t skip them; cilantro or parsley are excellent choices.
• Neglecting to Cool the Pasta: Adding hot pasta directly to the salad can wilt fresh ingredients. Ensure the pasta cools down before mixing.
• Not Adjusting Spice Levels: If you prefer milder flavors, be cautious with jalapenos. Adjust according to your taste preference.
• Making Dressing Too Early: Prepare the dressing just before serving to maintain its freshness and creaminess. This keeps your salad vibrant.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn)

• Not recommended, as freezing can change the texture of the ingredients, especially pasta and fresh herbs.

Reheating Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn)

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe container, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second increments until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Elote Pasta Salad Recipe.

What is Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn)?

Elote Pasta Salad combines roasted corn flavors from traditional Mexican street corn with tender pasta and a creamy dressing.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare it a day in advance, but add fresh herbs and cheese right before serving for optimal flavor.

What are some good substitutes for cotija cheese?

If you can’t find cotija cheese, queso fresco, feta, or parmesan work well as substitutes while maintaining that creamy texture.

Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?

You can easily make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta. The other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

How can I customize my Elote Pasta Salad?

Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers or avocado for additional flavor and texture. Adjust spices based on your preference!

Final Thoughts

The Elote Pasta Salad Recipe is a delicious twist on traditional flavors that appeals to many palates. Its creamy dressing and vibrant ingredients make it perfect for potlucks or quick dinners. Plus, feel free to customize with extra veggies or proteins like chicken or turkey for added heartiness!