Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn)

This Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn) combines the vibrant flavors of traditional Mexican street corn with creamy pasta goodness. Perfect for potlucks, summer gatherings, or a quick weeknight dinner, this salad is not just tasty but also easy to prepare. With its blend of roasted corn, fresh herbs, and tangy dressing, it could quickly become a go-to dish for various occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorsome: Experience the delicious taste of Mexican street corn in every bite.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can whip this up in no time.
• Versatile: Great as a side dish or main course, this salad fits perfectly into any meal.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with fresh vegetables and Greek yogurt, it’s a nutritious option for any diet.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for gatherings; everyone will love its unique twist on a classic pasta salad.

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Tools and Preparation

To create this delightful Elote Pasta Salad, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having these on hand will make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Pot for boiling pasta
• Large mixing bowl
• Skillet (if using frozen corn)
• Whisk or spoon for mixing dressing
• Knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Pot for boiling pasta: A large pot allows you to cook pasta evenly without sticking together.
• Large mixing bowl: Provides enough space to toss all ingredients without spilling.
• Whisk or spoon for mixing dressing: Essential for thoroughly combining the dressing ingredients to ensure even flavor distribution.

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.
2. For al dente pasta, cook it 1–2 minutes less than the recommended time.
3. Drain the cooked pasta and toss it with a drizzle of olive oil. Let it cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Corn

1. If using fresh corn, cook it using your preferred method and remove the kernels from the cob.
2. To roast fresh corn, coat it with olive oil, salt, and pepper; wrap in foil; and roast at 425°F (220°C) for 25–30 minutes.
3. If using frozen corn, heat in a skillet over medium-high until thawed and warmed (about 4–5 minutes).

Step 3: Make the Dressing

1. 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.
2. Mix well with a whisk or spoon until smooth.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

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

Step 5: Serve

If preparing ahead of time, wait to add cotija cheese and cilantro until just before serving to keep them fresh. Enjoy your flavorful Elote Pasta Salad!

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

Elote Pasta Salad is a delightful dish that brings a burst of flavors to your table. It’s perfect for various occasions and can be served in many delicious ways.

As a Main Dish

• This salad can stand alone as a hearty main course. Its combination of pasta, corn, and creamy dressing makes it filling and satisfying.

At Potlucks

• Bring this colorful salad to your next potluck! Its unique flavor profile will impress guests and add variety to the spread.

As a Side Dish

• Pair it with grilled meats or fish for a refreshing side. The zesty lime and spices complement savory dishes beautifully.

For Lunch Meal Prep

• Pack individual servings for lunch. It’s great cold, making it an ideal choice for meal prep that can last throughout the week.

With Fresh Lime Wedges

• Serve with extra lime wedges on the side for guests to squeeze over their servings. This enhances the fresh flavors of the salad.

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

To ensure your Elote Pasta Salad is outstanding every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh corn will elevate the flavor. If possible, opt for in-season corn for the best taste.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Customize the heat by adding more jalapeno or even some hot sauce if you like it spicy.
• Chill Before Serving: Letting the salad chill in the fridge allows flavors to meld together for a tastier experience.
• Garnish Generously: Top with additional cotija cheese and cilantro right before serving for an appealing presentation.
• Experiment with Cheeses: While cotija is traditional, feel free to try other cheeses like feta or even a sharp 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 enhance your meal experience. Here are some fantastic options:

1. Grilled Chicken: Juicy grilled chicken complements the salad’s flavors while adding protein.
2. Black Bean Tacos: Serve soft or hard-shell tacos filled with black beans and toppings as a fulfilling side.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables provide earthy flavors that balance well with the zesty pasta salad.
4. Guacamole & Chips: A classic Mexican appetizer that pairs perfectly with the fresh flavors of the pasta salad.
5. Cornbread: Sweet cornbread adds a delightful contrast to the salad’s tangy taste.
6. Fruit Salsa: A refreshing fruit salsa made with mango or pineapple brightens up the meal and adds sweetness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Elote Pasta Salad, it’s easy to make a few common errors. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Using overcooked pasta: Overcooking your pasta can lead to mushy salad. Aim for al dente by cooking it just a minute or two less than the package instructions.
• Forgetting to cool the pasta: Adding hot pasta to your salad can wilt fresh ingredients. Always let the pasta cool down before mixing everything together.
• Skipping the lime juice: The lime juice adds essential brightness and flavor. Don’t skip this step; it enhances the overall taste of the salad.
• Not seasoning properly: A lack of seasoning can dull the flavors. Make sure to taste and adjust the salt and spices according to your preference.
• Adding all ingredients at once: Adding delicate ingredients like cilantro and cheese too early can lead to sogginess. Mix these in just before serving for a fresher taste.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• The salad can last up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn)

• Freezing is not recommended as it may alter texture.
• If you need to freeze, consider storing only the pasta and corn separately from the dressing.

Reheating Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn)

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds, stirring in between until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about the Elote Pasta Salad Recipe:

What is Elote?

Elote is a traditional Mexican street food made with grilled corn on the cob, coated with mayonnaise, cheese, and spices.

Can I make this Elote Pasta Salad ahead of time?

Yes! This salad can be prepared a day in advance. Just add fresh herbs and cheese right before serving for best flavor.

Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Absolutely! The Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn) is vegetarian-friendly.

Can I substitute cotija cheese?

Yes! You can use queso fresco, feta, or even parmesan as alternatives in this recipe.

How spicy is this pasta salad?

The spiciness can vary based on how much jalapeno you add. For a milder dish, omit or reduce the jalapeno.

Final Thoughts

This Elote Pasta Salad brings together vibrant flavors reminiscent of traditional Mexican street corn. It’s versatile enough for any gathering or meal prep, allowing you to customize it with your favorite vegetables or proteins. Give it a try—you might find it becomes a staple at your table!