Craving a flavorful, crowd-pleasing dish that’s both comforting and vibrant? This Elote Pasta Salad is your answer! It expertly blends the creamy, smoky flavors of Mexican street corn (Elote) with the satisfying chew of pasta. Perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or a simple weeknight meal, this recipe is guaranteed to become a new favorite.
What is Elote Pasta Salad?
Elote Pasta Salad is a delicious and innovative twist on traditional Mexican street corn. It takes the beloved flavors of grilled corn coated in creamy mayonnaise, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime, and combines them with cooked pasta for a complete and satisfying dish.
This salad is a delightful fusion of textures and tastes – the sweetness of the corn, the creamy tang of the dressing, the salty crumble of cotija, and the spicy kick of chili powder, all balanced beautifully with the familiar comfort of pasta. It’s a great way to enjoy the essence of Elote in a convenient and portable format, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a flavorful lunch. The combination is not only delicious but also a fun way to introduce a new twist to a classic summertime dish.
Ready to bring some fiesta to your pasta salad game? Try this Elote Pasta Salad recipe today!
Key Ingredients for Elote Pasta Salad:
- 1 pound pasta (rotini, shells, or elbow macaroni work well): Cooked according to package directions and cooled.
- 4 ears of corn: Grilled, roasted, or boiled, then kernels removed. (About 3 cups of kernels) Fresh corn is best, but frozen corn, thawed and pan fried to slightly char it will also work
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise: Provides the creamy base for the dressing. Use a good quality mayonnaise for the best flavor.
- 1/4 cup Mexican crema or sour cream: Adds a tangy richness to the dressing. If you can’t find Mexican crema, sour cream works as a good substitute.
- 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese: Adds salty, crumbly goodness. Feta cheese can be used as a substitute if cotija is unavailable.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro: Adds a fresh, herbal note.
- 1-2 jalapeños, seeded and minced: Adds a spicy kick. Adjust the amount to your spice preference or omit if you prefer a milder salad.
- 1 lime, juiced: Brightens the flavor and adds acidity.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: Provides that characteristic Elote spice.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the savory flavor.
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
- Optional: Red onion (finely diced), a dash of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
How to Make Elote Pasta Salad:
This Elote Pasta Salad is quick, tasty and easy to make, taking approximately 30 minutes from start to finish. It takes the classic side dish, and combines it with pasta for a satisfying, complete meal that’s both portable and delicious. The creamy sauce, the charred corn, and the salty cheese all come together to create an unforgettable explosion of flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking. Set aside to cool completely. This is important so that the pasta doesn’t absorb too much of the dressing.
- Prepare the Corn: Grill, roast, or boil the corn until tender. If grilling, char slightly for a smoky flavor. Once cooled, cut the kernels off the cob using a sharp knife. You can also char the kernels afterwards in a pan if using frozen corn.
- Make the Dressing: In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Mexican crema or sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Don’t be afraid to add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat!
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked pasta, corn kernels, cilantro, and jalapeño (if using) to the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss to coat everything evenly.
- Add Cotija Cheese: Stir in about half of the crumbled cotija cheese. Reserve the remaining cheese for garnishing.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Before serving, give it another gentle toss and garnish with the remaining cotija cheese.
- Enjoy immediately or keep chilled until ready to serve
Why You’ll Love This Elote Pasta Salad:
This Elote Pasta Salad is a fiesta in a bowl! The star of the show is undoubtedly the combination of sweet corn, creamy dressing, and salty cotija cheese, which perfectly mimics the flavors of authentic Mexican street corn. But making this at home is far more budget-friendly than hitting up your local street vendor! You control ingredient quality, quantity, and can adjust the spice level to your personal preferences. Plus, the addition of pasta makes it a heartier and more satisfying meal than straight-up Elote.
If you love this Elote Pasta Salad, you might also enjoy a classic macaroni salad. But be warned: once you’ve tasted the explosion of flavor in this Mexican-inspired version, you might never go back! Ready to ditch the boring pasta salad and spice things up? Let’s get cooking!
What to Serve Elote Pasta Salad With:
This Elote Pasta Salad is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of dishes. Here are a few ideas:
- Grilled Meats: Perfect alongside grilled chicken, steak, or shrimp.
- Tacos and Fajitas: A vibrant side dish to complement your favourite Mexican meals.
- Burgers and Hot Dogs: Adds a unique twist to classic barbecue fare.
- Black Bean Burgers/Veggie Burgers: A great vegan option with a creamy and smoky flavour.
- Fresh Salad: Serve it on top of fresh salad greens
Top Tips for Perfecting Elote Pasta Salad:
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Al dente pasta holds its shape and texture better in the salad.
- Char the corn for extra flavor: Grilling or roasting the corn adds a delicious smoky depth. If short on time, you can also pan-fry the corn kernels to achieve a similar effect.
- Adjust the spice to your liking: Add more or less jalapeño and chili powder to control the heat level.
- Use fresh ingredients whenever possible: Freshly squeezed lime juice and freshly chopped cilantro make a big difference in the overall flavor.
- Let the salad chill before serving: This allows the flavors to meld together and the pasta to absorb the dressing.
- Customize with your favorite toppings: Consider adding black beans, avocado, or diced red bell pepper for extra flavor and texture.
5 Facts about Elote Pasta Salad:
- Fusion Cuisine: This salad is a delicious example of fusion cuisine, blending Mexican flavors with Italian pasta.
- Adaptable: The recipe can easily be adapted to suit different dietary needs and preferences, such as gluten-free or vegan.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This salad is always a hit at parties, potlucks, and barbecues, thanks to its vibrant flavors and appealing presentation.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: The salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for several days, making it a convenient option for meal prepping.
- More than a side: The protein and corn combined with the pasta combine to make it a main course and not just a side like traditional Elote is.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
Storing:
- Store leftover Elote Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- It will stay fresh for 3-4 days.
- The pasta may absorb some of the dressing over time, so you might need to add a little extra mayonnaise or lime juice before serving.
Freezing:
- Freezing is not recommended as the mayonnaise-based dressing may separate and the pasta texture can change.
Reheating:
- Elote Pasta Salad is best served cold or at room temperature.
- If it’s been stored in the refrigerator, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
- If the salad seems dry, add a little extra mayonnaise or lime juice to refresh it.
Final Thoughts:
This Elote Pasta Salad is a simple yet sensational recipe that brings together the best of Mexican street corn and the comforting familiarity of pasta. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a fantastic way to add a burst of flavor to your next gathering. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and prepare to be amazed by this delicious fusion dish!
try also : Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe and find more in pinterest
Elote Pasta Salad FAQs:
Q: Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh?
A: Yes, frozen corn can be used. Thaw it completely and pan-fry it with a little oil to char the kernels slightly for a better flavor.
Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! This salad actually tastes better after it has had time to chill and the flavors have melded together. Just be aware that the pasta may absorb some of the dressing, and you might need to add a bit more before serving.
Q: Can I make this salad vegan?
A: Yes, you can easily make this salad vegan by using vegan mayonnaise, vegan sour cream, and a vegan cotija cheese substitute. You may even find some great options at your local grocery store or special markets.
Q: How spicy is this salad?
A: The spice level can be adjusted to your preference. Start with one jalapeño and taste before adding more. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat. Alternatively, leave all the jalapeño out if you want a milder taste..
Q: What if I can’t find cotija cheese?
A: Feta cheese can be used as a substitute for cotija cheese. It has a similar salty and crumbly texture.