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Elote Pasta Salad recipe

Creamy Elote Pasta Salad

Hannah Carter AuthorHannah Carter
This Creamy Elote Pasta Salad brings the vibrant flavors of Mexican street corn to your summer gatherings. Perfect as a BBQ side dish or a refreshing summer meal.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Mexican-American
Servings 8 cups
Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 large pot for cooking pasta
  • 1 grill or griddle for corn
  • 1 large mixing bowl

Ingredients
  

Pasta Salad

  • 12 oz rotini pasta
  • 4 ears of corn husked
  • 1 cup cotija cheese crumbled
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup lime juice
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/4 cup cilantro chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Add-ins

  • 1 avocado diced
  • 1/2 cup red onion finely chopped
  • 1 jalapeño seeded and diced
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes halved

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Boil a large pot of salted water. Add the rotini pasta and cook until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  • Grill the corn on a hot grill or griddle for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally. Once cooked, let cool slightly and cut the kernels off the cob.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, corn, cotija cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, and chili powder. Stir until well combined.
  • Gently fold in the chopped cilantro and any optional add-ins you prefer. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with extra cheese and cilantro if desired.

Serving

  • Serve immediately or refrigerate for an hour to let the flavors meld. Enjoy as a side dish at your next gathering.

Storage

  • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Stir before serving and add lime juice to refresh flavors.

Notes

Pro Tips: Use fresh corn for the best flavor. Ingredient Substitutions: Feta can replace cotija cheese. How to Serve: Serve cold or at room temperature. Storage & Freshness: Keep in the fridge for up to three days. Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare a day in advance for more intense flavors.
Keyword BBQ Pasta Salad, creamy corn salad, Elote Pasta Salad