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–+ servings
Elote Pasta Salad

Refreshing Elote Pasta Salad for Your Summer Gatherings

Elote Pasta Salad is a vibrant, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for summer gatherings, combining charred corn, zesty lime, and creamy pasta.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz pasta elbow, rotini, or bowtie
For the Corn
  • 2 ears corn grilled
For the Vegetables
  • 1 medium red onion finely diced
  • 1/4 cup cilantro chopped
  • 1 medium jalapeño optional, diced
  • 2 stalks green onions sliced, optional for garnish
For the Creamy Sauce
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for a lighter option
  • 1/2 cup sour cream can substitute with Greek yogurt
  • 1 each lime juice and zest
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • to taste salt
  • to taste black pepper
For the Spices
  • 1 tsp chili powder adjust to taste
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika optional
Optional Protein Add-ins
  • 1 cup grilled chicken optional
  • 1 cup shrimp optional
  • 1 cup black beans optional
For the Cheese
  • 1/2 cup cotija cheese or feta or queso fresco

Equipment

  • Grill
  • large pot
  • grill pan
  • Mixing bowl
  • sharp knife

Method
 

Step 1: Cook the Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, or until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
Step 2: Prepare the Corn
  1. Heat the grill to medium-high. Cook corn for about 10 minutes, turning until kernels are charred. Let cool and cut kernels off the cob.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
  1. In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, lime zest, chili powder, garlic, and smoked paprika. Season with salt and black pepper.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
  1. In a large bowl, combine pasta, charred corn, red onion, cilantro, and cotija cheese. Pour dressing over and toss until evenly coated.
Step 5: Chill (Optional)
  1. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
  1. Toss the salad lightly before serving. Garnish with extra cotija cheese, cilantro, lime wedges, and a sprinkle of chili powder.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 8gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 5IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 1mg

Notes

This salad is best enjoyed chilled and can be made ahead of time. Allowing it to rest enhances the flavors.

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