Creamy Elote Pasta Salad that Brightens Any Meal

This Elote Pasta Salad features a refreshing blend of smoky grilled corn, zesty lime, and creamy dressing, making it a perfect dish for any gathering.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 15

Chilling Time 30

Total Time 1 5

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Salad

Cuisine: Mexican

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

For the Pasta

8 oz Pasta Choose elbow, rotini, or bowtie.

For the Fresh Ingredients

2 ears Corn Grilled for smoky flavor, canned can be used.
1/2 cup Red Onion Finely diced.
1/4 cup Cilantro Chopped; can swap with parsley.
1 cup Cotija Cheese Crumbled; can sub with feta.
1 each Jalapeño Diced; optional for extra heat.
2 each Green Onions Thinly sliced; optional.

For the Dressing

1/2 cup Mayonnaise Mix with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
1/2 cup Sour Cream Can use Greek yogurt.
2 tablespoons Lime Juice Freshly squeezed.
1 tablespoon Lime Zest
2 cloves Garlic Finely minced.
1 teaspoon Chili Powder Adjust to taste.
1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika Optional.
1 teaspoon Salt Adjust to taste.
1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper Adjust to taste.

For Added Heartiness

1 cup Protein Add-ins Optional; use grilled chicken, shrimp, or black beans.

Equipment

large pot
grill
Mixing bowl

Method

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the chosen pasta until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and run under cold water.
Prepare the Corn: Grill corn on medium-high for about 10 minutes, turning until charred. Allow to cool before cutting kernels off the cob.
Make the Dressing: In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise and sour cream, whisk in lime juice, lime zest, chili powder, minced garlic, and smoked paprika. Blend until smooth, add salt and pepper to taste.
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix cooled pasta, charred corn, red onion, cilantro, and cotija cheese. Fold gently and pour dressing over the salad. Toss to coat evenly.
Chill (Optional): Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor.
Garnish and Serve: Toss before serving, garnish with extra cotija, cilantro, lime wedges, and chili powder. Serve chilled.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 10gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 4gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Customize the salad with gluten-free pasta or vegan alternatives as desired. Adjust seasoning and dressing based on personal preference.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!