When you think of summer salads, the classic pasta salad definitely comes to mind. But what if we took things up a notch?
Enter Elote Pasta Salad. Inspired by the smoky, creamy, and tangy flavors of traditional Mexican street corn (locally known as "elote"), this recipe blends all those delicious flavors with a pasta twist. Perfect for summer parties, BBQs, or just a casual weeknight meal, this dish is bound to be a crowd-pleaser.
What is Elote?
If you’ve never had elote before, get ready to fall in love. Elote is Mexican street corn, typically slathered in a creamy mixture of mayo, cotija cheese, lime juice, and chili powder, then grilled to perfection. This balance of sweet, smoky, creamy, and tangy flavors makes it wildly addictive. Incorporating these flavors into a pasta salad is a genius way to get the best of both worlds.
This recipe makes the perfect upgrade to the traditional pasta salad and is ideal for pasta enthusiasts or salad lovers looking for a unique twist on a summer favorite.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Bold flavors: A combination of smoky, tangy, and creamy textures that are irresistible.
- Quick to make: Perfect for when you need to whip up something impressive in under 30 minutes.
- Great for parties: A guaranteed hit on any picnic table or potluck spread.
- Customizable: Swap out ingredients or adjust spice levels to make it your own.
Now that you're convinced this is the salad you need, let's break down how to make it.
Ingredients You'll Need
For this elote pasta salad recipe, make sure you have the following ingredients on hand:
For the Pasta Salad:
- 3 cups cooked pasta (elbow, rotini, or small shells work great)
- 3 ears of fresh corn, grilled and kernels removed (or 2 cups frozen corn, roasted)
- 1 cup red bell peppers, diced
- ¼ cup red onions, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeño, diced (optional for spice)
- ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- ½ cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta cheese as a substitute)
For the Dressing:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lime
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnish:
- Extra cilantro
- Lime wedges
- A sprinkle of Tajín seasoning for a tangy kick
How to Make Elote Pasta Salad
Follow these easy steps, and you'll have a stunning bowl of creamy elote pasta salad ready in no time:
Step 1: Cook Your Pasta
Cook the pasta of your choice according to the package instructions. Aim for al dente (firm to the bite), as it will hold up better in the salad once mixed with the dressing. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set it aside.
Step 2: Roast the Corn
If using fresh corn, grill the ears until slightly charred for that smoky flavor. This can be done on a grill, stovetop grill pan, or over an open flame. Rotate the corn frequently for even cooking. Once cooled, use a sharp knife to carefully cut the kernels off the cob. If frozen corn is your choice, roast it in a dry, hot skillet for about 5–7 minutes.
Step 3: Prepare the Dressing
Combine mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic, lime juice, smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Adjust lime juice or spices to taste.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
Place the cooked pasta into a large mixing bowl. Add the grilled corn, red bell peppers, red onions, jalapeños (if using), and chopped cilantro. Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches
Fold in the crumbled cotija cheese gently to avoid breaking it down too much. If desired, garnish the top of the salad with additional cilantro, a few lime wedges, and a sprinkle of Tajín or chili powder for extra zest.
Step 6: Chill and Serve
Refrigerate the salad for at least 15–20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve it chilled or at room temperature, depending on your preference.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Elote Pasta Salad
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh corn and cilantro really enhance the overall flavor.
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Al dente pasta ensures the salad doesn’t turn gummy.
- Spice it up: If you enjoy more heat, add an extra jalapeño or sprinkle cayenne pepper into the dressing.
- Add protein: Make it a full meal by tossing in grilled chicken, shrimp, or even black beans for a vegetarian twist.
Why This Recipe Works for Summer Parties
Elote pasta salad is THE dish to bring to a BBQ, picnic, or summer gathering. Its vibrant flavors pair beautifully with grilled meats, burgers, or even veggie kebabs. Plus, the combination of creamy dressing, smoky corn, and tangy cheese makes it stand out on any table.
Not to mention, the bright colors of the corn, red peppers, and fresh herbs make it just as visually appealing as it is tasty. You’ll definitely be walking away with an empty bowl at the end of the party.
Make It Your Own
The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility. Whether you swap cotija for feta, add avocado chunks, or even try a vegan dressing base, the possibilities are endless. And if you love experimenting, try adding roasted poblano peppers or grilled zucchini for even more twists to the flavor.
A Salad to Savor All Summer Long
This elote pasta salad offers all the comfort of traditional pasta salad but with an exciting Mexican-inspired twist. Smoky, creamy, and bursting with summer-ready flavors, it’s the perfect accompaniment to any gathering or meal.
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a casual cook, this recipe is simple enough for anyone to make but sophisticated enough to impress even the pickiest eaters. Ready to wow your taste buds? Grab your ingredients, and start whipping up your new summer favorite!
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