Description
Elote Pasta Salad is a vibrant twist on the classic Mexican street food, combining sweet corn, smoky chili powder, tangy lime, creamy dressing, and cotija cheese. It’s a refreshing, flavorful dish perfect for summer barbecues, picnics, or a casual meal.
Ingredients
2 cups elbow macaroni
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 cup cotija cheese, crumbled
2 ears corn, grilled and kernels removed
1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
1/4 cup bell pepper, diced
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions (8-10 minutes). Drain and drizzle with olive oil to prevent sticking. Let cool to room temperature.
- Grill the corn on medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally until lightly charred. Remove the kernels and set aside.
- Dice the red onion and bell pepper. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Whisk until smooth.
- In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, grilled corn, red onion, bell pepper, and cilantro. Pour dressing over and mix gently to coat everything evenly.
- Sprinkle cotija cheese on top and gently fold in. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed with extra lime juice or chili powder.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Serve chilled.
Notes
For added protein, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or beans.
Use frozen corn if fresh is unavailable, but make sure to thaw and drain it first.
To increase creaminess, add more mayonnaise or sour cream.
If you prefer a spicier version, increase cayenne pepper or add jalapeños.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Mixing and Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
