Elote pasta salad is the perfect fusion of Mexican street corn flavors and creamy pasta goodness. This elote pasta salad recipe combines smoky grilled corn, tangy cotija cheese, zesty lime, and a kick of chili powder, all tossed with tender pasta in a rich, creamy dressing. Whether you’re planning a summer BBQ, need a crowd-pleasing side dish, or want an easy meal prep option, this elote pasta salad delivers bold, irresistible flavor every time.
In this post, we’ll show you how to make the best elote pasta salad, share tips, optional add-ins, and serving ideas that make this dish a must-try for any occasion.
🌽 What Is Elote Pasta Salad?
Elote is the Spanish word for corn on the cob, and in Mexico, it often refers to a street food-style preparation that involves grilling or roasting corn and slathering it with mayonnaise, cotija cheese, lime juice, chili powder, and cilantro.
Elote pasta salad combines that same crave-worthy flavor with a creamy pasta base. The result? A rich, tangy, slightly spicy, and totally irresistible salad that works beautifully as a side dish or even a main course.
🍴 Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to create a flavor-packed elote pasta salad. Most ingredients are pantry staples or easy to find at your local grocery store.
🧺 For the Salad:
- 8 oz pasta (elbow, rotini, or shells work best)
- 2 cups corn kernels (fresh grilled, canned, or frozen and thawed)
- ½ cup cotija cheese, crumbled (or use feta as a substitute)
- ¼ cup chopped red onion
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 small jalapeño, finely chopped (optional, for heat)
- ½ cup chopped red bell pepper (optional, for color and crunch)
🥣 For the Dressing:
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- ⅓ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Boil your pasta in salted water according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cool water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
Pro Tip: Rinsing the pasta helps it cool quickly and removes excess starch so your salad doesn’t get sticky.
2. Prepare the Corn
You have a few options for preparing your corn:
- Fresh & Grilled: Grill fresh corn on the cob until slightly charred, then slice off the kernels.
- Frozen: Thaw and lightly sauté in a skillet to enhance the flavor.
- Canned: Drain well and dry-roast in a pan for a slightly smoky taste.
3. Make the Creamy Dressing
In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, lime zest, chili powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of cayenne if you want a bit more heat.
4. Assemble the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, corn, cotija cheese, red onion, cilantro, and jalapeño. Pour the dressing over the top and toss until everything is well coated.
Optional Add-ins: Add diced avocado, black beans, or crispy bacon for extra texture and flavor.
5. Chill & Serve
Cover and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Before serving, give it a gentle toss and add more lime juice or cheese if desired.
👩🍳 Recipe Tips & Tricks
- Use rotini or small pasta shapes with ridges to catch more of the creamy dressing.
- Make it ahead: This salad tastes even better the next day!
- Dairy-free? Swap the sour cream and cotija with vegan alternatives.
- Add protein: Grilled chicken or shrimp turns this into a complete meal.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
🌮 What to Serve with Elote Pasta Salad
This pasta salad is bold enough to stand on its own but also pairs beautifully with grilled meats and summery dishes. Try serving it with:
- Grilled carne asada or chicken fajitas
- Tacos or burritos
- BBQ ribs or pulled pork
- Vegetarian burgers or bean-based patties
Or enjoy it as a fun weekday lunch topped with extra jalapeños and a squeeze of fresh lime!
🧂 Flavor Variations
Want to customize your elote pasta salad? Here are a few ideas:
- Tex-Mex Style: Add black beans, avocado, and a sprinkle of cheddar.
- Spicy Chipotle: Blend chipotle in adobo into the dressing.
- Tajin Topping: Sprinkle Tajín seasoning over the top for that classic chili-lime flavor.
- Street Corn Fusion: Swap pasta for cooked farro or quinoa for a gluten-free twist.
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Big on Flavor: Creamy, zesty, smoky, and savory all in one bite.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: BBQs, potlucks, family dinners, or meal prep.
- Customizable: Easily adapted for dietary needs or flavor preferences.
📌 Final Thoughts
Elote pasta salad is more than just a side dish—it’s a celebration of vibrant Mexican flavors in a creamy, comforting bowl of pasta. It’s simple to make, absolutely delicious, and guaranteed to steal the spotlight at your next gathering.
Whether you’re a street corn fan or just looking to level up your pasta salad game, this recipe is a must-try. Make it once, and you’ll be hooked!
💬 Have You Tried This Recipe?
Let us know in the comments! Share your favorite add-ins or tips, and don’t forget to tag us on Instagram or Pinterest with your elote pasta salad creations. 🌽🍝✨
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