Elote Pasta Salad (Street Corn Pasta Salad) Recipe

If you’re craving something creamy, tangy, a little smoky, and absolutely bursting with flavor, Elote Pasta Salad is about to be your new go-to dish. Inspired by Mexican street corn, this pasta salad takes everything you love about elote—sweet corn, creamy dressing, cotija cheese, chili, and lime—and mixes it into a perfectly chilled, ultra-satisfying pasta salad that’s just right for BBQs, potlucks, or quick weeknight dinners. It’s easy to throw together, and it’s got that irresistible balance of bold and creamy that keeps you going back for another bite!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Packed with Flavor: Creamy, tangy, cheesy, spicy—it hits all the notes.
• Quick to Prepare: Done in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Tastes even better after chilling, making it a stress-free party dish.
• Crowd Pleaser: Whether it’s a potluck or a casual weeknight, everyone wants seconds.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Get ready to mix up a bowl of flavor magic. Here’s what you’ll need, and why it matters:

• Pasta: Short pasta like rotini, fusilli, or shells work best—they grab onto the creamy sauce beautifully.
• Corn: Grilled or charred corn is ideal for that smoky, sweet elote flavor; fresh or frozen both work.
• Mayonnaise: This is the creamy base that ties it all together—don’t skimp.
• Sour Cream: Adds tang and balances the richness of the mayo.
• Cotija Cheese: Salty and crumbly, this cheese gives it that authentic street corn taste.
• Lime Juice: Fresh is best—it brightens up the whole dish.
• Chili Powder: Adds just the right kick; you can adjust for spice level.
• Garlic Powder: A subtle punch of savory that enhances everything.
• Cilantro: Fresh and herby—don’t skip unless you absolutely must.
• Green Onions: For crunch and mild onion flavor.
• Hot Sauce: Optional but delicious for those who like a spicy edge.

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Variations

Here’s where you can play a little and make it your own:

• Avocado Add-In: Diced avocado brings creamy richness and extra texture.
• Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even black beans for a heartier salad.
• Cheese Swap: If cotija’s hard to find, use feta—it’s a great stand-in with similar saltiness.
• Spice it Up: Add jalapeños or a drizzle of chipotle sauce for extra fire.
• Vegan Version: Use vegan mayo, plant-based sour cream, and skip the cheese or use a vegan cheese.

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How to Make Elote Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil your pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking and cool it down.

Step 2: Char the Corn

If using fresh corn, grill it or cook in a hot skillet until lightly charred. Frozen corn works too—just sauté until it gets a bit of color.

Step 3: Mix the Dressing

In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, and hot sauce if using.

Step 4: Combine

Add the cooked pasta, corn, chopped cilantro, green onions, and crumbled cotija cheese to the bowl. Toss everything until it’s evenly coated and looking irresistible.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Let it sit in the fridge for at least 20 minutes—longer is even better. Serve cold and garnish with extra cheese, cilantro, or a squeeze of lime.

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Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Char That Corn: Don’t skip the charring step—it’s what gives elote its smoky, street-vendor character.
• Taste and Adjust: Always taste the dressing before mixing it in. You might want more lime or chili depending on your preference.
• Use Fresh Lime Juice: Bottled lime juice just doesn’t have the same punch.
• Don’t Overcook Pasta: A little bite keeps the salad from turning mushy.
• Let It Rest: The flavors deepen as it chills, so try to make it ahead if you can.

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How to Serve

This salad is versatile and bold enough to stand on its own, but here are a few fun serving ideas:

###As a Side Dish: Perfect with grilled meats—think BBQ ribs, carne asada, or grilled chicken.

###As a Main: Add a protein (like blackened shrimp or rotisserie chicken) to make it a full meal.

###Taco Night Companion: Serve alongside tacos or inside a burrito bowl for a zesty twist.

###Party Favorite: Scoop into individual cups for a fun, mess-free way to serve at picnics or parties.

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Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually get better by day two.

Freezing

Not recommended—pasta and creamy dressings don’t freeze well and the texture will suffer.

Reheating

No need! This is a cold salad. Just give it a stir and maybe a fresh squeeze of lime before serving.

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FAQs

Can I make Elote Pasta Salad ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, it tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge. Make it the night before and let the flavors really soak in.

What if I don’t have cotija cheese?
No worries—feta cheese is the closest substitute and works really well. It’s salty and crumbly, just like cotija.

Is this salad spicy?
It has a mild kick from the chili powder and hot sauce, but you can dial it up or down easily. Add jalapeños or chipotle for heat lovers, or skip the spice for a milder version.

Can I use canned corn?
Yes, just drain and sauté it briefly in a skillet to bring out a bit of caramelization. Fresh or frozen corn with some char is ideal, but canned works in a pinch.

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Final Thoughts

Elote Pasta Salad is the kind of dish that makes you wonder why you haven’t been making it forever. It’s fast, flavorful, and flexible—what more could you want from a recipe? Whether you’re bringing it to a summer cookout or just need a fresh twist on pasta salad, this recipe delivers big time. Try it once and it’ll be on your repeat list all year long.

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