Elote Pasta Salad Recipe

Elote Pasta Salad Recipe

6 servings
This Easy Elote Pasta Salad is loaded with creamy chili-lime dressing, grilled corn, cotija cheese, and tender pasta. Inspired by Mexican street corn, it's the perfect side dish for BBQs, picnics, and cookouts. Ready in under 30 minutes!

Ingredients

  • mayonnaise
    ½ c
  • sour cream
    ¼ c
  • garlic cloves

    minced

    2
  • juice from
    1
  • chili powder
    ½ tsp
  • cumin
    ½ tsp
  • paprika
    ½ tsp
  • cayenne pepper
    ¼ tsp
  • kosher salt
    ½ tsp
  • black pepper
    ¼ tsp
  • ditalini pasta

    or other small pasta like cavatappi, farfalle, or fusilli

    12 oz
  • grilled or roasted corn kernels

    from fresh cobs, canned, or frozen

    16 oz
  • chopped fresh cilantro
    ¼ c
  • finely diced red onion
    ¼ c
  • crumbled cotija cheese

    plus more for topping

    ⅓ c

Directions

Cook the pasta:

  1. 1

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ditalini and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking.

Prepare the corn:

  1. 1

    If using fresh corn on the cob, grill or pan-sear until lightly charred. Use a sharp knife to cut off the kernels. If using canned or frozen corn, heat in a dry skillet with a little olive oil and butter until golden.

Make the dressing:

  1. 1

    In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Assemble the salad:

  1. 1

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, corn, red onion, cilantro, and cotija cheese. Pour the dressing over and toss until evenly coated.

Serve or chill:

  1. 1

    Garnish with extra cotija, lime zest, or a drizzle of olive oil. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for 1–2 hours for even better flavor.

Elote Pasta Salad Recipe

Elote Pasta Salad Recipe

30 min6 servings435 cal

Similar Recipes

Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

This quick and easy Mexican street corn pasta salad is loaded with savory charred corn, salty cotija cheese and a tangy chipotle lime dressing. Enjoy on its own as an easy lunch or serve as a side dish for your next taco night.

25 minutes
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

34 minutes6 servings
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

This easy Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is loaded with creamy dressing, sauteed corn, pasta, lime, and cotija cheese.

Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

This Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is loaded with corn, cotija and a deliciously tangy, creamy dressing that is the stuff dreams are made of. It's quick and easy to throw together and is made up of mostly pantry ingredients that you've probably already got in your kitchen!

20 minutes10 servings
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

This Mexican street corn pasta salad takes the vibrant flavors of elote and transforms them into a creamy, irresistible pasta dish. Every bite is a delightful fusion of smoky grilled corn, tangy lime, a hint of chili, and rich creaminess.

30 minutes8 servings281 kcal
Taco Pasta Salad

Taco Pasta Salad

Make filling lunches a breeze with my taco pasta salad. Hearty taco meat topped with beans, colorful veggies and an easy yogurt dressing, it's sure to be a new staple.

45 minutes6 servings615 kcal
Mexican Macaroni Salad Recipe

Mexican Macaroni Salad Recipe

If you're a fan of Mexican flavors, you've got to try this Mexican macaroni salad for summer BBQs and cookouts. It takes a classic macaroni salad and adds some Mexican flare with roasted corn, black beans, bell peppers, and the best creamy Mexican dressing. It's easy to make and goes with everything!

30 minutes8 servings
Italian Pasta Salad

Italian Pasta Salad

10 - 12 serving(s)

Ratings & Reviews

Be the First to Rate

Your rating helps others discover amazing recipes. Share your experience and let others know what you think!

About this Recipe

Craving the vibrant, zesty flavors of Mexican street corn in a convenient, crowd-pleasing side dish? This Easy Elote Pasta Salad delivers all the creamy, chili-lime goodness you love, making it the perfect addition to your next BBQ, picnic, or cookout. You'll love how quickly this satisfying dish comes together!

What makes this Elote Pasta Salad truly special is its rich, creamy chili-lime dressing. This unique blend perfectly balances the smoky sweetness of grilled corn with savory cotija cheese, all tied together by a zesty kick. It effortlessly transforms the beloved essence of authentic Mexican street corn into a simple, ready-in-minutes pasta dish.

Get ready for a burst of flavor in every forkful. You'll find tender ditalini pasta coated in a luxurious, tangy dressing, complemented by the irresistible smoky sweetness of grilled or roasted corn. The crumbled cotija cheese adds a salty, savory bite, while a hint of chili, cumin, paprika, and cayenne awakens the palate, making this a truly irresistible and vibrant side.

Feel free to experiment with your favorite small pasta shape; ditalini, cavatappi, farfalle, or fusilli all work wonderfully. While grilled corn adds a fantastic smoky depth, you can easily use roasted, canned, or frozen corn kernels if grilling isn't an option, ensuring this dish is always accessible. For a vegetarian twist, simply ensure your cotija cheese is rennet-free.

This vibrant Elote Pasta Salad is the ultimate side for any casual meal. It's designed to elevate your BBQs, picnics, and cookouts with its lively flavors and appealing colors, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Frequently Asked Questions