Elote pasta salad merges the vibrant flavors of Mexican street corn with the comforting texture of pasta. This dish combines charred corn, creamy sauce, tangy lime, and spices with your choice of pasta, creating a playful twist on traditional pasta salad. Ideal for picnics and barbecues, elote pasta salad offers a unique fusion that excites the palate while standing out in any meal spread.
Understanding elote pasta salad begins with its foundation: elote, or Mexican street corn, which is typically grilled and seasoned with chili powder, cotija cheese, and lime. In this salad, these elements are tossed with pasta, transforming the classic snack into a hearty side dish or a light main course. The result is a delightful blend of textures and flavors, perfect for those looking to add a new staple to their culinary repertoire.
1. Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
Image and recipe by spinachandbacon
Whip up this vibrant Elote Pasta Salad for a delicious twist on a classic favorite! Cook your pasta to perfection, then mix in a rich blend of buttery garlic, sautéed corn, and tangy spices. Finish it off with creamy sour cream, zesty lime, and a sprinkle of cotija cheese and cilantro. This easy-to-make dish brings the flavors of Mexican street corn right to your table, perfect for a refreshing summer meal.
2. Basil And Cilantro Street Corn Pasta Salad.
Image and recipe by halfbakedharvest
Whip up this vibrant Elote Pasta Salad for a delicious twist on a classic favorite! Cook your pasta to perfection, then mix in a rich blend of buttery garlic, sautéed corn, and tangy spices. Finish it off with creamy sour cream, zesty lime, and a sprinkle of cotija cheese and cilantro. This easy-to-make dish brings the flavors of Mexican street corn right to your table, perfect for a refreshing summer meal.
3. 20-minute Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
Image and recipe by midwestfoodieblog
Give your pasta salad a vibrant twist with this Elote-inspired recipe! Start by cooking your pasta until perfectly al dente, then cool it down while you whip up a zesty dressing with sour cream, mayo, lime, and a kick of chili powder. Toss the pasta with sweet corn, tangy Cotija cheese, and fresh cilantro, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor. Finish with a drizzle of the remaining dressing and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro for a refreshing, delicious dish that’s perfect for any gathering.
“Did you know that adding a bit of grilled zucchini to your elote pasta salad can elevate the freshness and add a delightful crunch? I discovered this combination during a summer cooking class, and it’s been a hit ever since!”
4. Elote-Style Pasta Salad
Image and recipe by snackingemily
Give your summer gatherings a delightful twist with this Elote Pasta Salad! Start by cooking your favorite pasta and corn to perfection. Whip up a zesty dressing with mayo, lime, and a medley of spices. Mix everything together with crumbled cotija cheese and fresh cilantro. The result? A vibrant, flavorful salad that’s as satisfying as it is refreshing.
5. Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad With Creamy Dressing
Image and recipe by tasteoflizzyt
Spice up your summer gatherings with this zesty Elote Pasta Salad! Start by boiling and cooling your favorite pasta, then mix in fresh corn, red onion, and jalapeño for a burst of flavor. Toss everything with a creamy, tangy dressing made from mayo, sour cream, lime juice, and a hint of Tajín. Top it off with a sprinkle of cheese and cilantro, and you’ve got a crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Chill before serving and enjoy the fiesta of flavors!
6. Creamy Corn Salad
Image and recipe by barefeetinthekitchen
Ready to elevate your summer sides? This Elote Pasta Salad combines the creamy goodness of ditalini pasta with the vibrant flavors of fresh corn, red onion, and crumbled cotija cheese. Tossed in a tangy dressing made with mayo, Cholula hot sauce, and lime juice, this dish is a fiesta in a bowl. Perfect for barbecues or as a refreshing meal on its own, this salad is sure to be a hit!
6. Elote—Mexican Grilled Corn On The Cob
Image and recipe by eatingwell
Discover the vibrant flavors of Mexico with this Elote Pasta Salad! Whole-wheat pasta and charred corn come together with a creamy mix of crema Mexicana, mayo, lime zest, and garlic. Topped with crumbled cotija cheese, fresh cilantro, and a dash of smoked paprika, this salad is a refreshing twist on a classic street food favorite. Perfect for a summer picnic or a family gathering, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
“Many people don’t realize that the type of pasta you use in an elote pasta salad can drastically change the dish. I prefer using fusilli because its spirals catch all the creamy dressing and spices, ensuring flavor in every bite.”
7. Red Onion And Sour Cream Elote Pasta Salad
Image and recipe by foodiecrush
Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this Elote Pasta Salad, a perfect blend of grilled corn and al dente pasta mixed in a creamy, zesty dressing. The smoky corn pairs beautifully with a mix of mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, and spices, creating a symphony of flavors. Toss in fresh cilantro and cotija cheese for a deliciously authentic touch. Whether served at room temperature or chilled, this salad is sure to be a hit at any gathering.
8. Pasta And Corn Salad
Image and recipe by laurenfitfoodie
Bring the vibrant flavors of Mexican street corn to your table with this Zesty Elote Pasta Salad! Start by cooking your corn and pasta until perfectly tender. Toss the pasta with charred or defrosted corn, a creamy mix of sour cream, mayo, lime juice, and spices. Finish with fresh cilantro, green onions, and a sprinkle of chili lime seasoning. It’s a refreshing dish that gets even better as it chills—perfect for any summer gathering!
9. Char Corn And Creamy Avocado Pasta Salad
Image and recipe by chelseasmessyapron
This Elote Pasta Salad is a vibrant fusion of flavors that’s perfect for summer! Toss al dente pasta with sweet corn, creamy avocado, spicy jalapeños, and crisp bacon. Add a sprinkle of crumbled cheese and a zesty homemade dressing to tie it all together. Serve it up fresh and enjoy a refreshing, crowd-pleasing dish that’s as delightful as it is delicious!
10. Cotija Cheese Elote Pasta Salad
Image and recipe by foodwithfeeling
Get ready for a fiesta in your mouth with this zesty Elote Pasta Salad! Start by cooking your pasta and mixing it with fresh corn, cilantro, red onion, avocado, bell pepper, and cotija cheese. The real magic happens with the sauce: a creamy blend of sour cream, mayo, lime, garlic, chili powder, and cumin. Toss everything together and garnish to your heart’s content. Perfect for summer picnics or a fun twist on your weeknight dinner! Store leftovers in the fridge for up to three days—if it lasts that long!
“Did you know that replacing traditional mayonnaise with an avocado-based dressing in your elote pasta salad makes it vegan and adds a smooth, rich texture? It’s a great way to cater to diverse dietary needs without compromising on flavor.”
11. Elote Pasta Salad With a Tangy Chipotle Lime Dressing
Image and recipe by femalefoodie
Spice up your summer gatherings with this vibrant Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad! Ditalini pasta meets charred corn, jalapeño, cilantro, scallions, and crumbled cotija cheese, all brought together with a creamy chipotle lime dressing. Each bite bursts with smoky, tangy, and zesty flavors, making it a crowd-pleaser. Perfect for BBQs or potlucks, this dish is sure to be a hit!
12. Pasta Salad With Charred Corn, Spicy Jalapeños, Vibrant Cilantro, And Cotija Cheese
Image and recipe by boldappetite
Fire up the grill for this irresistible Elote Pasta Salad! Perfectly charred corn, tender pasta, and a zesty dressing made with crema Mexicana, lime juice, and cayenne pepper come together in a delightful mix. Toss in some jalapeños, cilantro, and cheese for a dish that’s bursting with flavor. It’s a fresh, vibrant side that’s sure to be a hit at your next cookout!
13. Gemelli Pasta Salad – Mexican Style
Image and recipe by carnaldish
Looking for a refreshing twist on a classic pasta salad? Try this zesty elote pasta salad! Cook your pasta and cool it down with cold water, then mix in thawed sweet corn, creamy sour cream, Duke’s Mayo, fresh cilantro, spicy jalapeño, red onion, zesty lime, Tajin, cotija cheese, and chili powder. Adjust the flavors with cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, and a touch of sugar. Chill for an hour or overnight to let the flavors meld together. Perfect for a summer gathering, this dish is sure to be a hit!
14. Mexican Street Corn Flavored With Crema, Cheese, a Little Heat, and Lime
Image and recipe by lexi’scleankitchen
Indulge in this vibrant Elote Pasta Salad, where al dente pasta meets smoky grilled corn. Tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing with fresh cilantro and green onions, this dish is a fiesta of flavors. Perfectly seasoned with a hint of lime and spices, it’s best enjoyed immediately for the freshest taste. Quick to prepare and irresistibly delicious, it’s your go-to for summer gatherings!
“Most folks might not think to include pickled jalapeños in their elote pasta salad, but did you know that this little twist can add a fantastic tang and kick? It’s been a secret ingredient in my recipe, making the dish unforgettable at street food festivals.”
15. Canned Beans And Elote Pasta salad
Image and recipe by cookingbites
Craving a refreshing twist on traditional pasta salad? This Zesty Elote Pasta Salad is your answer! Cook the pasta to perfection and toss it with a mix of lightly charred corn, green onion, and jalapeño for a kick of flavor. A creamy dressing of mayonnaise and lime juice ties it all together, with a sprinkle of cheese and cilantro for that authentic elote taste. Perfect for a summer picnic or a backyard BBQ, this dish is sure to impress!
16. Greek Yogurt And Unsweetened Almond Milk Elote Pasta Salad
Image and recipe by litecravings
Looking for a vibrant twist on pasta salad? This Elote Pasta Salad combines whole wheat pasta with grilled corn, a creamy mayo and Greek yogurt dressing, and a zesty kick from lime juice and chili powder. Add in some diced jalapeño for heat, fresh cilantro, green onions, and a sprinkle of cotija cheese, and you’ve got a refreshing dish that’s perfect for any summer gathering. Serve it chilled or as is for a delightful side that’s sure to impress!
17. Creamy Avocado Elote Pasta Salad
Image and recipe by thecaglediaries
Fire up the grill for this zesty elote pasta salad! Start by grilling corn and cutting the kernels from the cob. Cook your favorite pasta, then mix in chopped veggies. Whisk up a tangy dressing and toss it all together. Let it chill in the fridge for the flavors to meld perfectly. This dish is a vibrant twist on a classic summer favorite!
“Did you know that a dash of smoked paprika can mimic the grilled flavor in elote pasta salad, even if you don’t have time to grill your corn? I discovered this trick during a rushed catering event, and it’s saved me countless times since!”
18. Bow Tie Pasta Salad
Image and recipe by ohsweetbasil
Get ready to wow your taste buds with this zesty Elote Pasta Salad! Start by grilling 6 ears of corn until they’re perfectly charred. Combine the juicy kernels with well-cooked pasta, ensuring it’s just past al dente for the ultimate texture. Mix in creamy crema, tangy lime juice, and a medley of spices like cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Fold in fresh red onion, cilantro, creamy avocados, and crunchy bell peppers, finishing with a sprinkle of Cotija cheese. Serve it up slightly warm, at room temperature, or chilled – it’s a versatile, vibrant dish that’s perfect for any occasion!
19. Mexican Street Grilled Corn Pasta Salad
Image and recipe by rachelcooks
Fire up your grill for this vibrant summer salad! Grilled corn meets perfectly cooked pasta, tossed with bell peppers, green onions, cilantro, jalapeños, crispy bacon, and crumbled cotija cheese. A zesty homemade dressing ties it all together for a dish that’s as refreshing as it is flavorful. Perfect for a picnic or BBQ, this salad can be served right away or chilled for later, making it a versatile addition to your summer spread.
20. Traditional Elote Pasta Salad
Image and recipe by eyesclosedcooking
Get ready to elevate your summer gatherings with this vibrant and flavorful pasta salad! Cooked pasta mingles with charred corn, colorful bell peppers, and zesty green onions, all brought together by a tangy lime-mayo dressing with a hint of cayenne spice. Topped with creamy cotija and parmesan cheeses, this salad is not just a side dish but a standout star that’s best enjoyed chilled. Perfect for making ahead, it’s a refreshing, crowd-pleasing delight that’s sure to impress!
FAQS
1. What is elote pasta salad?
Elote pasta salad is a creative fusion dish combining the flavors of traditional Mexican street corn (elote) with pasta salad. It typically includes ingredients such as corn, pasta, cotija cheese, mayonnaise, lime, chili powder, and cilantro, creating a vibrant and flavorful salad.
2. What type of pasta works best for elote pasta salad?
Short pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or rotini are ideal for elote pasta salad. These shapes hold the dressing well and mix easily with the other ingredients, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
3. Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh corn?
Yes, you can use frozen corn if fresh corn is not available. Just make sure to thaw and cook the frozen corn before adding it to the salad. Grilling or roasting the corn can also enhance its flavor.
4. How do I make the dressing for elote pasta salad?
The dressing typically consists of mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, garlic, and sometimes a bit of sour cream or yogurt for extra creaminess. Mix these ingredients together until smooth, then toss with the pasta and other salad components.
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