Craving a fresh and flavorful twist on traditional pasta salad? Elote pasta salad is your answer! Inspired by the popular Mexican street food, this creamy, smoky, and tangy dish combines grilled corn, cotija cheese, and a zesty mayo dressing. The best part? You can prepare it in just 20 minutes! It’s the perfect addition to your next BBQ, family dinner, or potluck.
Let’s walk through how to create the best elote pasta salad that’s sure to impress your guests.
What is Elote Pasta Salad? A Mexican-Inspired Favorite
At its essence, elote pasta salad combines the flavors of elote, a grilled corn dish beloved in Mexican cuisine, with the heartiness of pasta. Typically, elote is made by grilling corn, slathering it with mayo, sprinkling cotija cheese, and finishing it off with a dash of chili powder and a squeeze of lime. When paired with pasta, the result is a salad that’s both refreshing and rich in flavor.
Why You’ll Love Elote Pasta Salad for Your Next Gathering
This salad is a true crowd-pleaser, especially for summer BBQs, picnics, or any gathering. The creamy dressing and smoky grilled corn create a perfect balance of flavor. It’s versatile enough to serve as a side dish or as a main dish by adding extra protein. Plus, it’s quick and easy to make—20 minutes, and you’re done!
Key Ingredients for the Perfect Elote Pasta Salad
Before you dive into making this delicious dish, let’s go over the ingredients that make it truly special.
Corn and Pasta: The Base of a Flavorful Salad
The corn is what gives this salad that smoky sweetness, so using grilled or roasted corn is ideal. It pairs perfectly with short pasta shapes like rotini or penne, which hold the dressing and corn beautifully.
Cotija Cheese and Lime: Key Flavor Enhancers
The salty, tangy flavor of cotija cheese is a must for this dish. If you can’t find it, feta cheese can be a great alternative. The zesty lime juice cuts through the richness of the mayo dressing, adding a burst of freshness.
How to Make Elote Pasta Salad in 20 Minutes
Making this elote pasta salad couldn’t be easier. Just follow these simple steps to create a perfect dish in no time.
Cook the Pasta to Perfection
Start by boiling salted water and cooking your pasta according to the package instructions. Aim for al dente pasta—firm yet tender. Once cooked, drain the pasta and let it cool slightly.
Grill or Roast the Corn for Extra Flavor
While your pasta cooks, grill or roast your corn. Grill it on medium heat for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until it’s nicely charred. If you’re roasting, pop it in the oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes. Once cooked, slice off the kernels from the cob.
Mix the Dressing and Combine the Ingredients
Whisk together mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, and a pinch of salt. This creates the creamy dressing that ties the salad together. Combine the pasta, grilled corn, and dressing in a large bowl, then sprinkle with cotija cheese and garnish with extra chili powder for some heat.
Tips for Making Elote Pasta Salad Even Better
Now that you know how to make this dish, here are some extra tips to take your elote pasta salad to the next level:
Adjust the Spice Level to Your Taste
If you prefer a milder salad, use less chili powder or skip the jalapeños. On the flip side, if you like a little more heat, add more chili powder, some diced jalapeños, or even a few drops of hot sauce.
Make it Creamier with Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt
For a richer, creamier texture, you can replace part of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or sour cream. This gives the dressing a tangy kick while making it even more luscious.
Creative Variations of Elote Pasta Salad
While this recipe is delicious on its own, you can easily customize it with different ingredients for added flair.
Add Protein to Make it a Complete Meal
Turn your elote pasta salad into a filling main dish by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or even tofu. These proteins complement the smoky corn and creamy dressing perfectly, making it a more substantial meal.
Customize with Extra Veggies for More Crunch
Add some fresh cherry tomatoes, avocado, or fresh cilantro to the salad for extra color, texture, and flavor. These additions will not only make your salad more vibrant but also provide additional layers of freshness.
Conclusion: Enjoy Your Elote Pasta Salad
With just a few simple ingredients and 20 minutes, you can create a vibrant, flavorful elote pasta salad that’s sure to be the highlight of your next meal. The combination of grilled corn, creamy dressing, and tangy lime creates a salad that’s both comforting and refreshing.
Whether you stick to the classic recipe or customize it with proteins and veggies, this salad is perfect for any occasion. Try it today and enjoy the vibrant flavors of elote in a whole new way!