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Elote Pasta Salad

Delicious Elote Pasta Salad: A Creamy Summer Delight

This Elote Pasta Salad combines sweet corn, creamy dressing, and pasta for a delicious summer dish.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Pasta (elbow, rotini, or bowtie) Cook until al dente
For the Fresh Ingredients
  • 2 cobs Corn Grilled, roasted, or canned
  • 1 small Red Onion Finely diced
  • 1/4 cup Cilantro Fresh; substitute parsley if preferred
  • 2 stalks Green Onions Optional, sliced
For the Creamy Dressing
  • 1/2 cup Mayonnaise Mix with Greek yogurt for lighter version
  • 1/2 cup Sour Cream Can be substituted with plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tbsp Lime Juice Fresh is essential
  • 1 tsp Lime Zest
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced finely
  • 1 tsp Salt Adjust to taste
  • 1 tsp Black Pepper Adjust to taste
For the Flavor Boost
  • 1 tsp Chili Powder Adjust according to spice preference
  • 1 tsp Smoked Paprika Optional
  • 1 small Jalapeño Diced, optional
For Heartiness
  • 1/2 cup Cotija Cheese Can be replaced with feta or queso fresco
  • 1 cup Protein Add-ins Grilled chicken, shrimp, or black beans

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Grill or Grill Pan
  • Mixing Bowl
  • colander

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add pasta, and cook until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. Prepare the Corn: Grill fresh corn over medium heat, turning occasionally until charred, about 10 minutes. Cut kernels off the cob.
  3. Make the Dressing: Whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, lime zest, chili powder, garlic, and seasoning in a mixing bowl.
  4. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix cooled pasta, charred corn, red onion, cilantro, and cotija cheese. Pour dressing over and toss together.
  5. Chill (Optional): Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavors.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Toss again before serving, garnishing with extra cotija, cilantro, lime wedges, and chili powder.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 8gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 450mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 600IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

This salad can be made a day in advance for deeper flavor. Adjust seasoning to taste for a personalized dish.

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