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Flavorful Elote Street Corn Pasta Salad

elote street corn pasta salad - featured image
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A creamy, smoky, and tangy pasta salad featuring charred corn, Cotija cheese, and a zesty dressing, perfect for summer gatherings and quick meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz elbow macaroni or rotini pasta
  • 3–4 ears fresh corn, husked and kernels cut off (or 3 cups frozen corn, thawed)
  • 1 cup crumbled Cotija cheese
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: 1 diced jalapeño for extra heat
  • Optional: vegan mayo and coconut yogurt for dairy-free version

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Set aside in a large mixing bowl.
  2. While pasta cooks, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush the corn ears with a little oil (olive or avocado) and grill, turning occasionally, until the kernels are charred and slightly blackened in spots—about 8-10 minutes. Let cool slightly, then carefully cut the kernels off the cob.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup sour cream, 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
  4. Add the grilled corn kernels to the bowl with pasta. Pour the dressing over and gently toss to coat everything evenly.
  5. Fold in 1 cup crumbled Cotija cheese and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro. If desired, stir in 1 diced jalapeño for a spicy kick.
  6. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld. Before serving, give it a gentle stir and taste for seasoning—add more lime or salt if needed.

Notes

Do not skip chilling the salad; it enhances flavor and helps the dressing cling to the pasta. If no grill is available, roast corn kernels in a hot skillet with oil until charred. Adjust seasoning after chilling for best taste. Use gluten-free pasta to make the dish gluten-free. Vegan versions can be made by substituting mayo, sour cream, and cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: elote, street corn, pasta salad, summer salad, Cotija cheese, grilled corn, creamy dressing, easy pasta salad

Find it online: https://realityeats.com/flavorful-elote-street-corn-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-and-perfect-for-summer/