Elote Pasta Salad Recipe

This Elote Pasta Salad is a delicious and creamy dish inspired by Mexican street corn (elote). It combines pasta, fire-roasted corn, cotija cheese, and a zesty dressing for a refreshing side perfect for summer gatherings. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients

For the Salad:

12 oz dry pasta (such as farfalle or elbow macaroni)
16 oz frozen fire-roasted corn (thawed)
⅓ cup crumbled cotija cheese Vegan Replacment (plus more for topping)
¼ cup chopped cilantro
¼ cup chopped green onions (or red onion)

For the Dressing:

½ cup mayonnaise (or vegan mayonnaise for a dairy-free option)
2 garlic cloves (minced)
Juice from 1 lime
½ tsp chili powder
½ tsp cumin
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp kosher salt
¼ tsp black pepper
Cayenne pepper (optional, to taste)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta:

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

Prepare the Dressing:

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, minced garlic, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using) until smooth.

Combine Salad Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, thawed corn, chopped cilantro, chopped green onions, and crumbled cotija cheese.

Dress the Salad:

Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently with tongs until everything is well combined.

Chill:

Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Serve:

Before serving, give it a gentle stir and top with additional cotija cheese and cilantro if desired.

Tips

For added flavor, consider grilling fresh corn on the cob instead of using frozen corn.
This salad can be made ahead of time; just keep in mind that it’s best served fresh or within 2-3 days.
Feel free to adjust the spices according to your heat preference!

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of farfalle?
- Yes! You can use any short pasta shape like fusilli, elbow macaroni, or even gluten-free pasta if needed. Just ensure it has enough texture to hold onto the dressing.
What other cheeses can I use besides cotija?
- Alternatives include feta cheese for a similar crumbly texture or queso fresco for a milder flavor. Parmesan can also work if you prefer a sharper taste.
How can I make the salad spicy without adding too much heat?
- To add spice without overwhelming heat, consider using mild chili powder or adding diced jalapeños with seeds removed. You can also adjust the amount of cayenne pepper in the dressing to your taste.
Can I add some protein like beans to the salad?
- Absolutely! Black beans would be great additions for extra protein and heartiness.
What’s the best way to prepare fire-roasted corn?
- You can use frozen fire-roasted corn for convenience or grill fresh corn on the cob until charred and tender. Simply cut the kernels off after grilling for that smoky flavor.