Creamy Elote Pasta Salad: A Smoky Summer Delight

Elote Pasta Salad is a vibrant and creamy dish featuring smoky grilled corn and zesty lime, perfect for summer gatherings.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Chilling Time 30

Total Time 1

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Salads

Cuisine: Mexican

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

For the Pasta

12 oz Rotini pasta or shells, or elbows

For the Salad

2 cups Grilled corn Fresh or thawed frozen
1 cup Mayonnaise
1/2 cup Sour cream or Greek yogurt
1 lime Lime juice Fresh
1 tsp Chili powder
1 tsp Smoked paprika
2 cloves Garlic Freshly minced
1 cup Cotija cheese or feta
1/4 cup Cilantro Fresh, chopped
2 stalks Green onions Sliced
1 medium Jalapeño Optional
to taste Salt
to taste Black pepper

Equipment

Large pot
mixing bowl
grill or pan

Method

Step‑By‑Step Instructions

Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions for 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cool water.
Prepare the corn; grill for 2-3 minutes until charred, or sauté thawed frozen corn in a pan.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, and garlic until smooth.
In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta and corn, then pour the dressing over and toss gently to coat.
Fold in cilantro, green onions, and jalapeño if using, stirring carefully.
Incorporate the cheese with a light toss.
Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 8gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Chill for enhanced flavor integration. Use fresh corn for the best taste. Adjust jalapeño to taste for spice level.

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