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–+ servings
Elote Pasta Salad Cotija Lime

Elote Pasta Salad with Cotija and Lime for Summer Bliss

This Elote Pasta Salad with Cotija and Lime is a vibrant dish that combines the flavors of Mexican street food with pasta for a delightful summer salad.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 300
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 8 oz Short Pasta (like rotini, fusilli, or penne)
  • 2 cups Fresh Corn Kernels Grilled for smoky flavor
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Halved
  • 1/2 small Red Onion Finely diced
  • 1/4 cup Cilantro Chopped, optional
  • 1 each Jalapeño Seeded and finely chopped
  • 3/4 cup Cotija Cheese Crumbled
For the Dressing
  • 1/3 cup Mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup Sour Cream Can substitute with Greek yogurt
  • 3 tbsp Fresh Lime Juice Approximately 2 limes
  • 1/2 tsp Chili Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Smoked Paprika
  • 1/4 tsp Ground Cumin
  • 1 clove Garlic Minced
  • Salt and Black Pepper To taste
For Garnish
  • 1/2 tsp Chili Flakes or Tajín
  • Lime Wedges For serving

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • skillet
  • mixing bowl
  • Airtight Container

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Cook the Pasta: Boil water and add pinch of salt. Cook short pasta according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. Char the Corn: In a dry skillet over medium-high heat, cook 2 cups of corn for 4-5 minutes until lightly charred. Remove from heat and let cool.
  3. Make the Dressing: In a bowl, combine mayo, sour cream, and lime juice. Whisk in chili powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, and minced garlic until smooth.
  4. Combine Ingredients: Fold pasta into the dressing; add charred corn, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, jalapeño, and Cotija cheese. Mix gently until coated.
  5. Chill and Serve: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, refrigerate for 30 minutes, then serve garnished with Cotija, chili flakes, and lime wedges.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 8gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 4gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

Charring the corn enhances flavor. Refrigerate salad for at least 30 minutes for best taste. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

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