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Creamy Elote Pasta Salad

creamy elote pasta salad - featured image
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A creamy and zesty pasta salad combining smoky Mexican street corn, tangy lime, and crumbly Cotija cheese for a fresh and flavorful summer dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces rotini or your favorite short pasta shape (fusilli or shells work well too)
  • 3 cups fresh corn kernels (about 4 ears), roasted
  • 1 cup crumbled Cotija cheese (queso fresco as substitute)
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup sour cream
  • Juice of 2 large limes (about 3 tablespoons)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (optional)
  • ¼ cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of rotini and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Set aside in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add fresh corn kernels and cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly charred and smoky, about 6-8 minutes. If using frozen corn, thaw and pat dry before roasting. Transfer corn to the bowl with pasta.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, minced garlic, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
  4. Stir in chopped jalapeño and cilantro into the dressing.
  5. Pour dressing over pasta and roasted corn. Toss gently with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula to coat evenly without breaking the pasta. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or lime juice as needed.
  6. Fold in crumbled Cotija cheese, reserving some for garnish.
  7. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld and dressing thicken.
  8. Before serving, sprinkle remaining Cotija cheese and extra cilantro leaves on top.

Notes

Roast the corn to develop smoky flavor; do not skip this step. Use al dente pasta and rinse with cold water to prevent mushiness. Adjust lime and chili powder to taste. For vegan version, use vegan mayo, sour cream, and cheese alternatives. If salad thickens after chilling, stir in a splash of water or lime juice before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: elote pasta salad, creamy pasta salad, Mexican street corn salad, Cotija cheese pasta, lime pasta salad, summer pasta salad, easy pasta salad

Find it online: https://yumnode.com/creamy-elote-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-zesty-lime-cotija-cheese/