Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn)

Name: Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 8 oz dry pasta; 4 cups whole corn kernels (or 16 oz frozen corn); ½ cup crumbled cotija cheese; ½ red onion, diced; ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped; 1 jalapeno pepper, chopped; 1 cup plain Greek yogurt; Olive oil mayonnaise; Lime juice and zest; Spices: chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper

Recipe By:

Stephanie

Posted:

July 30, 2025

Updated:

July 30, 2025

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This Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn) combines the vibrant flavors of traditional Mexican street corn with hearty pasta. Perfect for any occasion, this salad bursts with freshness and is a fantastic side dish or light meal. With roasted corn, creamy dressing, and a sprinkle of cotija cheese, it’s an irresistible blend that everyone will love!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavorful Combination: The mix of roasted corn, creamy dressing, and fresh herbs creates a delightful taste experience.
Easy to Prepare: This salad comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a side at barbecues or serve it as a light main course. It suits various occasions!
Healthy Ingredients: Packed with whole foods like corn and Greek yogurt, this dish is both nutritious and satisfying.
Customizable Options: Adjust the spice level by adding more jalapeno or swap out ingredients to fit your preferences.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making your Elote Pasta Salad, gather your tools and prepare your workspace for a smooth cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large pot
Skillet
Mixing bowl
Whisk or spoon
Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

Large pot: Essential for cooking the pasta evenly and ensuring it doesn’t stick together.
Skillet: Perfect for roasting fresh corn or warming frozen corn to enhance its flavor.
Mixing bowl: Provides ample space for combining all ingredients without mess.
Whisk or spoon: A must-have for blending the dressing smoothly without lumps.

Ingredients

This Elote Pasta Salad has all the flavors of traditional Mexican street corn with roasted corn, tender pasta, cotija cheese, fresh herbs, and a creamy dressing. It might just be your new favorite pasta salad recipe!

Ingredients:
– 8 oz pasta, dry
– 4 cups whole corn kernels (454g), or 16 oz bag of frozen corn
– ½ cup cotija cheese, crumbled (75g), or queso fresco, feta, or parmesan cheese
– ½ a red onion, diced (215g)
– ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (8g), or fresh parsley
– 1 jalapeno pepper, pulp and seeds removed, chopped
– olive oil mayonnaise
– 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (226g)
– 2 Tbsp mayonnaise (30g)
– 1 lime, zest and juice (about 2 Tbsp lime juice)
– ½ tsp chili powder
– ½ tsp smoked paprika
– ½ tsp garlic powder
– ½ tsp kosher salt
– ¼ tsp black pepper

How to Make Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn)

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Cook pasta according to the package directions.
For al dente texture, cook it 1–2 minutes less than directed.
Once cooked, drain the pasta and toss it with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking. Let it cool down.

Step 2: Prepare the Corn

If using fresh ears of corn, you can cook them by roasting in foil at 425°F (220°C) for 25–30 minutes after coating with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
If grilling is an option, that will add even more flavor!
For frozen corn, heat in a skillet over medium-high heat until thawed and warmed through (about 4–5 minutes).

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, olive oil mayonnaise, lime zest, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper.
Whisk together until well combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta with roasted corn, fresh cilantro, diced red onion, crumbled cotija cheese, and chopped jalapeno.
Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and gently toss everything together until evenly coated.

Step 5: Final Touches

If making ahead of time, wait until right before serving to add cotija cheese and cilantro to keep them fresh.

Now you’re ready to enjoy this delicious Elote Pasta Salad!

How to Serve Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn)

Serving this Elote Pasta Salad is as fun as making it. The vibrant flavors of the Mexican street corn shine through and can complement a variety of dishes or stand alone as a delightful meal.

As a Side Dish

This pasta salad pairs well with grilled meats, providing a refreshing contrast to rich flavors.

As a Main Course

Enjoy it on its own for a light lunch or dinner that’s packed with flavor and nutrients.

At Potlucks

Elote Pasta Salad is perfect for potlucks, bringing a taste of Mexico that everyone will love. Just make sure to mix in the cheese and cilantro right before serving for freshness.

On a Picnic

Pack it in individual containers for an easy, delicious addition to your picnic spread.

With Tacos

Serve alongside your favorite tacos for a complete Mexican feast that everyone will enjoy.

How to Perfect Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn)

Perfecting your Elote Pasta Salad is simple with these handy tips. Follow these suggestions to elevate your dish even further!

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh corn and herbs enhance the salad’s flavor significantly compared to canned or dried versions.
Adjust Spice Levels: Modify the jalapeno amount based on your heat preference; remove seeds for less spice.
Chill Before Serving: Letting the salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Experiment with Cheeses: While cotija is traditional, feel free to try other cheeses like feta or queso fresco for different tastes.
Add Avocado: Chopped avocado adds creaminess and healthy fats, enhancing both texture and flavor.
Mix Up Your Herbs: For a twist, substitute cilantro with parsley or add green onions for an extra zing.

Best Side Dishes for Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn)

Pairing side dishes with your Elote Pasta Salad can enhance your meal experience. Here are some tasty options:

Grilled Chicken: Juicy grilled chicken breasts seasoned with lime and spices make an excellent protein pair.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted with olive oil complement the fresh flavors of the pasta salad well.
Black Bean Tacos: Flavorful black bean tacos offer a hearty option that works great alongside the light pasta salad.
Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins provide a satisfying contrast to the savory elements of the salad.
Guacamole and Chips: The creamy guacamole adds richness while tortilla chips bring crunch – perfect for dipping!
Fruit Salsa: A fresh fruit salsa adds brightness with its sweet flavors, balancing out the savory notes of the pasta salad.
Pico de Gallo: Bright and zesty pico de gallo brings freshness and acidity, enhancing every bite.
Cilantro Lime Rice: Fluffy rice infused with cilantro and lime offers a wonderful base that complements the salad’s taste.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making the Elote Pasta Salad Recipe, there are a few common mistakes that can detract from the final dish. Here are some tips to help you avoid them.

Ignoring pasta cooking time: Cooking the pasta too long can make it mushy. For al dente texture, cook for 1-2 minutes less than the package directions.
Using unseasoned corn: Fresh corn should be seasoned before cooking. Add olive oil, salt, and pepper to enhance flavor when roasting or grilling.
Skipping the dressing mix: Not mixing the dressing well can lead to uneven flavor distribution. Whisk all ingredients thoroughly for a creamy and flavorful dressing.
Adding cheese too early: If you’re preparing in advance, wait until just before serving to add cotija cheese. This keeps it fresh and prevents it from becoming soggy.
Not letting pasta cool: Adding warm pasta to the salad can wilt fresh ingredients. Allow the pasta to cool completely before combining it with other components.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container.
The salad can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn)

It’s best not to freeze this salad as it contains dairy and fresh vegetables that may not thaw well.

Reheating Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn)

Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish for about 15-20 minutes.
Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds until warmed through, stirring in between.
Stovetop: Warm gently over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn).

Can I use frozen corn for this recipe?

Yes! Frozen corn is a great alternative. Just thaw and heat it before adding to your salad.

How do I make Elote Pasta Salad Recipe (Mexican Street Corn) vegan?

To make it vegan, substitute cotija cheese with a plant-based cheese and use dairy-free yogurt for the dressing.

What can I serve with Elote Pasta Salad Recipe?

This salad pairs well with grilled meats, tacos, or as a side dish at potlucks and gatherings.

How long does Elote Pasta Salad last in the fridge?

The salad lasts up to 3 days when stored properly in an airtight container.

Final Thoughts

This Elote Pasta Salad combines delightful flavors reminiscent of traditional Mexican street corn. It’s versatile enough for any occasion, whether a cozy dinner or a festive potluck. Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite veggies or proteins! Try this delicious dish today and enjoy its comforting flavors!