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Elote Pasta Salad

Elote Pasta Salad

Elote Pasta Salad is a vibrant twist on the classic Mexican street corn, combining creamy, smoky flavors with tender pasta for a refreshing and flavorful side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz rotini pasta
  • 2 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup cotija cheese, crumbled
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
  2. If using fresh corn, grill or sauté the kernels until lightly charred; if frozen, thaw and pat dry.
  3. In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
  4. Add the cooled pasta, corn kernels, cotija cheese, cilantro, and jalapeño to the bowl. Toss everything together until well coated.
  5. Adjust seasoning with more salt, chili powder, or lime juice if needed.
  6. Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.
  7. Serve cold or at room temperature as a flavorful side dish.

Notes

For a smoky flavor, char the corn on the grill before adding it to the salad. You can also add diced avocado for extra creaminess.