This Elote Pasta Salad brings together the iconic flavors of Mexican street corn with the comforting heartiness of pasta. Roasted corn, creamy Greek yogurt, and fresh cilantro deliver vibrant, zesty bites that are balanced with a bit of heat from jalapeño. Cotija cheese adds a salty richness, elevating this dish into a crowd-pleasing favorite. Perfect for potlucks, BBQs, or as a side dish for taco night, this Elote Pasta Salad is versatile and customizable. You can easily swap ingredients to suit dietary preferences, making it vegan, gluten-free, or adding your favorite protein to transform it into a hearty main course.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 8 oz chickpea pasta (or your preferred pasta)
- 4 cups roasted corn kernels
- ½ cup Cotija cheese, crumbled
- ½ red onion, diced
- ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and diced
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp olive oil mayonnaise
- Zest of 1 lime and juice of 2 limes
- 1½ tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and toss with olive oil to prevent sticking. Let it cool.
- If using fresh corn, roast or grill until slightly charred, then remove kernels. If using frozen corn, heat in a skillet until warmed through.
- In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, olive oil mayo, lime zest, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, corn, cilantro, red onion, Cotija cheese, and jalapeño. Pour the dressing over and toss to coat.
- Serve immediately, or chill for later. Add cheese and cilantro right before serving for best texture.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 175 kcal per serving | Servings: 10 servings
The Inspiration Behind Elote Pasta Salad
Elote, a popular Mexican street food, is typically made by grilling corn and coating it with a mixture of mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, and crumbled cotija cheese. It’s then finished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like cilantro. The dish is beloved for its combination of sweet, smoky, and tangy flavors, enhanced by the creamy coating and a hint of spice.
In the Elote Pasta Salad, these traditional flavors are reimagined into a refreshing, nutrient-dense dish that can be enjoyed as a side or a main course. This salad brings together the best aspects of Elote while incorporating the added bulk and texture of pasta, making it a more substantial option for meals and gatherings.
Nutritional Benefits
One of the standout aspects of this Elote Pasta Salad is its nutritional value, particularly for those seeking healthier alternatives to traditional pasta salads. The use of chickpea pasta, as highlighted in the recipe, adds a significant boost of plant-based protein and fiber, making this dish a filling and nutritious option for vegetarians or anyone looking to incorporate more plant-based proteins into their diet.
Chickpea pasta, unlike traditional wheat-based pasta, is naturally gluten-free and contains a lower glycemic index, which helps in managing blood sugar levels. It also contributes essential nutrients like iron, magnesium, and potassium, which are important for overall health and wellness.
Another key ingredient, corn, is rich in fiber, vitamins like B-complex vitamins, and antioxidants such as lutein and zeaxanthin, which are known to promote eye health. Roasting the corn, either fresh or using frozen roasted corn, intensifies its natural sweetness and adds a slightly smoky flavor that is key to the dish’s complexity.
The Greek yogurt used in the dressing replaces heavier ingredients like mayonnaise and sour cream, offering a lighter and more nutritious alternative. Greek yogurt is an excellent source of probiotics, which support gut health, as well as calcium and protein, making the salad creamy without the excess fat found in traditional dressings. For those seeking an even healthier option, low-fat or fat-free versions of Greek yogurt can be used, reducing the saturated fat content while maintaining the same rich, tangy flavor.
Fresh cilantro and jalapeño add depth to the dish both in terms of flavor and nutrition. Cilantro is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and is high in antioxidants, while jalapeños add a kick of heat along with a dose of vitamin C.
Versatility and Customization
One of the greatest advantages of Elote Pasta Salad is its adaptability. While the core ingredients provide a robust flavor foundation, the recipe can easily be customized to fit individual preferences or dietary restrictions.
For those who prefer a vegan option, the mayonnaise and Greek yogurt can be replaced with plant-based alternatives. Vegan mayo and coconut or almond-based yogurts work well as substitutes without compromising the creamy texture. The cotija cheese, which lends a salty, tangy kick, can be replaced with vegan cheese alternatives or simply omitted, allowing the other flavors to shine.
The heat level of this dish can also be adjusted depending on personal preference. For a milder version, the seeds can be removed from the jalapeño, or the pepper can be omitted entirely. On the other hand, if you prefer a spicier salad, feel free to add more jalapeños, or include other spicy ingredients like chipotle chili powder or even a dash of hot sauce.
In terms of additional mix-ins, this dish is a blank canvas for creativity. Black beans, avocado, cherry tomatoes, and red bell peppers can be incorporated to add more color, flavor, and texture. For a higher-protein version, grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu make great additions, transforming the dish into a satisfying entrée.
Serving Suggestions and Occasions
Elote Pasta Salad is an ideal dish for warm-weather events like barbecues, picnics, and potlucks. It’s a crowd-pleaser because it’s light enough to be enjoyed alongside grilled meats and other rich foods, yet hearty enough to stand on its own as a meal. Its vibrant colors and fresh ingredients make it visually appealing, which is always a bonus when serving a dish at a gathering.
This salad also pairs well with a variety of dishes. It complements grilled meats such as steak, chicken, or fish, making it a great side dish for taco nights or any Mexican-themed meal. The zesty, creamy flavors also work well with fresh fruit-based salsas like mango or pineapple salsa, adding a sweet and tangy contrast.
If you’re looking to make this salad ahead of time, it holds up well in the refrigerator. In fact, it may taste even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to meld together. Just be sure to add the fresh cilantro and cotija cheese right before serving to ensure they retain their texture and flavor.
Dietary Considerations
As mentioned, Elote Pasta Salad is naturally vegetarian, and it can easily be adapted to suit gluten-free, vegan, or dairy-free diets. The chickpea pasta ensures that those who are gluten intolerant can still enjoy the dish, while the plant-based alternatives for yogurt and cheese make it a great option for vegans.
Additionally, this salad is relatively low in calories and saturated fat compared to traditional pasta salads, thanks to the use of Greek yogurt and olive oil mayonnaise. These ingredients cut down on unhealthy fats without sacrificing the creaminess that’s essential to any good pasta salad. The inclusion of whole foods like corn, cilantro, and jalapeños ensures that this dish is packed with fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins, making it a nutrient-dense option for anyone looking to eat more healthfully.
Conclusion:
The Elote Pasta Salad is a perfect blend of flavors, textures, and nutrients, making it a dish that checks all the boxes for taste, health, and convenience. By combining the beloved elements of Mexican street corn with a hearty, protein-rich pasta base, this recipe elevates the traditional pasta salad into something fresh, exciting, and versatile.
Whether you’re preparing for a large family gathering, a simple weeknight dinner, or meal prepping for the week, Elote Pasta Salad is a dish that delivers on both flavor and nutrition. Its adaptability means it can be customized to fit any diet, and its vibrant, zesty flavor profile makes it a standout dish at any occasion.
Print
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Description
This Elote Pasta Salad brings together the iconic flavors of Mexican street corn with the comforting heartiness of pasta. Roasted corn, creamy Greek yogurt, and fresh cilantro deliver vibrant, zesty bites that are balanced with a bit of heat from jalapeño. Cotija cheese adds a salty richness, elevating this dish into a crowd-pleasing favorite. Perfect for potlucks, BBQs, or as a side dish for taco night, this Elote Pasta Salad is versatile and customizable. You can easily swap ingredients to suit dietary preferences, making it vegan, gluten-free, or adding your favorite protein to transform it into a hearty main course.
Ingredients
- 8 oz chickpea pasta (or your preferred pasta)
- 4 cups roasted corn kernels
- 1/2 cup Cotija cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and diced
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp olive oil mayonnaise
- Zest of 1 lime and juice of 2 limes
- 1 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and toss with olive oil to prevent sticking. Let it cool.
- If using fresh corn, roast or grill until slightly charred, then remove kernels. If using frozen corn, heat in a skillet until warmed through.
- In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, olive oil mayo, lime zest, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, corn, cilantro, red onion, Cotija cheese, and jalapeño. Pour the dressing over and toss to coat.
- Serve immediately, or chill for later. Add cheese and cilantro right before serving for best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
