Description
Elote Pasta Salad combines the smoky flavors of grilled corn, creamy cotija or feta cheese, zesty lime, and chili powder with hearty pasta. Tossed with a tangy, creamy dressing, it’s a refreshing and flavorful dish perfect for summer barbecues or potlucks.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta Salad:
- 8 oz short pasta (fusilli, cavatappi, or rotini)
- 2 cups corn kernels (grilled or canned)
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced (any color)
- ½ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ¼ cup cilantro, chopped
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
Dressing:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook 8 oz of cavatappi or fusilli pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and cool completely by rinsing under cold water.
- Roast the Corn: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush 2 cups of corn (preferably fresh, grilled, or canned) with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast the corn for 25-30 minutes, turning occasionally until slightly charred. Once roasted, let it cool, then slice the kernels off the cob.
- Prepare the Vegetables: Dice 1 cup of bell peppers (any color), ½ cup of red onion, and chop ¼ cup of cilantro.
- Mix the Dressing: In a separate bowl, mix ½ cup of mayonnaise, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1 tsp chili powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the roasted corn, bell peppers, red onion, and cilantro. Pour the prepared dressing over the vegetable mixture and toss gently.
- Add the Pasta: Add the cooled pasta to the vegetable and dressing mixture. Gently toss to coat everything evenly.
- Finish with Cheese: Sprinkle ½ cup of crumbled feta or cotija cheese on top. Mix lightly, and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Chill the Salad: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors.
Notes
For extra flavor, try grilling the corn for a smoky taste, and adjust the chili powder based on your spice preference. You can also substitute sour cream or Greek yogurt for a lighter dressing. Prepare the salad ahead of time to let the flavors meld together for an even tastier dish!
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: salad
- Method: Boiling, Roasting, Mixing
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0mg
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg