Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Elote Inspired Pasta Salad Recipe

Irresistible Elote Inspired Pasta Salad Recipe in 30 Minutes

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

A flavorful pasta salad inspired by Mexican street corn (elote), combining charred corn, creamy dressing, and cotija cheese.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 ounces small whole-wheat pasta (about 2½ cups)
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 cups fresh corn kernels (from 4 to 5 ears) or thawed frozen corn kernels
  • 4 tablespoons crema Mexicana or sour cream
  • 4 tablespoons light mayonnaise
  • ½ teaspoon grated lime zest
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 small clove garlic, grated
  • 4 tablespoons crumbled cotija cheese, divided
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, divided
  • ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika, divided

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and spread on a baking sheet to cool.
  2. Heat oil in a skillet. Add corn and cook until charred, about 6 minutes. Transfer to the baking sheet with the pasta and let cool.
  3. Mix crema, mayonnaise, lime zest, lime juice, salt, garlic, 2 tablespoons cotija, 1 tablespoon cilantro, and ⅛ teaspoon paprika in a bowl.
  4. Reserve 2 tablespoons of the crema mixture. Toss the pasta and corn with the remaining crema mixture.
  5. Transfer to a platter. Drizzle with reserved crema mixture and top with remaining cotija, cilantro, and paprika.

Notes

  • Use fresh corn for the best flavor.
  • Adjust lime juice and salt to taste.
  • Serve chilled or at room temperature.
  • Author: Livia Reed
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mexican
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 380mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 9g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg