Elote Pasta Salad: A Perfect Summer BBQ Side Dish

Estimated reading time: 10 minutes

Enjoy the vibrant flavors of this elote pasta salad, perfect for BBQs and potlucks. Creamy, tangy, and full of Mexican-inspired goodness!

Elote pasta salad is a delicious fusion of traditional Mexican street corn (elote) and creamy pasta salad, making it the perfect addition to any summer BBQ or potluck. The smoky grilled corn, tangy lime dressing, and a hint of spice from jalapeños make this salad a hit with everyone. It’s easy to prepare and packs a ton of flavor, making it an irresistible crowd-pleaser. Check out this detailed guide on summer grilling techniques to ensure your corn is perfectly grilled every time.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you through every detail of preparing this scrumptious dish, offering tips, variations, and insights that will make your elote pasta salad truly stand out. For more tips on achieving the perfect salad, take a look at How to Make the Perfect Pasta Salad from Bon Appétit. Get ready to wow your friends and family with this ultimate summer side dish. Additionally, explore The Ultimate Guide to Summer Potluck Recipes for more inspiration for your next gathering.

Ingredients for Elote Pasta Salad

Explore more about our Grilled Corn Recipes for more delicious ideas to complement this salad.

Main Ingredients

Pasta: Use rotini or bowtie pasta, which hold the dressing well.
Fresh Corn: About 4 ears of corn, grilled for added flavor or boiled if you prefer.
Cotija Cheese: Crumbled, or you can substitute with feta for a similar salty, crumbly texture.
Jalapeños: Finely chopped for a spicy kick (remove seeds for a milder taste).
Cilantro: Freshly chopped for garnish and flavor.

Dressing Ingredients

Mayonnaise: Forms the base of the dressing, making it creamy.
Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed, providing acidity to balance the richness of the mayo.
Spices: Smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Optional: Add a dollop of Greek yogurt for a lighter version of the dressing.

Additional Ingredients for Variations

Black Beans: Adds protein and a Tex-Mex twist.
Cherry Tomatoes: Halved for added sweetness and color.
Avocado: Diced, for extra creaminess and healthy fats.
Red Onion: Thinly sliced to provide a bit of sharpness.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic for extra depth of flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

For more inspiration on Mexican-Inspired Dishes, be sure to check out our Mexican-Inspired Dishes collection!

Cooking the Pasta

Boil Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and keep it from sticking together.

Chef Bin’s Tip: Adding a tablespoon of olive oil to the boiling water will prevent the pasta from clumping together after cooking.

Preparing the Corn

Grilled corn on the cob with butter, spices, and lime wedges.

Grill or Boil Corn: Grill the corn on medium heat for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until lightly charred. Alternatively, boil the corn for 5-7 minutes until tender.

Grilling Tip: Brushing the corn with a little butter before grilling adds extra richness and enhances the smoky flavor.

Cut the Corn Off the Cob: Once cooled, carefully cut the kernels off the cob using a sharp knife. To avoid mess, place the cob vertically inside a large bowl and cut downwards so the kernels fall directly into the bowl.

Making the Dressing

Mix Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lime juice, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Add Greek Yogurt for a Healthier Twist: For a lighter dressing, mix half mayonnaise and half Greek yogurt. This keeps the creaminess while reducing calories.
Additional Seasoning Options: Add cumin or Tajín seasoning for more complex flavors. You can also add a bit of honey for a touch of sweetness that complements the smoky corn.

Combining All Ingredients

Mix Salad: In the same bowl as the dressing, add the cooked pasta, grilled corn (cut off the cob), jalapeños, cherry tomatoes, black beans, and most of the cilantro. Toss until everything is well-coated.
Add Cheese: Gently fold in the crumbled Cotija cheese, reserving some for garnishing.
Chill Before Serving: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serving Tip: The flavors of elote pasta salad improve as it sits, so preparing it ahead of time is a great idea for enhanced taste.

Optional Variations

Add Avocado: For creaminess, add diced avocado just before serving.
Tomatoes: Halved cherry tomatoes add a burst of sweetness.
Black Beans: Add a cup of black beans for added protein and a Tex-Mex touch.
Red Onion: Finely diced red onion provides a sharp contrast to the creamy dressing.
Bacon: Add crumbled bacon for a smoky, savory twist that complements the corn.

Tips for the Perfect Elote Pasta Salad Recipe

Dressing Consistency: If the dressing seems too thick, add a splash of milk or lime juice to loosen it.
Chef Bin’s Tip: Grill the corn until it’s slightly charred for that authentic smoky flavor.
Spice Level: Adjust the amount of jalapeño based on your preference. You can also add a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
Balancing Flavors: The key to a perfect elote pasta salad is balancing creaminess, acidity, and spice. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed before serving.

Serving Suggestions for Elote Pasta Salad

Mexican street corn salad with cotija cheese, cilantro, and chili powder.

Pairings: This salad pairs perfectly with BBQ dishes such as grilled chicken, ribs, or even vegetarian mains like stuffed bell peppers. It also works well alongside burgers or as a topping for tacos.
Garnishing Ideas: Top with extra crumbled Cotija cheese, a sprinkle of smoked paprika, lime wedges, and fresh cilantro leaves for a beautiful presentation.
Creative Serving Ideas: Serve elote pasta salad in small mason jars for individual portions at a party or picnic.

Creative Serving Ideas

Tortilla Bowls: Serve elote pasta salad in a crisp tortilla bowl for a fun twist.
Taco Fillings: Use this pasta salad as a unique taco filling along with shredded lettuce and extra cheese.
Stuffed Avocados: Hollow out avocado halves and fill them with elote pasta salad for a beautiful presentation and extra creamy texture.
Nacho Topping: Use the pasta salad as a topping for nachos. Layer tortilla chips, sprinkle with cheese, and bake until melted.

Health Benefits

You can also discover other healthy options from our Healthy Pasta Recipes to keep your meals both nutritious and tasty.

Nutritional Benefits

High in Fiber: Corn and pasta contribute to the fiber content, which is beneficial for digestion.
Protein Source: The Cotija cheese provides a good amount of protein, while adding Greek yogurt instead of more mayonnaise can boost protein content.
Vitamins and Minerals: Corn is rich in vitamin B, especially thiamine and folate, which help support energy production and overall cellular health.
Healthy Fats: Adding avocado to the salad contributes healthy monounsaturated fats, which are good for heart health.

Making It Lighter

Greek Yogurt Substitute: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter, yet still creamy dressing.
Low-Fat Cheese: Substitute Cotija cheese with a low-fat feta for fewer calories.
Whole Wheat Pasta: Opt for whole wheat pasta instead of regular pasta to increase fiber and nutrient density.

Elote Pasta Salad as a Meal Prep Option

Meal Prep Benefits

Elote pasta salad is an excellent option for meal prepping. It stays fresh for several days, making it perfect for weekday lunches or quick dinners. Store it in individual airtight containers for easy grab-and-go meals throughout the week.

Add Protein: To make it a complete meal, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
Packaged Right: Store the dressing separately and mix just before eating if you want to keep the pasta salad fresher for longer.

Batch Preparation

Scaling Up: This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled for larger gatherings or for batch meal prep.
Storage Tips: Store the salad in the fridge in an airtight container, but keep ingredients like avocado and cheese separate until just before serving to maintain freshness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Elote Pasta Salad

Can You Make Elote Pasta Salad Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can prepare this salad up to a day in advance. Store it in the fridge, and if needed, refresh with a bit more lime juice or dressing before serving.

How Do You Store Leftover Elote Pasta Salad?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving, as the dressing might settle.

What Can You Substitute for Cotija Cheese?

Feta cheese is a great substitute if Cotija is unavailable. It has a similar salty and crumbly texture.

How Can You Make This elote pasta salad Vegan-Friendly?

Replace mayonnaise with vegan mayo and substitute Cotija cheese with a vegan cheese alternative. Ensure all other ingredients are vegan-friendly.

Can You Use Canned Corn?

Yes, you can use canned corn if fresh corn is not available. Just drain it well and consider lightly sautéing it to bring out more flavor.

What Pasta Works Best?

Rotini and bowtie pasta work best because they hold the dressing well. Penne or fusilli are also great options.

Can You Freeze Elote Pasta Salad?

It’s not recommended to freeze this salad, as the mayonnaise-based dressing can separate, and the texture of the vegetables and pasta may change upon thawing.

How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?

For a milder salad, remove the seeds from the jalapeños or use bell peppers instead. For extra heat, add more jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce.

Table: Ingredient Substitutions

Ingredient	Substitute	Notes
Cotija Cheese	Feta Cheese	Similar salty and crumbly texture.
Mayonnaise	Greek Yogurt	For a lighter, protein-rich option.
Jalapeños	Bell Peppers	For a milder flavor without the heat.
Pasta	Whole Wheat Pasta	Adds more fiber and nutrients.
Corn	Frozen Corn Kernels	If fresh corn is unavailable.

Tips for Storing and Reusing Leftovers

Storage: Store elote pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to stir before serving.
Refreshing Leftovers: Add a squeeze of lime juice or a spoonful of mayonnaise to refresh the salad if it dries out after refrigeration.
Reusing: Leftovers make a great topping for nachos, especially when paired with melted cheese and jalapeños.

Creative Ways to Repurpose Elote Pasta Salad Recipe

Elote Pasta Nachos: Spread tortilla chips on a baking sheet, top with leftover elote pasta salad, sprinkle with cheese, and bake until the cheese is melted. Garnish with cilantro and lime wedges.
Stuffed Bell Peppers: Hollow out bell peppers and fill them with the pasta salad. Bake until the peppers are tender for a unique dinner idea.
Pasta Quesadillas: Use the elote pasta salad as a filling for quesadillas along with shredded cheese for a quick and tasty snack.
Elote Pasta Tacos: Add elote pasta salad to soft taco shells for a delicious fusion dish. Top with shredded lettuce and a dollop of sour cream.

Conclusion

Elote pasta salad is the perfect dish to bring to your next summer gathering. Its creamy dressing, smoky grilled corn, and fresh herbs make it an instant favorite. Whether you’re hosting a BBQ or attending a potluck, this salad is sure to impress. With its vibrant flavors and versatility, this salad is bound to become a staple in your summer recipe rotation. Prepare it, share it, and enjoy the compliments that follow. Give it a try and let us know what you think—share your version and tag us on social media!