Elote-Inspired Pasta Salad

Elote-Inspired Pasta Salad instantly reminds me of the first summer I tried authentic Mexican street corn because I loved the combination of creamy, tangy, and smoky flavors so much that I wanted to bring that same joy into a pasta salad and I remember tossing everything together in my tiny kitchen with music playing and the windows wide open and what came out of that experiment was a dish that became an instant favorite among my friends and family. I’ll never forget how one friend took a bite, looked up with wide eyes, and said it tasted just like a sunny festival on a plate.

Ever since that happy afternoon, I keep this recipe on hand for every summer cookout because the sweet corn pops beautifully against the creamy dressing and the crumbly cheese adds that perfect salty note and the fresh cilantro brings a bright herbal twist and the pasta makes it all hearty and satisfying and I love how every bite feels like a fun, unexpected twist on a classic summer favorite that everyone can’t stop talking about.

Ingredients

• Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!
• Corn kernels – Sweet and juicy, they are the star of the salad and bring a burst of summer flavor.
• Pasta (like linguine or spaghetti) – Adds a hearty base that carries the creamy sauce beautifully.
• Cotija cheese – Salty and crumbly, it’s the perfect finishing touch that mimics classic elote.
• Mayonnaise – Gives the salad its signature creamy, rich dressing.
• Sour cream – Adds tanginess to balance the sweetness of the corn.
• Lime juice – Brightens everything and ties the flavors together.
• Fresh cilantro – Brings a fresh, herby layer to the salad.
• Chili powder – Adds a gentle heat and that characteristic elote smokiness.
• Salt and black pepper – Essential to enhance and round out the flavors.

Tools You’ll Need

• Large pot – For boiling the pasta to perfection.
• Colander – To drain the pasta efficiently.
• Large mixing bowl – For tossing all the salad components together smoothly.
• Sharp knife – For chopping herbs and preparing corn if using fresh ears.
• Cutting board – To keep your prep organized and clean.
• Citrus juicer – For extracting every bit of fresh lime juice.
• Salad tongs or mixing spoon – To toss everything evenly without breaking the pasta.

Instructions

Step 1

I start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cooking the pasta until al dente so it holds up well with the creamy sauce.

Step 2

While the pasta cooks, I prepare the corn by cutting kernels off the cob if using fresh, or simply measuring out thawed frozen or canned corn.

Step 3

Once the pasta is cooked, I drain it and rinse it briefly under cool water to stop the cooking and prevent sticking.

Step 4

In a large mixing bowl, I whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, salt, and black pepper to create a luscious, tangy dressing.

Step 5

I add the cooked pasta and corn to the bowl with the dressing and toss everything gently so each noodle gets coated with the creamy mixture.

Step 6

I sprinkle in chopped fresh cilantro and most of the crumbled cotija cheese, reserving a little for garnish.

Step 7

Then, I give it one final gentle toss to mix the herbs and cheese evenly throughout.

Step 8

Finally, I transfer the salad to a serving dish and top it with the reserved cotija, extra cilantro, and an extra sprinkle of chili powder for a colorful finish.

Tips

If you want a little extra charred flavor, I recommend grilling the corn before cutting it off the cob. You can also swap in Greek yogurt for the sour cream for a lighter twist. I love adding a pinch of smoked paprika for even more depth. And if you like things extra tangy, add a bit more lime juice before serving.

Ways to Serve

I love serving this Elote-Inspired Pasta Salad as a fun, unexpected side at barbecues or as a main dish for lunch on a hot day. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats, tacos, or even burgers. You can also pack it up for a picnic or enjoy it straight from the fridge as a quick and flavorful snack.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Elote-Inspired Pasta Salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can make it a few hours or even a day ahead and keep it in the fridge, but add extra lime juice before serving to freshen it up.

Can I use another cheese in Elote-Inspired Pasta Salad?

Yes! If you can’t find cotija, feta cheese makes a great substitute with similar salty, crumbly texture.

Can I serve Elote-Inspired Pasta Salad warm?

I prefer it cold or at room temperature, but you can serve it slightly warm if you like—it will still be delicious.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you give this Elote-Inspired Pasta Salad a try! It’s one of those recipes that brings a big smile to everyone’s face, and I’d love to hear how you enjoyed it. Please share your own creative twists and let me know how it turns out! And if you love this dish, save it for your next summer party or sunny day picnic.

Happy Cooking!

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