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Easy Elote Pasta Salad

Creamy Easy Elote Pasta Salad for Your Next Summer BBQ

Easy Elote Pasta Salad is the perfect creamy and flavorful side for your summer gatherings.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Dressing
  • ½ cup Mayonnaise Substitute with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
  • ½ cup Sour Cream Can be swapped with plain yogurt.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced; use roasted garlic for a sweeter taste.
  • 1 lime Fresh Lime Juice Adds brightness; lime zest can be included.
  • ½ tsp Chili Powder Adjust based on heat preference.
  • ½ tsp Ground Cumin For a different flavor, try smoked paprika.
  • ½ tsp Paprika Smoked paprika can add a distinct taste.
  • ¼ tsp Cayenne Pepper Omit for a milder salad.
  • ½ tsp Kosher Salt Adjust to taste.
  • ¼ tsp Black Pepper Freshly ground is preferable.
Salad
  • 12 oz Ditalini Pasta Substitute with any small pasta like cavatappi or fusilli.
  • 16 oz Grilled or Roasted Corn Use fresh, canned, or frozen corn as available.
  • ¼ cup Chopped Fresh Cilantro Substitute parsley if needed.
  • ¼ cup Red Onion Finely diced; green onions can be used for a milder flavor.
  • ⅓ cup Cotija Cheese Crumbled, plus more for topping.

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Colander
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Grill or skillet

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add ditalini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. Prepare the Corn: Heat grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Grill or pan-sear corn until charred, about 8-10 minutes, or sauté canned/frozen corn until golden, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Make the Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  4. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, grilled corn, red onion, cilantro, and Cotija cheese. Drizzle dressing over and toss gently to coat.
  5. Serve or Chill: Garnish with additional Cotija cheese. Serve immediately or chill for 1-2 hours for best flavor.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 8gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 450mgPotassium: 350mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 1mg

Notes

For best flavor, prepare salad a few hours in advance and chill. Add lime juice before serving for freshness.

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