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elote pasta salad recipe

Elote Pasta Salad Recipe

Discover a vibrant elote pasta salad recipe that combines traditional Mexican street corn flavors with creamy pasta for a refreshing twist perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 15 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 290
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups fresh corn (grilled or thawed if frozen)
  • 1 cup small pasta (ditalini, fusilli, or farfalle)
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 limes (juiced)
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • pinch cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 cup cilantro (chopped)
  • 1/2 cup cotija cheese (crumbled)
  • to taste diced cucumbers (optional, for crunch)

Equipment

  • Cooking Pot
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk
  • Knife
  • Cutting Board
  • Grill or Skillet for corn

Method
 

  1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions, then rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
  2. If using fresh corn, grill it and cut kernels off the cob; if using frozen, thaw and sauté briefly.
  3. Prepare the chili lime dressing by whisking together mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, cayenne, and garlic powder until smooth.
  4. In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, corn, diced cucumbers, and cilantro.
  5. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and gently toss to coat.
  6. Sprinkle crumbled cotija cheese on top and give it a final toss.
  7. Chill in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes before serving to enhance flavors.

Nutrition

Calories: 290kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 5gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 330mgPotassium: 350mgFiber: 4gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 290IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 1.2mg

Notes

Feel free to add diced cucumbers or cherry tomatoes for extra crunch and color. For a heartier dish, consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp. If you're looking for a vegan version, substitute mayo with a plant-based alternative and skip the cotija cheese or use a vegan cheese. This salad can be made ahead of time; just keep it stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Stir before serving to redistribute the dressing. To enhance the flavor, let the salad rest in the fridge before serving to allow the ingredients to meld together.
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