Elote Pasta Salad: A Creamy, Cheesy Mexican Street Corn Twist
Elote Pasta Salad blends the delicious flavor from Mexican street corn and the comfort of pasta in an extremely satisfying dish. This delicious as well as creamy dish is great for BBQs and family meals picnics, festive gatherings. With the abrasiveness of the cotija cheese as well as the zing of chili lime dressing, and the sweet taste of the corn that has been grilled is a must for any summer picnic.
If you’re searching for a pasta salad that includes cheese and corn as well as a spiced Mexican pasta salad or simply something new to serve at an event, this dish is a winner in terms of the taste as well as texture and flexibility.

Why This Is the Best Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
- Flavor Explosion: It’s tangy, sweet, creamy and smoky. It’s also cheesy, sm and a touch spicy.
- Crowd-pleaser: Even those who aren’t the most discerning eaters will take second servings.
- Flexible: Adjust the levels of spice or make it vegan or include protein.
- Make-Ahead-Friendly: Ideal to use for potlucks or cookouts as well as road excursions.
- Seasonal Favourite: The go-to spring corn pasta salad for those who love fresh fruits and vegetables.
If you’re a fan of street corn and pasta salad with a big Mexican flavor, this recipe is going to be your new favorite.
Ingredients Breakdown
Let’s look into the details of the reasons that make the pasta dish such a hit:
- Pasta: Elbow macaroni bowtie or rotini pastas are best. Select Gluten-free pasta in the event of the preparation of a Elote salad that is gluten free. Al dente is the key to texture.
- Grilled Corn: Fresh is always best! If you’re stuck then use frozen corn, and then light roast the corn in a pan. To make a smokier Street corn pasta salad, grill it over the fire.
- Cotija cheese: Crispy with a salty flavor, the cotija cheese salad is distinctively zingy. You can substitute feta for queso fresco if desired.
- Mayonnaise and Sour Cream: They provide an extremely creamy foundation. To make it lighter, substitute sour cream for Greek yogurt. To make an Elote salad that is vegan make sure to use plant-based options.
- Lime Juice and Zest: Fresh citrus adds the zest. Lime zest adds a fragrant pop.
- Chili Powder and Smoked Paprika: The smokey kick is a good balance to the creamy. Use cayenne for heat, or leave it as mellow to create the perfect creamy Elote salad version.
- Cilantro, Jalapeno & Red Onion: They add a fresh taste and crunch as well as an element of heat.
Optional Add-Ins:
- Avocado chunks
- Diced cherry tomatoes
- Red peppers roasted
- Black beans are a protein source.
- Hot sauce or Tajin for garnish

Elote Pasta Salad
Ingredients
Method
- Cook pasta and drain it. Allow to cool.
- Char the corn and cut kernels off of the cob.
- A bowl is used to mix together the ingredients for dressing.
- Mix in corn, pasta onions, jalapeno cheese and cilantro.
- Cool for at least 30 minutes. Serve with additional cheese and lime wedges on top.
Video
Notes
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Are you planning an event? This recipe is a great prepare ahead. Mexican Pasta Salad recipe using corn:- Make it 24 hours prior to The flavors will intensify beautifully.
- Store in an, airtight container that is kept in the fridge for 3-4 days.
- Mix it up prior to serving, adding mayonnaise or lime if it’s dry.
- Not suitable for freezing, but great for quick-term preparation.
How to Make Elote Pasta Salad From Scratch – Step-by-Step
If you’ve ever thought about what you can do to prepare the elote pasta salad from scratch Follow this simple guide:
1. Boil the Pasta
Prepare your pasta according to the directions on the package. Rinse with cold water and put aside.
2. Grill the Corn
Fresh corn is sucked and grilled until the corn is evenly charred. Cool it down, and then cut the kernels from the cob. If you are using frozen corn, cook until golden and slightly crisp for the authentic grilling popcorn pasta taste.
3. Prepare the Dressing
Within a mixing bowl large enough mix:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1. Juice from 1 lime
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper as desired
It’s the most delicious salad dressing to serve Mexican street corn salad–creamy spicy, spicy and spicy.
4. Assemble the Salad
In the dressing bowl, include:
- Cooked pasta
- Grilled corn
- Diced onion
- Jalapeno
- Crumbled cotija
- Chopped cilantro
Mix everything up to ensure the entire surface is evenly coated.
5. Chill & Serve
Allow it to rest for 30 minutes, allowing flavors to mix. Sprinkle cheese chilli powder, hot sauce or cilantro before serving.
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Variations for Every Diet
Are you planning to alter the recipe of your Elote pasta salad in order to meet different dietary preferences or preferences?
Vegetarian Elote Pasta Salad Recipe
There’s no need to worry about meat! Look over the ingredients in your dressing and cheese to find vegetarian options and alternatives that are rennet-free.
Elote Pasta Salad Vegan Style
Substitute mayonnaise or sour cream for vegan alternatives. Also, avoid the cotija or go for feta made from vegan ingredients. Add avocado for creaminess.
Gluten-Free Elote Pasta Salad
Make use of chickpea pasta or Quinoa pasta or any other gluten-free options. Be sure to thoroughly rinse to avoid sticking.
Spicy Mexican Pasta Salad
Incorporate chipotle and jalapenos in dices dobo, or sprinkle with cayenne. This recipe is wonderful served with tacos, or meats which have been cooked.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Are you planning an event? This recipe is a great prepare ahead. Mexican Pasta Salad recipe using corn:
- Make it 24 hours prior to The flavors will intensify beautifully.
- Store in an, airtight container that is kept in the fridge for 3-4 days.
- Mix it up prior to serving, adding mayonnaise or lime if it’s dry.
- Not suitable for freezing, but great for quick-term preparation.
Elote Pasta Salad Calories
Are you curious about the nutritional value? One cup of Elote noodles typically has:
- Calories: 350-450
- Protein: ~9-12g
- Fat: 20-30g
- Carbs: 30-40g
To make it lighter, cut down on cheese, substitute yogurt for sour or cut out any other toppings.
What can you serve with the Elote Pasta Salad
Enjoy your creamy cheesy Elote mac and cheese salad with:
- Grilled shrimp, steak, or chicken
- Tacos or burrito bowls
- Veggie kabobs
- Fresh slices of watermelon
- A fresh margarita, or lime the agua fresca
Its flexible spring corn salad is great with nearly everything!

Conclusion
This rich, vibrant, as well as smooth, elote salad is a perfect blend of everything you enjoy with Mexican street food, but with the convenience of pasta salad. If you’re looking to make a vegetarian recipe for elote pasta salad as well as an elote-based spicy taco night or the perfect recipe that can be made ahead for a potluck the dish will impress every time.
If you’re looking to up your salad game by adding a riot of flavour this recipe is for you!
Recipe Card – Elote Pasta Salad
Prep Time: 20 mins Cook Time: 10 mins Total Time: 30 mins Servings: 6 Calories per serving: ~400
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked pasta
- 2 cups of grilled corn (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 cup cotija cheese
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup of sour cream, or Greek yogurt
- 1 jalapeno, diced (optional)
- 12 cup chopped red onions
- One lime juice
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 cup of chopped cilantro
- Salt and pepper as desired
Instructions
- Cook pasta and drain it. Allow to cool.
- Char the corn and cut kernels off of the cob.
- A bowl is used to mix together the ingredients for dressing.
- Mix in corn, pasta onions, jalapeno cheese and cilantro.
- Cool for at least 30 minutes. Serve with additional cheese and lime wedges on top.
FAQs
Yes! Although traditionally served cold, it’s equally delicious warm, similar to mac and cheese salad..
It’s ideal for potlucks as it is easy to prepare to transport, eat, and serve cold. Try the Elote pasta salad as a potluck version by making a double batch and making one day in advance.
Of course! Grilled chicken bacon, chorizo or chicken for a hearty spin.
Yes you can, but cook it on a high pot for 5-7 minutes, to get that charred taste.
Wow, this Elote Pasta Salad recipe is a total game-changer! 🌽🧀 I love how you’ve combined the creamy, smoky flavors of Mexican street corn with the comfort of pasta—such a unique twist. The chili-lime seasoning and cotija cheese really bring everything together. Can’t wait to make this for my next summer BBQ! Thank you for sharing such a delicious and easy-to-follow recipe.
Thanks @AMNA for Appreciating our recipes