Imagine the delightful taste of Mexican street corn transformed into a creamy and addictive pasta salad. This Elote Pasta Salad combines the authentic flavors of Mexican street food with the convenience of a quick meal. In just 20 minutes, you’ll have a gluten-free dish that will quickly become your new favorite for summer meals.

This recipe is more than just a simple pasta salad. It offers an explosion of flavors that evoke the lively streets of Mexico City, while remaining incredibly simple to prepare. Its creamy dressing, slightly spicy and smoky, perfectly coats each pasta, creating a harmony of tastes that will delight your taste buds.

Why Choose Elote Pasta Salad recipe

Elote Pasta Salad offers a delightful fusion of flavors and textures that make it a standout dish for various occasions. Here are compelling reasons to try this recipe:

1. Unique Flavor Profile: Inspired by Mexican street corn, known as ‘elote this pasta salad combines smoky, tangy, and creamy elements. The grilled corn brings a subtle smokiness, while the lime juice adds a refreshing tang, and the creamy dressing ties everything together harmoniously.

2. Quick and Easy Preparation: In just 20 minutes, you can have this dish ready to serve. Its straightforward preparation makes it an excellent choice for those seeking a flavorful meal without extensive cooking time.

3. Versatility: This salad is perfect for various occasions, whether as a side dish at barbecues, a main course for a light lunch, or a contribution to a potluck. Its adaptability makes it a go-to recipe for many gatherings.

4. Dietary-Friendly: By using gluten-free pasta, this recipe caters to those with gluten sensitivities, ensuring everyone can enjoy its deliciousness.

5. Seasonal Ingredients: Utilizing fresh, seasonal produce like corn not only enhances the flavor but also supports local agriculture and sustainability.

Ingredients for the Dressing:

Ingredient	Quantity
Mayonnaise	1/2 cup
Garlic cloves, finely chopped	2
Juice of limes	2
Chili powder	1 teaspoon
Ground cumin	1/2 teaspoon
Smoked paprika	1 teaspoon
Salt and pepper	To taste
Cayenne pepper (optional)	A pinch

Ingredients for the Salad:

Ingredient	Quantity
Gluten-free Farfalle pasta	1 package (450g)
Grilled corn	3 cups
Crumbled Cotija cheese	1 cup
Fresh cilantro, chopped	1/2 cup
Green onions, finely sliced	4

Preparation Step by step for perfect elote pasta salad

1. Cook the Pasta: Begin by cooking your pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente. Once cooked, immediately rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking and preserve their perfect texture.

2. Prepare the Dressing: While the pasta is cooking, prepare your signature dressing. In a bowl, mix the mayonnaise with the chopped garlic, fresh lime juice, and your spices. This combination will create a creamy and flavorful sauce that will bring your salad to life. Feel free to adjust the seasonings according to your preferences.

3. Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine your cooled pasta with the grilled corn, fresh cilantro, green onions, and Cotija cheese. Pour the dressing generously and gently mix to evenly coat all the ingredients.

Variations and Additions:

This recipe offers great flexibility in the choice of ingredients. If you don’t have fresh corn, use canned or frozen corn. For more color and nutrients, add diced bell peppers. Black beans will provide additional protein and fiber, while cherry tomatoes will add a touch of tangy freshness.

Storage Tips:

Keep your salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. A pro tip: set aside a bit of dressing to refresh the salad before serving, as the pasta tends to absorb the sauce over time. If you plan to store the salad, add the Cotija cheese only at the time of serving to preserve its texture.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

Calories: 320

Carbohydrates: 42g

Proteins: 8g

Fats: 14g

This recipe is lightly seasoned to appeal to the widest audience, but feel free to increase the amounts of dressing if you prefer a creamier salad. You can also customize the spice level according to your tastes.

Have you tried this recipe? Share your experience in the comments below! And if you love Mexican flavors, don’t miss our other inspired recipes like our Elote Chicken Tacos or our Lemon Basil Pasta Salad.