Easy Elote Pasta Salad: A Creamy Mexican Street Corn Delight

If you’re looking for a dish that combines the delicious flavors of a classic Mexican street food with a comforting, creamy pasta salad, look no further than this Easy Elote Pasta Salad. Also known as Elotes Pasta Salad o Creamy Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad, this dish brings together the sweetness of corn, the richness of a creamy dressing, and the zest of Mexican spices, creating a mouthwatering side that will have everyone asking for the recipe. Whether you’re planning a summer barbecue, a family gathering, or just a quick weeknight dinner, Elote Pasta Salad is a crowd-pleaser that’s simple to make and packed with flavor.

What is Elote Pasta Salad?

Elote, or Mexican Street Corn, is a beloved street food in Mexico, where corn on the cob is grilled and slathered with a rich mixture of mayonnaise, lime, chili powder, and cotija cheese. The flavors are bold, tangy, creamy, and slightly spicy—making it an irresistible snack or side dish. This Elote Pasta Salad takes those same flavors and transforms them into a refreshing, easy-to-serve salad that’s perfect for warm-weather meals.

This creamy pasta salad is a variation of Elote Corn Salad, but with the addition of pasta, making it even more filling and satisfying. It’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed on its own or served alongside grilled meats, tacos, or any of your favorite Mexican dishes. It’s the ultimate combination of savory, tangy, and spicy flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing.

Why You’ll Love This Elote Pasta Salad

Rápidos y Fáciles de Hacer: Este Easy Elote Pasta Salad comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it the perfect dish for a last-minute get-together or meal prep.
Creamy and Flavorful: The combination of mayonnaise, sour cream, and lime juice creates a creamy dressing that’s both tangy and rich. Add the chili powder and cotija cheese, and you’ve got a flavor-packed salad.
Perfecto para Cualquier Ocasión: Whether it’s a summer BBQ, a picnic, or a casual dinner, Elote Pasta is the perfect side dish to complement your main course.
Personalizable: This salad is highly customizable. You can add more or less spice, swap out ingredients, or even toss in some extra veggies to suit your taste preferences.
Crowd-Pleasing: If you’ve made traditional Elote Salad before, you’ll know that people love this combination of sweet corn, creamy dressing, and bold spices. Adding pasta to the mix only makes it even more satisfying.

Ingredients for Easy Elote Pasta Salad

Para hacer esto Elote Pasta Salad, you’ll need the following ingredients:

La Pasta: Use any short pasta of your choice—rotini, penne, or fusilli work great. You want the pasta to be able to hold onto the creamy dressing.
Corn: Fresh corn on the cob is ideal, but frozen or canned corn will work just fine. You’ll want to cook or grill the corn for that authentic Mexican Street Corn Elote flavor.
Mayonesa: This is the base of the creamy dressing that makes the salad rich and tangy.
Sour Cream: Adds extra creaminess and a touch of tang.
Lime Juice: The lime juice adds a zesty, refreshing element to balance out the richness of the mayo and sour cream.
Cotija Cheese: This crumbly, salty Mexican cheese is a must-have for Elote Pasta Salad. If you can’t find Cotija, you can substitute with feta or Parmesan cheese.
Chili Powder: For that signature smoky, spicy flavor. If you prefer more heat, add cayenne pepper or red chili flakes.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a pop of color and an herbaceous flavor that complements the corn.
Sal y Pimienta: To taste.

How to Make Easy Elote Pasta Salad

Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to making this creamy, zesty Elotes Pasta Salad that’s sure to be a hit:

Paso 1: Cocer la Pasta

Start by boiling your pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside to cool. Rinsing the pasta under cold water helps it cool down quickly and prevents it from sticking together. You want the pasta to be al dente so it can hold up to the creamy dressing without becoming mushy.

Step 2: Prepare the Corn

If you’re using fresh corn, grill or boil the corn cobs. To grill the corn, husk the cobs and brush them with a little olive oil. Grill them over medium heat for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until they’re nicely charred. After grilling, let them cool and then cut the kernels off the cob.

Alternatively, if you’re short on time, you can use frozen or canned corn. Simply cook or heat the corn until it’s tender, and then drain any excess liquid.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Dressing

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. The dressing should be smooth and creamy, with a tangy and spicy kick from the lime and chili powder. Adjust the seasoning to your taste.

Paso 4: Combinar Todo

Add the cooked pasta and corn to the mixing bowl with the dressing. Toss everything together gently until the pasta and corn are evenly coated.

Step 5: Add the Cotija Cheese and Cilantro

Fold in the crumbled cotija cheese and chopped cilantro for extra flavor and color. Cotija adds a salty, crumbly texture that’s essential for a traditional Elote Corn Salad, so don’t skip this ingredient!

Step 6: Chill and Serve

Cover the salad and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the flavors meld together and allows the dressing to thicken up, creating a more satisfying salad. Before serving, give the salad a final stir, taste for seasoning, and add extra lime, chili powder, or salt if needed.

Tips for the Best Elote Pasta Salad

Grill the Corn for Extra Flavor: If possible, grill the corn for that smoky, charred flavor that makes Mexican Street Corn Elote so irresistible. The grill marks on the corn will add both flavor and visual appeal.
Adjust the Spice Level: If you love heat, feel free to add extra chili powder, cayenne pepper, or even diced jalapeños to bring up the heat. If you prefer something milder, start with a little chili powder and taste as you go.
Hacer Por Delante: This salad can be made a day ahead of time, which helps the flavors to fully develop. Just make sure to give it a good stir before serving.
Añadir Las Verduras: For an extra crunch, try adding diced red bell peppers, onions, or even cucumber to the salad. The crispness of the veggies balances the creamy dressing perfectly.

Variations of Elote Pasta Salad

While this Easy Elote Pasta Salad recipe is delicious as is, there are several variations that you can experiment with to make it your own. Here are a few ideas:

Agregar Proteína: For a more filling meal, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even black beans to the salad. This makes it more substantial, turning it from a side dish into a main course.
Spicy Elote Pasta Salad: If you’re a fan of heat, amp up the spice level by adding more chili powder, a chopped jalapeño, or even a drizzle of hot sauce on top of the salad.
Roasted Veggie Elote Pasta Salad: Add roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes for an extra burst of flavor and nutrition.
Vegan Elote Pasta Salad: Make this salad vegan by using a dairy-free mayo, replacing the sour cream with coconut yogurt, and omitting the cotija cheese. You can use nutritional yeast as a substitute for the cheese if desired.

When to Serve Elote Pasta Salad

This Elote Pasta Salad is incredibly versatile and perfect for various occasions:

BBQs and Grilling: It’s the perfect side dish for grilled meats like burgers, steaks, or grilled chicken. The creamy, zesty flavors pair beautifully with smoky barbecue.
Picnics and Potlucks: This pasta salad travels well and holds up in warm weather, making it an ideal dish for picnics or potlucks. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Taco Night: Pair this salad with tacos, burritos, or fajitas for a complete Mexican-inspired meal.
Family Dinners: It’s a simple, satisfying salad that can be made in advance and enjoyed as part of any casual family dinner.

Final Thoughts on Easy Elote Pasta Salad

This Creamy Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a fun and flavorful twist on the traditional Elote Salad, incorporating all the amazing flavors of Mexican Street Corn Elote into a creamy pasta dish. It’s easy to make, full of vibrant flavors, and guaranteed to be a hit at your next gathering. Whether you’re enjoying it at a BBQ, potluck, or just a weeknight dinner, Elote Pasta Salad is a dish that’s sure to impress. Try it out and discover why this creamy, zesty salad is becoming a new favorite at every table!