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Flavorful Elote Pasta Salad Recipe with Easy Chili Lime Dressing

elote pasta salad - featured image
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A smoky, creamy, and tangy pasta salad featuring grilled corn and a zesty chili lime dressing, perfect for summer gatherings and quick meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces rotini or fusilli pasta
  • 3 cups fresh corn kernels (about 4 ears) or frozen (thawed)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup sour cream
  • Juice of 2 limes (about ¼ cup)
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¼ cup chopped cilantro
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup crumbled cotija cheese (optional)
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of rotini pasta and cook al dente according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Set aside in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat and brush with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add 3 cups fresh corn kernels (or thawed frozen corn). Cook, stirring occasionally, until the corn is charred in spots, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup sour cream, juice of 2 limes (about ¼ cup), 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Add the grilled corn, ¼ cup chopped cilantro, 2 sliced green onions, and ½ cup crumbled cotija cheese to the pasta bowl. Toss gently to mix.
  5. Pour the chili lime dressing over the pasta mixture. Toss until everything is evenly coated. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or lime juice if needed.
  6. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

If the dressing thickens too much in the fridge, stir in a teaspoon of water or lime juice before serving. For extra heat, add cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños. Use vegan mayo and sour cream alternatives and plant-based cheese to make it dairy-free. Roasting corn in the oven at 450°F for 15 minutes is a good alternative to grilling.

Nutrition

Keywords: elote pasta salad, chili lime dressing, grilled corn pasta salad, summer pasta salad, smoky pasta salad, easy pasta salad, Mexican street corn salad

Find it online: https://prismtaste.com/flavorful-elote-pasta-salad-recipe-with-easy-chili-lime-dressing/