Zesty Elote Pasta Salad: A Summer Flavor Boost You’ll Love

Delightful Zesty Elote Pasta Salad combines creamy dressing, vibrant corn, and cheese for a refreshing summer dish.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 10

Chill Time 30

Total Time 55

Servings: 6 cups

Course: Salads

Cuisine: Mexican

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

For the Pasta Base

12 oz pasta any shape, like penne or rotini

For the Creamy Dressing

1/2 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for a lighter touch
1/2 cup sour cream or extra mayo or yogurt
2 tablespoons lime juice freshly squeezed

For the Flavor Boost

1 teaspoon chili powder adjust to taste
1 cup corn fresh or thawed frozen
1/4 cup cilantro chopped, omit if not preferred
1/4 cup red onion diced

For the Cheesy Finish

1/2 cup cotija cheese crumbled
1/2 cup cheddar cheese shredded

Equipment

large pot
mixing bowl
slotted spoon
airtight container

Method

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water, add pasta, and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.
Prepare the Creamy Dressing: In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, and garlic powder until smooth.
Combine the Ingredients: Fold in corn, cilantro, and red onion into the dressing. Add cooled pasta and mix gently.
Add the Cheeses: Stir in cotija and cheddar cheese until well mixed.
Chill Before Serving: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, then stir before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 10gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Use freshly squeezed lime juice for best flavor. Rinse pasta to prevent sticking.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!