Have you Heard About the Viral Elote-Style Pasta Salad?

You know and love elote—Mexican street corn paired with mayo, cotija cheese, lime juice, chili powder, and cilantro. You know the comforting and refreshing pasta salad on summer nights. What happens when you combine the two?

The viral and delicious elote-style pasta salad. Read on for more details and a mouthwatering recipe!

What is this elote-style pasta salad?

This is a fusion dish that pairs elote with pasta salad, creating a delicious and easy-to-make meal that can be served at potlucks, eaten as leftovers, and will be a crowd-pleaser at all your summer events. Sweet, tangy, creamy, and with a hint of spice—it’s no wonder that this colorful dish is trending!

What is the recipe?

Ingredients

• 1 lb pasta (rotini or fusilli preferred)

• 3-4 cups corn

• ½ cup mayonnaise

• ½ cup sour cream (alternative: Greek yogurt)

• Lime juice (1-2 limes)

• ½ tsp chili powder (or Tajín!)

• ¼ tsp smoked paprika

• Salt and pepper

• ½ cup crumbled cotija cheese (alternative: feta)

• ¼ cup chopped cilantro

• Chopped red onion

• Green onions

• Optional: jalapeño

Directions

• Cook pasta, drain, and cool.

• Char the corn until slightly blackened.

• Whisk together mayo, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

• Add pasta, corn, cheese, red onion, green onions, and jalapeño if you choose to do so!

• Toss until evenly coated.

• Chill for 30-60 minutes before serving.

• Garnish with extra cheese, cilantro, or Tajín.

How can I make this my own?

Here are a few ideas to personalize your elote pasta salad, or try a few variations:

• Different cheeses: feta, queso fresco, shredded pepper jack

• Add protein: chicken, shrimp, black beans

• Extra spice: hot sauce

• More veggies: bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, avocado, shredded cabbage

• Different pasta shapes: bowtie, penne

What are some events to serve elote pasta salad at?

Here are some fun events to host this summer:

• BBQs and cookouts

• Potlucks

• Picnics

• Holiday gatherings

We hope this elote pasta salad is everything you hope for this summer season—enjoy!