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Easy Elote Pasta Salad

Easy Elote Pasta Salad – A Delightfully Creamy Summertime Treat

Enjoy a vibrant and creamy Easy Elote Pasta Salad that brings the flavors of Mexican street corn to your summertime gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 2 hours
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Dressing
  • 1 cup Mayonnaise substituting with Greek yogurt creates a lighter option.
  • 1/2 cup Sour Cream adjust the amount to your preference.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Cloves fresh is best, but garlic powder can work in a pinch.
  • 2 tablespoons Lime Juice add zest for an extra citrus punch.
  • 1 teaspoon Chili Powder feel free to adjust for desired spice level.
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin important for that authentic taste.
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika try smoked paprika for a deeper flavor.
  • 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper omit if you’re in the mood for something milder.
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt table salt makes an acceptable substitute.
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper opt for freshly ground.
For the Salad
  • 8 ounces Ditalini Pasta other short pastas like fusilli can be used if needed.
  • 2 cups Grilled or Roasted Corn grilling fresh corn elevates its taste.
  • 1/2 cup Chopped Fresh Cilantro parsley can substitute if you’re not a fan of cilantro.
  • 1 medium Red Onion green onions or shallots are a good alternative.
  • 1 cup Cotija Cheese feta or queso fresco can replace if Cotija isn’t on hand.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • colander
  • mixing bowl
  • spatula

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add ditalini pasta and cook for about 8 to 10 minutes, until al dente.
  2. If using fresh corn, heat your grill or a skillet over medium-high heat. Grill or sauté the corn until it develops a nice char and is golden brown, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, minced garlic cloves, lime juice, chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, kosher salt, and black pepper. Whisk these ingredients together vigorously until you achieve a smooth, creamy dressing.
  4. In a large serving bowl, combine the cooled pasta, charred corn, diced red onion, chopped cilantro, and crumbled Cotija cheese. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the mixture and gently toss everything together with a spatula.
  5. You can enjoy your Easy Elote Pasta Salad right away or let it chill in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours to enhance the flavors.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 8gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 450mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Ensure your pasta cools completely before mixing to avoid a greasy texture. Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.

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