20-Minute Elote Pasta Salad: A Zesty Summer Delight

Name: 20-Minute Elote Pasta Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 8 oz rotini pasta; 1 cup fresh corn (or frozen, thawed); 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt); 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta); Juice of 1 lime; 1 tsp chili powder; 1/4 cup chopped cilantro; Salt & pepper to taste

Recipe By:

Ava Mack

Posted:

August 18, 2025

Updated:

August 18, 2025

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There’s something magical about a dish that combines the sweet, smoky flavors of elote with the comforting heartiness of pasta. Enter the 20-Minute Elote Pasta Salad—a vibrant, zesty creation that could make even the grumpiest food critic crack a smile. Kid-friendly pasta salad Imagine fresh corn, creamy dressing, and a sprinkle of cheese dancing together on your taste buds. This dish is like summer in a bowl, perfect for picnics, barbecues, or just those days when your fridge looks sad and you need to impress visitors.

Now picture this: you’ve got friends over for a casual get-together, and everyone’s chowing down on chips and guacamole while you whip up this masterpiece in mere minutes. The aroma of roasted corn fills the air as laughter echoes around you. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings people together—like a cheesy rom-com but way tastier.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This 20-Minute Elote Pasta Salad is not only quick to prepare but also bursting with flavor and texture
Its colorful presentation makes it an eye-catching addition to any gathering
Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve as a side dish or main course!
Finally, it’s easy to customize based on your taste preferences or what you have on hand

I still remember the first time I made this salad for my family. My cousin took one bite and declared it “the best thing since sliced bread,” which is high praise coming from someone who usually eats pizza for every meal.

Elote Pasta Salad

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Pasta: Use your favorite type; I recommend rotini for its ability to hold onto all that creamy goodness. Creamy mushroom spinach pasta.
Fresh Corn: Opt for sweet corn; frozen works too but nothing beats fresh off the cob.
Mayonnaise: A good quality mayo adds creaminess; consider using Greek yogurt for a healthier twist.
Cotija Cheese: Crumbled cotija gives a salty kick; feta makes a great substitute if you can’t find it.
Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice brightens up flavors; bottled lime juice just won’t cut it here.
Chili Powder: Choose your heat level; this spice adds warmth without overpowering the dish.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds an aromatic twist; if you’re not a fan, parsley works too.
Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning; adjust according to taste preference.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Cook Your Pasta: Bring salted water to a boil and add pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente—usually around 8-10 minutes—then drain and rinse under cold water.

Grill or Roast Corn: If using fresh corn, grill or roast until charred for about 5-7 minutes. Let cool before slicing off kernels; if using frozen corn, just thaw it out.

Mix Dressing Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, salt, and pepper until smooth. Adjust seasoning as needed based on your taste buds.

Add Corn and Pasta: Fold in the pasta and roasted corn gently into the dressing mixture until everything is well-coated and colorful—think of it as giving them all a warm hug.

Toss in Cheese & Cilantro: Sprinkle crumbled cotija cheese and chopped cilantro over the salad. Give everything one last gentle toss so each bite bursts with flavor.

Chill & Serve!: Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes before serving so all flavors meld beautifully—if you can resist diving in right away!

This 20-Minute Elote Pasta Salad is not only quick but also incredibly satisfying. Perfectly balanced between savory and tangy, each mouthful is like sunshine on your plate! Enjoy creating this delightful dish that’s bound to become your new go-to recipe! Cheese tortellini pasta salad. Vegetarian quesadilla recipe.

You Must Know

This 20-Minute Elote Pasta Salad is a flavor-packed dish that combines the best of summer corn with your favorite pasta
It’s quick, colorful, and perfect for gatherings
The creamy dressing clings to each noodle, making every bite a delightful experience
Plus, it’s a great way to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by boiling your pasta first; while it cooks, prepare the elote ingredients. This will maximize efficiency and keep everything fresh.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the pasta for quinoa or add black beans for extra protein. Customize it to match your taste buds! For more inspiration, check out this Garlic Butter Green Beans recipe.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Enjoy cold; no reheating needed!

Chef's Helpful Tips

To elevate this dish, use fresh corn and grill it for a smoky flavor
Adjust the spice level by adding jalapeños if desired
Don’t skip on garnishes like cilantro or queso fresco for that finishing touch!

Creating this 20-Minute Elote Pasta Salad has been my go-to dish for last-minute gatherings. Friends rave about it, and I always leave with an empty bowl! For more inspiration, check out this Strawberry Spinach Salad recipe.

FAQ

Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen corn works well; just thaw and drain before mixing.

What type of pasta is best for this salad?

Any short pasta like fusilli or penne holds up nicely with the ingredients.

How can I make this salad vegan-friendly?

Substitute yogurt with a plant-based alternative and skip the cheese.