Twist on a Classic Street Food Favorite Recipe
If you’re looking for a dish that captures the bold, zesty flavors of Mexican street corn and spins them into something fresh and crave-worthy, you’ll fall in love with this Elote Pasta Salad. It’s the ultimate Twist on a Classic Street Food Favorite, combining sweet corn, creamy cotija, a hint of spice, and a swirl of lime, all tossed with tender pasta. Whether you serve it at a summer picnic or as a vibrant side for taco night, this salad delivers street food magic in every bite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things simple but makes every ingredient count! Each component brings out the irresistible taste, texture, and vibrant color that make this dish a true standout. Here’s what you’ll need, and why you shouldn’t skip a single thing:
- Pasta (12 oz rotini or elbow): The perfect base to soak up all that creamy, tangy dressing and hold those bursts of corn in every forkful.
- Corn kernels (2 cups, fresh, grilled, or frozen and thawed): The heart of the dish, adding sweetness and crunch—grilling them gives an extra smoky depth.
- Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): Lends creaminess and richness, just like classic elote.
- Sour cream (1/4 cup): Adds a cool, tangy note to balance the spices and lime.
- Cotija cheese (1/4 cup, crumbled): Salty and crumbly, this cheese is essential for that authentic street corn flavor.
- Lime juice (2 tablespoons): Fresh and zippy, it brightens up all the flavors.
- Chili powder (1 teaspoon): Brings a gentle heat and that signature street corn color.
- Smoked paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a subtle smokiness that really sets this salad apart.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): For savory depth without overwhelming the other flavors.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Just enough to make all the flavors pop.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a little bite and balances the creamy dressing.
- Cilantro (1/4 cup, chopped): Fresh, herbal, and totally optional for those who adore it!
- Red onion (1/4 cup, finely chopped): Offers a crisp bite and a pop of color.
- Optional: Sliced jalapeños or hot sauce: Turn up the heat for those who love a spicy Twist on a Classic Street Food Favorite!
How to Make Twist on a Classic Street Food Favorite
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook your rotini or elbow pasta according to the package directions until it’s perfectly al dente. Drain the pasta and give it a quick rinse under cold water—this stops the cooking and cools it down in a flash, making it salad-ready.
Step 2: Whisk Up the Dressing
In a big mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This zesty, creamy mixture is what transforms the salad into a true Twist on a Classic Street Food Favorite, coating every bite with flavor.
Step 3: Toss Everything Together
Add your cooled pasta straight into the bowl with the dressing. Pile in the corn, crumbled cotija cheese, red onion, and chopped cilantro. Gently toss everything together until the pasta and veggies are thoroughly coated and flecked with all those beautiful spices and herbs.
Step 4: Taste and Chill
Give your salad a taste and add a pinch more salt, pepper, or lime juice if you like. Then cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Letting the flavors meld is the secret to those irresistible bites that taste like pure summer.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
When you’re ready to serve, sprinkle on extra cotija, more cilantro, or a squeeze of fresh lime. For a spicy kick, scatter sliced jalapeños over the top or splash on your favorite hot sauce. Now you’re set to enjoy a truly memorable Twist on a Classic Street Food Favorite!
How to Serve Twist on a Classic Street Food Favorite
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the power of a good garnish! A little extra cotija cheese, a flurry of fresh cilantro, or a few lime wedges can make this salad pop visually and flavor-wise. If you’re a heat-seeker, add thinly sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce for a crowd-pleasing finish.
Side Dishes
This salad is a superstar at cookouts and potlucks, pairing beautifully with smoky grilled meats, veggie skewers, or even black bean burgers. It’s also right at home next to tacos, enchiladas, or grilled chicken—anywhere you want a vibrant, creamy side with a Twist on a Classic Street Food Favorite flair.
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful presentation, serve individual portions in small mason jars or colorful cups, perfect for parties and picnics. Or go family-style and heap it high on a big platter, garnished with lots of fresh herbs and lime. You can even turn it into a main by mixing in grilled chicken or tossing in black beans for a protein-packed twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Elote Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays delicious for up to three days, and the flavors often get even better as they mingle overnight. Just give it a quick toss before serving to freshen it up.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you find yourself with extras, you can freeze it—just know that the texture of the pasta and dressing may change a bit after thawing. For best results, freeze the salad without garnishes in a tightly sealed container for up to one month.
Reheating
Elote Pasta Salad is meant to be served chilled or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. If it’s been in the fridge, let it sit out for 10–15 minutes before serving for the best flavor. If the dressing thickens, stir in a splash of lime juice or a spoonful of sour cream.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Side Dish
Absolutely! Any short pasta will work, like penne, fusilli, or shells. Just pick something with lots of nooks and crannies to catch the creamy dressing and corn.
What’s the best way to grill the corn?
Brush fresh corn cobs lightly with oil and grill them over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes, turning often, until lightly charred. Let them cool before slicing off the kernels to use in your Twist on a Classic Street Food Favorite.
Is there a substitute for cotija cheese?
If you can’t find cotija, feta cheese makes a great substitute—it’s salty and crumbly, just like cotija. Or use queso fresco for a milder option.
How spicy is this salad?
The base recipe has a gentle kick from chili powder and smoked paprika, but you can control the heat by adding jalapeños or hot sauce to taste. It’s easy to keep it mild or crank up the spice for a bolder Twist on a Classic Street Food Favorite experience.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, it tastes even better after chilling for a few hours. Just wait to add final garnishes until right before serving, so everything stays fresh and vibrant.
Final Thoughts
Ready to shake up your salad routine? This Elote Pasta Salad is so much more than a side dish—it’s a true Twist on a Classic Street Food Favorite that brings together the best flavors of summer. I hope you’ll give it a try and make it your own, whether for your next cookout or a cozy dinner at home. Happy cooking!
Print
Twist on a Classic Street Food Favorite Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes plus chilling time
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Elote Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful twist on the classic Mexican street corn, combining tender pasta with sweet corn, creamy cotija cheese, and a zesty, smoky dressing. This refreshing side dish is perfect for summer cookouts, potlucks, or as a standalone meal when boosted with extra protein.
Ingredients
Pasta and Corn
- 12 oz rotini or elbow pasta
- 2 cups corn kernels (fresh, grilled, or frozen and thawed)
Dressing and Seasonings
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Fresh Additions
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- Optional: sliced jalapeños or hot sauce for extra heat
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooled pasta, corn kernels, crumbled cotija cheese, finely chopped red onion, and chopped cilantro to the bowl with the dressing. Toss gently but thoroughly until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the salad and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt, lime juice, or chili powder to suit your preference.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. Before serving, garnish with extra cotija cheese, cilantro, or a squeeze of lime if desired.
Notes
- For authentic smoky flavor, grill the corn before cutting off the kernels.
- This salad pairs well with grilled meats or can be a stand-alone dish for cookouts and potlucks.
- To make it more hearty, add grilled chicken or black beans for extra protein.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling and Mixing (No-Cook after boiling pasta)
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 290 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
