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Flavorful Street Corn Elote Pasta Salad Easy Creamy Tangy Recipe

street corn elote pasta salad - featured image
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A creamy, tangy pasta salad inspired by Mexican street corn, featuring smoky roasted corn, a zesty sauce, and tender pasta. Perfect for potlucks, BBQs, or a fresh summer meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz (340 g) rotini or fusilli pasta
  • 3 cups fresh corn kernels (about 4 ears) or frozen and thawed
  • ½ cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) sour cream
  • Juice of 2 fresh limes (about 3 tbsp / 45 ml)
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • ½ cup crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese (substitute feta if needed)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for roasting the corn)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz (340 g) rotini pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process, then set aside to cool.
  2. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss 3 cups of fresh corn kernels with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on a baking sheet. Roast for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through, until lightly charred and smoky.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together ½ cup mayo, ¼ cup sour cream, juice of 2 limes (about 3 tbsp / 45 ml), 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp chili powder, ½ tsp smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  4. Add the cooled pasta and roasted corn to the bowl with the sauce. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
  5. Fold in ¼ cup chopped cilantro and ½ cup crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese.
  6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. If the salad is a bit dry after chilling, stir in a splash of olive oil or a squeeze more lime juice.

Notes

Roasting the corn is essential for authentic smoky flavor. Rinsing pasta after cooking prevents mushiness. For dairy-free, use vegan mayo and coconut yogurt. Add cheese just before serving if making ahead to prevent sogginess. Adjust chili powder to taste for spice level.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, street corn, elote, creamy sauce, tangy, summer recipe, BBQ side dish, potluck, easy recipe

Find it online: https://tastytuck.com/flavorful-street-corn-elote-pasta-salad-easy-creamy-tangy-recipe/