Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad (Elote Pasta Salad)

If you love the bold, irresistible flavors of Mexican street corn, prepare to fall hard for Mexican street corn pasta salad, also known as elote pasta salad. This dish takes everything people adore about classic elote—smoky charred corn, creamy chili-lime sauce, salty cheese, and fresh herbs—and transforms it into a crowd-pleasing pasta salad that’s perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, barbecues, and meal prep.

Creamy without being heavy, tangy without being sharp, and bursting with texture, this pasta salad is anything but boring. Each bite delivers tender pasta, sweet corn with charred edges, a luscious dressing, and pops of brightness from lime and cilantro.

Whether served as a side dish or enjoyed as a stand-alone meal, elote pasta salad is the kind of recipe that disappears fast and earns repeat requests.

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What Is Elote?

Elote is Mexican street corn traditionally grilled, slathered in a creamy sauce made with mayonnaise, lime, and spices, then finished with crumbly cheese and chili powder. It’s smoky, tangy, savory, and slightly spicy—all at once.

This pasta salad borrows those signature flavors and adapts them into a format that’s easy to serve, transport, and enjoy cold or at room temperature.

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Why Elote Pasta Salad Works So Well

Pasta salads are often bland or overly dressed—but elote pasta salad is different. The ingredients are bold by design, ensuring flavor in every forkful.

What makes it special:

• Charred corn adds sweetness and smokiness
• Chili-lime dressing brings tang and heat
• Cotija cheese adds salty richness
• Cilantro and onion add freshness and bite

It’s balanced, layered, and incredibly satisfying.

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Best Pasta for Street Corn Pasta Salad

Short, sturdy pasta shapes work best. They hold onto the creamy dressing and mix evenly with the corn.

Great options include:

• Rotini
• Fusilli
• Shells
• Elbow macaroni

Avoid long noodles—they don’t distribute the ingredients as evenly.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Pasta Salad:

• Short pasta (rotini or shells)
• Fresh corn on the cob
• Red onion
• Jalapeño
• Fresh cilantro

For the Creamy Elote Dressing:

• Mayonnaise
• Sour cream or Mexican crema
• Lime juice and zest
• Garlic
• Chili powder
• Smoked paprika
• Salt

For Finishing:

• Cotija cheese
• Extra chili powder
• Fresh lime wedges

Each ingredient plays a distinct role—no filler, no shortcuts.

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Instructions

1. Cook pasta in salted water until al dente; drain and cool.
2. Grill or pan-char corn until lightly blackened; cut kernels from the cob.
3. Whisk mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, zest, garlic, chili powder, paprika, and salt until smooth.
4. In a large bowl, combine pasta, corn, red onion, jalapeño, and cilantro.
5. Pour dressing over salad and toss until evenly coated.
6. Fold in cotija cheese.
7. Chill for 30 minutes for best flavor.
8. Garnish with extra cheese, chili powder, and lime before serving.

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Charred Corn: The Flavor Foundation

Charring the corn is non-negotiable. It adds depth and mimics the smoky flavor of traditional street corn. You can grill it, roast it, or char it in a skillet—just don’t skip this step.

Frozen corn can be used in a pinch, but fresh corn delivers the best sweetness and texture.

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Creamy Chili-Lime Dressing Explained

This dressing is what transforms pasta salad into elote pasta salad. The combination of mayo and sour cream creates richness, lime juice cuts through with acidity, and chili powder adds warmth without overwhelming heat.

Smoked paprika enhances the grilled corn flavor, while garlic ties everything together.

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Cotija Cheese: Salty and Essential

Cotija is crumbly, salty, and slightly funky—perfect for balancing the creamy dressing. If unavailable, feta is a solid substitute, though cotija is more authentic.

Add it at the end to maintain texture.

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Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Elote pasta salad is even better after chilling, making it ideal for prep.

• Make up to 24 hours ahead
• Store refrigerated in an airtight container
• Stir before serving and add a splash of lime juice if needed

Avoid freezing—the dressing doesn’t thaw well.

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Serving Ideas

Serve Mexican street corn pasta salad with:

• Grilled chicken or steak
• Burgers and hot dogs
• Tacos or fajitas
• BBQ ribs

It’s also hearty enough to enjoy on its own.

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Variations to Try

• Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or black beans
• Extra Heat: Add chipotle powder or hot sauce
• Vegan Version: Use plant-based mayo and skip cheese
• Avocado Elote Pasta: Fold in diced avocado before serving

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Potluck and Party Favorite

This dish travels well, holds up in warm weather, and appeals to a wide range of tastes. It’s bold but familiar, creamy but refreshing—the perfect balance for feeding a crowd.

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Why This Recipe Never Disappoints

Every bite delivers contrast:

• Creamy dressing
• Sweet corn
• Salty cheese
• Fresh herbs
• Tender pasta

It’s a layered, intentional dish—not an afterthought side.

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Elote Pasta Salad for Every Season

While it shines in summer, this pasta salad works year-round. Use frozen corn in colder months or serve alongside roasted meats for a cozy twist.

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Final Thoughts

Mexican street corn pasta salad (elote pasta salad) is the ultimate upgrade to classic pasta salad. It’s bold, creamy, smoky, and fresh—everything you want in a modern side dish.

Once you serve it, expect empty bowls and recipe requests.