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Flavorful Elevated Elote Pasta Salad with Charred Corn & Cotija

elote pasta salad - featured image
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A bright, creamy, spicy, and smoky pasta salad featuring charred corn, Cotija cheese, and a zesty lime dressing. Perfect for summer gatherings and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces medium pasta shapes like rotini or penne
  • 3 ears fresh corn, husked and kernels cut off
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 3/4 cup crumbled Cotija cheese
  • Juice of 2 limes
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Drain in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside and let cool for about 10 minutes.
  2. While pasta cooks, preheat grill, grill pan, or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Brush corn ears lightly with oil. Place on grill or pan, turning occasionally, until kernels are blistered and blackened in spots, about 8-10 minutes. Remove and let cool slightly.
  3. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut kernels off the cobs into a bowl, about 1½ cups of charred corn kernels.
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in jalapeño if using.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, charred corn kernels, crumbled Cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, and sliced green onions. Pour dressing over and toss gently to coat evenly.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, lime juice, or chili powder as desired.
  7. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld before serving.

Notes

Do not toss warm pasta with dressing to avoid separation. Chill salad for at least 30 minutes for best flavor. Frozen corn can be used but fresh charred corn is preferred for smoky flavor. Vegan and dairy-free substitutions are possible.

Nutrition

Keywords: elote pasta salad, charred corn pasta salad, Cotija cheese pasta salad, summer pasta salad, smoky pasta salad, easy pasta salad, barbecue side dish

Find it online: https://cheerycrisp.com/flavorful-elevated-elote-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-with-charred-corn-and-cotija/