Elote Pasta Salad: Mexican Street Corn Fiesta!
Right then, fancy a bit of sunshine on a plate?
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever wondered how to bottle summer? this elote pasta salad recipe might just be the answer. it's got all the amazing flavours of mexican street corn in a pasta salad.
Honestly, it's like a fiesta in your mouth, mate!
Brief Overview
This mexican pasta salad , inspired by classic elote , is a celebration of vibrant flavours. originating from the streets of mexico, this dish is perfect for sharing.
It's an easy recipe, taking only about 25 minutes to knock up, and serves around 6 people.
Main Benefits
This spicy pasta salad is packed with goodness! corn is a brilliant source of fibre. it's the perfect bbq side dish to wow your mates.
This elote salad recipe isn’t just tasty; it's a guaranteed crowd pleaser.
Are you ready to find out what makes this recipe special?
Let's crack on with the ingredients.
Okay, mate, let's get this elote pasta salad sorted. think sunshine, bbqs, and a whole lotta flavour. forget boring salads.
This one's a proper fiesta! it's like mexican pasta salad meets a good ol' british knees-up.
Cracking Ingredients & Essential Kit
Main Ingredients: The Heart of the Matter
- Rotini pasta: 8 ounces (225g) . Don't be shy with the pasta, but don't go overboard either!
- Frozen corn: 10 ounces (285g) (defrosted, obviously!) OR fresh corn from 2-3 cobs. Fresh corn is the bee's knees if you can get your mitts on some good ears. Look for plump kernels and bright green husks.
- Red bell pepper: 1 , chopped. Adds a bit of sweetness and crunch.
- Red onion: 1/4 cup (30g) , finely diced. Don't go heavy on the onion, unless you really love it.
- Green onions: 3 , thinly sliced. For a bit of fresh zing.
- Jalapenos: 2 tablespoons (30g) , seeded and finely chopped (optional). Go easy if you're not a fan of the burn! This adds heat to spicy pasta salad .
- Mayonnaise: 1/2 cup (120ml) . Full fat's best for that proper creamy texture, let's be honest.
- Sour cream: 1/2 cup (120ml) . Balances the richness of the mayo.
- Lime juice: 3 tablespoons (45ml) (from about 2 limes). Fresh is a must, bottled stuff just doesn't cut it. Squeeze until your arm aches, you know?
- Garlic cloves: 2 , minced. Adds a nice pungent kick.
- Chili powder: 1 teaspoon . For a bit of Tex-Mex pasta salad magic.
- Dried dill: 1 teaspoon . Don't skip this! It's a subtle but essential flavour.
- Coarse kosher salt: 1/8 teaspoon . Seasoning is key, blimey.
- Black pepper: 1/8 teaspoon .
- Cotija cheese: 1/2 cup + 1 tablespoon (65g) , crumbled, divided. This is the real deal! It's salty and crumbly.
- Parmesan cheese: 1/4 cup (25g) , grated or shredded. For that cheesy yumminess.
- Fresh cilantro: 5 tablespoons (a small bunch), chopped, divided. Can't have street corn pasta without cilantro!
Seasoning Notes: Spice it Up!
The chili powder, lime juice, and jalapenos are a winning combo. they create that signature elote flavour. you can use some extra cayenne pepper, you want more heat .
No cilantro? try parsley. for a flavour boost, add a pinch of smoked paprika to the dressing.
Equipment Needed: No Fuss, Just the Essentials
- Large pot: For cooking the pasta, duh!
- Colander: To drain the pasta.
- Large mixing bowl: To toss everything together.
- Cutting board & knife: For chopping veggies.
- Measuring cups & spoons: To keep those quantities spot on.
Now, i know what you're thinking: " do i really need all this kit?" of course you don't! a saucepan will do if you're short on pots.
A spoon's a perfectly good substitute for measuring cups. just wing it, have a laugh, and don't stress! this easy pasta salad recipe is about enjoyment, not perfection.
You know? it's the perfect summer pasta salad or bbq side dish . it’s also pretty damn tasty corn and pasta salad .
Honestly, you'll be chuffed. it might even turn into a cotija cheese pasta salad tradition! enjoy!
Right, let's dive into how to whip up a killer batch of elote pasta salad , shall we? honestly, it's easier than figuring out the offside rule in football.
Think mexican pasta salad meets the best bbq side dish you've ever had. it's perfect for any summer shindig.
Gettin' Ready: Prep Like a Pro
First things first: mise en place , my friends. it sounds fancy, but it just means having everything prepped and ready to go.
Chop your veggies, measure your spices, and cook your pasta. honestly, having everything ready upfront saves so much time and stress.
It's like knowing where your keys are before you leave the house - total game changer. a great way to organize is by placing everything pre-chopped in a food container.
Make sure the knife isn't loose, and use a cutting board as a base on which you'll chop everything safely.
step-by-step to Street corn pasta Perfection
Alright, time to cook! Follow these steps, and you'll be scoffing down Elote pasta salad in no time. This is where the summer pasta salad magic happens.
- Cook the rotini: Pop 8 ounces of rotini pasta into boiling, salted water. Cook until al dente, about 8- 10 minutes .
- Prep the corn: If you're using frozen corn (10 ounces), defrost it. Fresh corn? Grill it, baby! It adds such a nice char.
- Chop it up: Dice 1 red bell pepper , 1/4 cup red onion , and slice 3 green onions . Mince 2 tablespoons of jalapeno if you are like me and like the spicy pasta salad .
- Mix the dressing: Whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise , 1/2 cup sour cream , 3 tablespoons lime juice , 2 minced garlic cloves , 1 teaspoon chili powder , 1 teaspoon dried dill , 1/8 teaspoon salt , and 1/8 teaspoon pepper in a bowl.
- Combine everything: Toss the cooked pasta, corn, chopped veggies, and most of the 1/2 cup of cotija cheese , in the dressing.
- Chill Out: Let it sit in the fridge for at least an hour. This lets the flavors meld together nicely and makes it even more lush.
Elote salad recipe : Pro-Tips for Maximum Flavour
Want to take your Elote pasta salad to the next level? Here are a few tricks I've picked up along the way:
- Charred corn is King: Seriously, grilling the corn makes a huge difference. Adds a smoky sweetness that you just can't beat.
- Don't be shy with the lime: That fresh lime juice is essential for that authentic street corn pasta tang. Add more if you fancy it.
- Make it ahead: This easy pasta salad recipe is even better the next day! The flavours meld together beautifully. Plus, it's one less thing to worry about when you're hosting.
This corn and pasta salad is a Tex-Mex pasta salad game changer. Honestly, I think you'll love this cotija cheese pasta salad . Enjoy your BBQ.
Alright, let's chat about all those little bits and bobs that make a recipe sing . it's not just about the ingredients, you know? it's the little extras that elevate a dish from "meh" to "oh my gosh, can i have seconds?".
Let's dive into the elote pasta salad recipe details and make this mexican pasta salad a real crowd pleaser.
Recipe Notes: The Devil's in the Details!
Serving Suggestions: Plating and Presentation
Right, so you've made this amazing elote pasta salad . how do you make it look as good as it tastes? honestly, presentation is half the battle! i reckon a big bowl is always a winner, but you could also serve it in individual ramekins for a bit of a fancy feel.
Sprinkle extra cotija cheese pasta salad and a bit of fresh cilantro on top for that 'instagrammable' look.
As a bbq side dish , i think is a perfect choice.
Thinking about drinks? something light and bubbly works a treat. maybe a crisp white wine or even just some lemonade.
And don't forget some grilled chicken or fish to go alongside this delicious summer pasta salad ! a tex-mex pasta salad is always a hit for summer.
Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh
Okay, so you've got leftovers? no worries! this corn and pasta salad keeps pretty well. just pop it in an airtight container and stick it in the fridge.
It'll be good for about 3-4 days. i wouldn't recommend freezing it, though. the mayo can get a bit weird when it thaws.
Reheating is a doddle. just let it come to room temperature for a bit before serving. honestly, it's often even better the next day, as the flavours have had a chance to mingle.
Variations: Make it Your Own!
Fancy a bit of a twist? no problem! for a dietary adaptation, you could easily make this a spicy pasta salad by adding more jalapeños to the dressing.
Seriously, a little bit of heat can take this dish to the next level. or, swap out the regular pasta for a gluten-free version if you're catering to any dietary needs.
Seasonally, consider using roasted butternut squash in the autumn, swapping the corn for a different flavour. You know? Or fresh tomatoes during the summer for an amazing Street corn pasta .
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite
Alright, let's talk numbers. this elote salad recipe is packed with goodness. you've got your carbs from the pasta, vitamins from the veggies, and protein from the cheese.
Plus, corn is a good source of fibre, which is always a bonus. of course, it's not exactly a health food, thanks to the mayo and cheese.
But everything in moderation, eh? and it's definitely more interesting than a plain old salad! plus, if you’re looking for a easy pasta salad recipe this is the one!
So there you have it! a few extra tips and tricks to make your elote pasta salad truly amazing.
Get in that kitchen and give it a whirl! you've got this.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Elote pasta salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, this Elote pasta salad is even better if you make it a few hours in advance, or even the day before. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, like a good cup of tea needs time to steep. Just give it a good stir before serving, as the dressing may settle a bit.
What's the best way to store leftover Elote pasta salad?
Store your leftover Elote pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days, which is handy if you don't want to cook all week! Be aware that the pasta might absorb some of the dressing over time, so you may want to add a little extra lime juice or sour cream to freshen it up before serving.
Think of it as a little TLC for your leftovers!
I'm not a fan of spice. Can I make this Elote pasta salad less spicy?
Of course! The spice level in this Elote pasta salad is easily adjustable. Simply omit the jalapenos altogether, or use a milder chili powder in the dressing. You can also seed and devein the jalapenos before chopping them to reduce their heat.
Start with a small amount of chili powder and add more to taste - you can always add spice, but it's harder to take it away!
Can I grill the corn for this Elote pasta salad?
Grilling the corn is a brilliant idea! Grilling adds a wonderful smoky flavor that takes the Elote experience to the next level. Just grill the corn until it's slightly charred, then let it cool slightly before cutting the kernels off the cob. It's like giving your corn a little holiday in Barbados before the party!
I don't have Cotija cheese. What's a good substitute for this Elote pasta salad recipe?
If you can't find Cotija cheese, Feta cheese makes a decent substitute, though it has a slightly different texture and saltiness. You could also use queso fresco for a milder flavor. If you're feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of Parmesan can also work in a pinch, though it's not a traditional substitution.
Just remember, cooking is all about experimenting and finding what you like best!
Is there a healthier version of Elote pasta salad I can make?
You can definitely lighten up this Elote pasta salad! Substitute the mayonnaise and sour cream with plain Greek yogurt for a lower fat option. Use whole wheat pasta for added fiber. Load up on extra veggies, like more bell peppers or cherry tomatoes, to boost the nutritional value.
You could even add some grilled chicken or black beans for extra protein to keep you feeling fuller for longer - it's a win-win!
Elote Pasta Salad Mexican Street Corn Fiesta
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350-400 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25-30g |
| Fiber | 2-3g |
