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Flavorful Street Corn Elote Pasta Salad Recipe with Easy Lime Crema

street corn elote pasta salad - featured image
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A vibrant and creamy pasta salad inspired by Mexican street corn, featuring smoky grilled corn, tangy lime crema, and salty Cotija cheese. Perfect for summer gatherings and quick weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces rotini or elbow macaroni
  • 4 ears fresh corn, husks removed
  • 1 cup Cotija cheese, crumbled
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • Juice of 2 limes (about 3 tablespoons)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 3 green onions, thinly sliced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of rotini or elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions (8-10 minutes) until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
  2. Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush each ear of corn with olive oil and grill for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until charred in spots and tender. Remove and let cool slightly.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, minced garlic, and chili powder. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Using a sharp knife, slice the kernels off the grilled corn cobs. You should have about 3 cups of kernels.
  5. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, grilled corn kernels, crumbled Cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, and sliced green onions. Pour the lime crema over and gently toss until well coated. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra lime juice if needed.
  6. Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

If fresh corn is unavailable, use frozen corn sautéed until lightly charred. For dairy-free, substitute sour cream with coconut yogurt and use vegan mayo. Gluten-free pasta can be used for gluten sensitivity. Letting the salad chill for at least 30 minutes enhances flavor. Avoid freezing as the creamy lime crema and fresh veggies do not freeze well.

Nutrition

Keywords: street corn, elote, pasta salad, lime crema, Cotija cheese, grilled corn, summer salad, easy pasta salad

Find it online: https://zoeplate.com/flavorful-street-corn-elote-pasta-salad-recipe-with-easy-lime-crema/