Elote Pasta Salad Recipe

Elote Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings together the beloved tastes of Mexican street corn in a refreshing pasta salad format. Combining sweet roasted corn, creamy dressing, and zesty lime, this salad offers a delightful balance of textures and flavors. It's a perfect side dish for summer gatherings, barbecues, or as a standalone meal.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz pasta (e.g., rotini or elbow macaroni)

• 4 cups roasted sweet corn kernels (fresh or frozen)

• ½ cup cotija cheese, crumbled (or feta as a substitute)

• ½ red onion, finely diced

• ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

• 1 jalapeño pepper, seeds removed and finely chopped

• 2 tablespoons olive oil mayonnaise

• 1 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt

• Juice and zest of 2 limes

• 1½ teaspoons chili powder

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon kosher salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Directions:

1. Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.

2. Prepare the Corn: If using fresh corn, roast it until charred, then cut the kernels off the cob. If using frozen corn, thaw and pat dry.

3. Make the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lime juice and zest, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.

4. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, roasted corn, red onion, cilantro, and jalapeño.

5. Add Dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly.

6. Add Cheese: Gently fold in the crumbled cotija cheese.

7. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 175 kcal

• Protein: 8 g

• Fat: 7 g

• Carbohydrates: 20 g

• Fiber: 3 g

• Sugar: 3 g

• Sodium: 300 mg

• Cholesterol: 10 mg

• Potassium: 200 mg

• Calcium: 80 mg

• Iron: 1 mg