Description
Elote (Street Corn) Pasta Salad combines pasta, grilled corn, and zesty lime dressing for a refreshing summer dish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 tsp chipotle chili powder, adjust for spiciness
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin, freshly ground preferred
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, use smoked variety
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper, freshly ground preferred
- 1 Tbsp cooking oil, olive oil recommended
- 2 cups frozen corn, can substitute fresh corn
- 1 cup red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup poblano peppers, diced, can substitute bell peppers
- 1/2 tsp garlic cloves, minced
- 8 oz. ditalini pasta, uncooked, can substitute small shells or elbows
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise, can substitute Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt, can substitute sour cream
- 1 Tbsp lime juice, can substitute lemon juice
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water, helps adjust consistency
- 1/2 cup green onion, sliced, can substitute chives
- 1/2 cup queso fresco, crumbled, can substitute cotija or feta
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling your pasta in salted water until it is just al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. This will help keep the pasta from becoming mushy.
- Grill the Corn: Preheat your grill until hot. Grill the corn until it develops beautiful char marks and an inviting smoky aroma. Aim for a nice golden color without burning it.
- Mix the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, mayonnaise, and the spices until well-blended and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Combine All Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, grilled corn, diced red onion, diced poblano peppers, minced garlic, and lime dressing. Toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Chill before Serving: Place your salad in the refrigerator and let it chill for at least one hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Notes
- Storage Tips: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Let sit out for 10-15 minutes before serving for optimal flavor.
- Expert Tips: To enhance flavors, let the salad chill for at least one hour before serving. If leftovers thicken after chilling, stir in a splash of lime juice or Greek yogurt to restore creaminess.
- Reheating Instructions: This salad is best served cold and does not require reheating.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve alongside grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal. It pairs wonderfully with turkey burgers for a light summer dinner. Consider adding a citrusy Brazilian lemonade as a refreshing drink.
- Recipe Variations: For a different texture, replace ditalini with small shells or elbows. Diced avocado can be added for extra creaminess, or black beans for added protein and texture.
- Ingredient Notes: Choose fresh corn when in season for the best flavor. If using frozen corn, there is no need to thaw it beforehand. For quality, select fresh-looking onions and a ripe lime for juicing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 249
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 258mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg