Elote (Street Corn) Pasta Salad
This easy Elote (Street Corn) Pasta Salad is made with smoky corn, zesty lime, and creamy queso fresco for a fresh BBQ, potluck, or weeknight side dish!Step-by-step photos can be seen below the recipe card.
Servings: 8 servings (1 cup each)
Ingredients
- ½ tsp chipotle chili powder $0.06*
- ½ tsp ground cumin $0.04
- ½ tsp smoked paprika $0.08
- ½ tsp salt $0.02
- ¼ tsp black pepper freshly cracked, $0.04
- 1 Tbsp cooking oil $0.04
- 2 cups frozen corn 250g, $0.82**
- 1 cup red onion diced, (136g) $0.94
- ½ cup poblano peppers diced, (65g) $0.75
- ½ tsp garlic cloves minced, $0.08
- 8 oz. ditalini pasta uncooked, (225g) $0.83***
- ¼ cup mayonnaise $0.23
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt $0.22
- 1 Tbsp lime juice $0.04
- ¼ cup reserved pasta water $0.00
- ½ cup green onion sliced, (35g) $0.61
- ½ cups queso fresco crumbled, (60g) $0.73
Instructions
- Gather and prep all ingredients.
- In a small bowl, stir together chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add oil, corn, red onion, poblano, garlic, and half the spice blend. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until veggies are softened and corn is lightly charred.
- Meanwhile, cook pasta according to the box instructions, reserving ¼ cup of pasta water. Drain and rinse under cold water until completely cool.
- In a small bowl, mix mayo, Greek yogurt, lime juice, remaining spice blend, and reserved pasta water.
- In a large bowl, toss the cooked pasta, corn mixture, half the green onions, half the queso fresco, and the dressing. Stir until well combined.
- Chill for at least 1 hour. Top with remaining green onions and queso fresco before serving.
See how we calculate recipe costs here.
Notes
*Chipotle chili powder adds a smoky kick, but you can substitute regular chili powder for a milder flavor.
**Fresh corn may be used in place of frozen; however, frozen corn makes the recipe more budget-friendly and accessible year-round.
***Ditalini works great for scooping up all the creamy dressing, but feel free to use small shells or elbows if needed.
Nutrition
Serving: 1cup | Calories: 249kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 10g | Sodium: 258mg | Fiber: 3g