Elote (Street Corn) Pasta Salad

5 from 4 votes

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!

Prep Time10

Cook Time15

Chill Time1

Total Time1 25

Course: Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine: American, Mexican

Total Cost: $5.53 recipe / $0.69 serving

Servings: servings (1 cup each)

Calories: 249kcal

Author: Jennie Alley

Equipment

Mixing Bowls
Large 12" skillet
Saucepan

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

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