Name: Creamy Elote Pasta Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 12 oz short pasta (rotini or bowtie); 2.5 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen); 1 tbsp olive oil; 0.5 tsp smoked paprika; 0.5 tsp chili powder; 0.5 cup mayonnaise; 0.33 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt); 2 limes (zested and juiced); 1 clove garlic (minced); 0.5 tsp salt; 0.25 tsp black pepper; 0.5 cup cotija cheese (crumbled); 1 avocado (diced); 0.33 cup red onion (finely chopped); 0.5 cup fresh cilantro (chopped)

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If you’re looking for a bold, creamy, crave-worthy side dish that screams summer, this Creamy Elote Pasta Salad is exactly what your table needs. Inspired by classic Mexican street corn (elote), this pasta salad combines sweet roasted corn, creamy lime dressing, salty cotija cheese, fresh cilantro, and buttery avocado — all tossed with tender pasta for a dish that’s cool, comforting, and bursting with flavor.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, planning a picnic, heading to a potluck, or just craving something fresh and filling, this Mexican street corn pasta salad is the kind of recipe people ask for after one bite.

Let’s dig into why this dish is such a standout and how you can make it perfectly every time.

🌽 What Is Elote Pasta Salad?

Traditional elote is Mexican street corn: grilled corn slathered with creamy sauce, chili, lime, and cheese. This pasta salad version takes those same bold flavors and transforms them into a chilled, creamy side dish that pairs beautifully with grilled meats, tacos, burgers, or even as a light lunch on its own.

By combining:

roasted or charred corn
a tangy lime-mayo-sour-cream dressing
salty cotija cheese
fresh herbs and spice
and tender pasta

…you get a dish that’s creamy, zesty, smoky, and totally addictive.

🥑 Why You’ll Love This Creamy Elote Pasta Salad

✔️ Perfect for Summer – Cool, refreshing, and not heavy
✔️ Make-Ahead Friendly – Tastes even better after chilling
✔️ Customizable – Add protein, heat, or extra veggies
✔️ Crowd-Pleaser – Ideal for potlucks, BBQs, and parties
✔️ Ready in Under 30 Minutes

This is one of those easy BBQ side dishes that feels gourmet without being complicated.

🛒 Ingredients

Use fresh, vibrant ingredients for the best flavor:

12 oz short pasta (rotini, bowtie, or penne)
2 ½ cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned, drained)
1 tablespoon olive oil (for roasting corn)
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon chili powder
½ cup mayonnaise
⅓ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
Zest and juice of 2 limes
1 clove garlic, minced
½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta)
1 ripe avocado, diced
⅓ cup finely chopped red onion
½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
Optional: jalapeño, diced (for heat)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.
Roast the Corn
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss corn with olive oil, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Spread on a baking sheet and roast 12–15 minutes until lightly charred. Let cool.
Make the Creamy Lime Dressing
In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime zest, lime juice, garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Assemble the Salad
Add cooled pasta, roasted corn, red onion, avocado, cotija, and cilantro to the dressing. Toss gently until evenly coated.
Chill and Serve
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor. Garnish with extra cheese, cilantro, and chili flakes.

🔥 Pro Tips for the Best Elote Pasta Salad

• Roast your corn — don’t skip it. The smoky flavor is key.
• Chill before serving — flavors deepen after resting.
• Add avocado last to keep it fresh and vibrant.
• Taste and adjust lime + salt before serving.

🌶️ Variations & Add-Ins

Make it your own:

• Protein Boost – Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or black beans
• Spicy – Add extra jalapeño or hot sauce
• Vegan – Use vegan mayo + dairy-free feta
• Extra Veggie – Add bell peppers or cherry tomatoes

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Serve with:
• Grilled steak, chicken, or fish
• Burgers and hot dogs
• Tacos or quesadillas
• As a stand-alone lunch bowl

🌎 Cultural Note: Elote Inspiration

Elote is deeply rooted in Mexican street food culture, often sold by vendors with corn on the cob slathered in creamy sauce, lime, chili, and cheese. This pasta salad keeps those iconic flavors alive in a chilled, modern format perfect for American summer gatherings.

💬 Final Thoughts

This Creamy Elote Pasta Salad is the ultimate summer side — fresh, bold, and irresistibly creamy. It’s easy enough for weeknights but impressive enough for entertaining. Once you try it, it’ll become a permanent part of your warm-weather rotation.