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Elote Pasta Salad Cotija Lime

Elote Pasta Salad Cotija Lime: A Fresh Summer Delight

This Elote Pasta Salad with Cotija and Lime combines fresh corn, creamy cheese, and lime juice for a vibrant summer dish.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 8 oz Short Pasta (rotini, fusilli, or penne) Choose gluten-free pasta if necessary.
  • 2 cups Fresh Corn Kernels Grill for a hint of smokiness.
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Halve to enhance juiciness.
  • 1 medium Red Onion Finely diced.
  • 1/2 cup Fresh Cilantro Substitute with parsley if preferred.
  • 1 medium Jalapeño Adjust based on spice preference.
For the Dressing
  • 1/2 cup Mayonnaise Swap with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
  • 1/2 cup Sour Cream Use a plant-based alternative if needed.
  • 1/4 cup Lime Juice Use fresh limes for the best flavor.
  • 1 tsp Chili Powder
  • 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
  • 1/2 tsp Ground Cumin Just a pinch makes a difference.
  • 2 cloves Garlic (minced) Fresh is best.
  • to taste Salt and Black Pepper
  • 1 cup Cotija Cheese Feta is a good substitute.
For Garnishing
  • to taste Chili Flakes or Tajín
  • 2 wedges Lime Serve alongside.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • large skillet
  • Mixing Bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water, add pasta, and cook until al dente (8–10 min). Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside.
  2. Char the Corn: Heat a skillet, add corn, and sauté for 4–5 minutes until lightly charred. Let cool.
  3. Make the Dressing: Combine mayonnaise, sour cream, and lime juice. Whisk, then add spices and whisk again.
  4. Combine Ingredients: Add pasta and corn to the dressing. Toss in tomatoes, onion, cilantro, jalapeño, and Cotija. Mix gently.
  5. Chill the Salad: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld.
  6. Serve and Garnish: Stir gently, garnish with Cotija, chili flakes or Tajín, and lime wedges. Serve chilled.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 7gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1000IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Ideal for meal prep, this salad tastes better after sitting overnight. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

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