Elote Pasta Salad (Mexican street corn pasta salad) pairs charred corn, tangy lime, creamy yogurt-mayo dressing, and crumbly cotija with short pasta for a vibrant, slightly smoky side. Ready in 25 minutes and perfect for BBQs, potlucks, or a quick weeknight dinner.
I first fell for these flavors wandering the plazas of Merida and Valladolid. The simple combo of lime-soaked corn, salty cheese, and chili inspired this easy, make-ahead pasta salad that keeps well and travels well for potlucks.
Some nights I’d have a cold drink and other nights I’d indulge in elote or esquites, marquesitas, a bag of spiced chicharrons, or churros.
But the sweet corn was one of my favorites. Lime-soaked corn coated in mayo and salty cheese with spicy chili on top – a winning combo!
Read the step by step instructions below, with photos, and learn how to make elote pasta salad at home.
Ingredients
See the recipe card for exact amounts.
- Pasta: Choose a short, sturdy shape like the ditali I used, to help hold onto the dressing.
- Corn: Fresh or frozen corn, grilled for a smoky flavor.
- Cotija cheese: This is a crumbly, salty cheese that’s traditional in elote, and I buy it when I can find it.
- Mayonnaise: Provides creaminess and helps bind the salad.
- Greek yogurt: Adds tanginess and balances the richness of the mayo.
- Lime juice: Brightens the flavors and adds acidity.
- Chili powder: Gives a smoky, spicy kick.
- Cilantro: Adds freshness and a pop of color.
- Tajin: A chili lime salt that adds another layer of flavor.
Substitutions
- Pasta: Any short pasta works, like ditali or ditalini, or orecchiette. Shorter shapes hold the dressing well. Use whole wheat or gluten-free if you want to.
- Cotija cheese: I use feta cheese as a substitute when I can’t find cotija in my small Canadian cities.
Recipe Tip
Want to make this elote pasta salad spicy?
Add diced jalapeños or serrano peppers to the salad, or add cayenne powder or hot sauce to the dressing.
Instructions
Prep Tips
This salad comes together really quickly once the pasta and corn are cooked. You can do these at the same time for a total of 15 minutes or so of cooking time.
Start by boiling the pasta to al dente according to the package instructions. Once it’s done, drain it and then rinse it well with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta.
- Make the dressing by mixing all of the dressing ingredients together. Set aside.
- Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the corn. Cook the corn for about 8-10 minutes, until it gets nicely charred and browned. Stir only occasionally, to let the corn brown.
- Once the corn is browned, add the garlic and lime juice and cook for about a minute. Remove from heat and cool briefly.
- Transfer the cooled pasta to a large mixing bowl.
- Add the cooled charred corn.
- Add lime zest and the cheese.
- Next add the dressing.
- Mix well and add the cilantro.
Serve the pasta salad right away or refrigerate for later. I like to add extra cilantro, a sprinkle of Tajin, and a lime wedge for serving.
Tips for making elote pasta salad
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Cook it al dente as it will continue to absorb dressing.
- Grill the corn: This adds a smoky flavor that elevates the dish.
- Adjust the seasoning: Taste and adjust salt, lime juice, and chili powder before serving.
- Reserve some cheese and cilantro for garnishing just before serving.
What to serve with pasta salad
If you’re hosting or attending a BBQ this pasta salad goes well with grilled chicken or burgers. Try it with a jalapeño cheddar burger or a chipotle black bean burger.
For a dinner party pair this pasta salad with grilled fish or buffalo shrimp tacos.
For a quick weeknight dinner air fryer cumin chicken or air fried salmon along with a light fennel and carrot salad.
Try grilled elote, elote fries, or Mexican street corn flatbread pizza next.
More Salad Recipes
Storage
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. For the best texture, store dressing separately and toss just before serving if you plan to keep it longer, like for meal prepping. Not recommended for freezing because the fresh corn texture changes.
FAQs
Yes, you can make elote pasta salad ahead of time. Making it a few hours or even a day in advance can enhance the flavors.
Yes. For canned corn, rinse and drain then pan-sear briefly to remove excess moisture. For frozen corn, thaw and pat dry before charring.
Absolutely. Grill ears over medium-high heat until charred on all sides, then cut the kernels from the cob.
Yes. Use vegan mayo and a thick dairy-free yogurt. Replace cotija with a salty, crumbled vegan cheese.
Elote Pasta Salad
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 8 oz Ditali pasta cooked to al dente
- 4 cups corn
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 3.5 oz Cotija cheese or feta cheese
For the Dressing
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- lime zest from one lime
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- salt + black pepper to taste
- Tajin optional, for garnish
- cilantro optional, for garnish
Instructions
For the Dressing
- Combine the yogurt, mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon of lime juice, half of the lime zest, chili powder, and salt and pepper. Set aside.
For the Salad
- Cook the pasta to al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- Meanwhile, char the corn. Heat a few teaspoons of oil in a skillet over medium to medium-high heat. When it’s hot, add the corn. Cook, stirring minimally, for about 8-10 minutes. Once it’s browned and the pan is drying out, add the garlic and 2 tablespoons of lime juice. Stir over heat for about a minute. Remove from heat.
- To assemble the salad: add the pasta, corn, cheese, and dressing to a large bowl. Stir until well combined. Garnish with cilantro and Tajin if using, and serve.
Video
Notes
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Cook it al dente as it will continue to absorb the dressing.
- Store elote pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Nutritional information is an estimate. Values vary based on products used. Read our full Nutrition Disclaimer.
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Let me know if you have questions about this recipe! It’s one of my favorite summer recipes.