Elote Inspired Pasta Salad

One of my favorite ways to get creative with food is to pull the flavors from one thing that I love and do a mash up with something else that I love. I love elote and I love pasta salad, so let’s make elote inspired pasta salad!

Clearly, this is in no way traditional nor am I trying to pass it off as such. It’s simply a way to bring the flavors I love in elote to a summer pasta salad. A fun variation to throw into your pasta salad rotation. 

As far as the corn goes, use whatever you have! Whether it’s thawed frozen corn, from the can, or straight off the cob, any will work for this recipe. 

If you want to bump up the flavor even more you can grill the corn (if on the cob) or even sear it in a hot pan for a little char. I didn’t do it this time but it adds a little extra flavor that I love. 

Elote Inspired Pasta Salad 

1 pound pasta of choice, cooked and cooled

4 cups corn (thawed frozen, canned, or off the cob…any will work)

1 cup red onion, small diced

1 bunch cilantro, chopped (about 3/4 cup)

1 cup Cotija cheese (may use grated Parmesan as a substitute) 

Dressing

1 cup sour cream 

1/2 cup Mayo

2 limes, zested and juiced

2 tsp. Kosher salt 

1 tsp. cumin 

2 tsp. chili powder 

2 tsp. garlic powder 

In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, Mayo, lime zest, lime juice, kosher salt, cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder until well combined. 

In a large bowl, gently toss together the cooked pasta, diced red onion, corn, cilantro, and cotija cheese (reserve a little for garnishing the top of you'd like)

Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and gently fold to coat and combine. Serve chilled.