Creamy Elote Pasta Salad

Creamy Elote Pasta Salad is a bold, colorful fusion of Mexican street corn flavors and classic pasta salad comfort. Tender rotini is tossed in a tangy lime crema with sweet corn, creamy avocado, salty cotija, and warm spices. The result is a vibrant, crowd-pleasing dish that’s fresh, satisfying, and perfect for sharing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Street Corn Meets Pasta Salad – Combines the iconic flavors of elote with hearty, satisfying pasta.
Bold, Tangy Dressing – Lime juice and crema-style dressing keep every bite bright and flavorful.
Perfect for Make-Ahead Meals – Tastes even better after chilling as the flavors meld together.
Colorful & Fresh – Avocado, corn, and cilantro add freshness and visual appeal.
Customizable Heat Level – Easily adjust spice with cayenne or chili powder.
Great for Crowds – Yields generous portions ideal for potlucks and gatherings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Pasta & Vegetables

12 oz rotini pasta – Holds the creamy dressing well in its spirals.
2 cups sweet corn kernels (fresh or frozen) – Adds sweetness and classic elote flavor.
1 cup red bell pepper, diced – Provides crunch and subtle sweetness.
2 ripe avocados, diced – Adds creaminess and richness to balance acidity.

Creamy Elote Dressing

½ cup sour cream – Forms the tangy, creamy base of the dressing.
½ cup mayonnaise – Adds richness and smooth mouthfeel.
¼ cup fresh lime juice – Brightens the salad and balances the creaminess.
1 tsp chili powder – Delivers warm, smoky spice.
½ tsp garlic powder – Adds savory depth without overpowering.
¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional) – Provides adjustable heat.
Salt & black pepper, to taste – Enhances all flavors.

Cheese & Herbs

1 cup cotija cheese, crumbled – Adds salty, tangy contrast similar to classic elote.
¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped – Brings freshness and herbal brightness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Pasta – Boil rotini in well-salted water until al dente (10–12 minutes), then drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
Prepare the Dressing – Whisk sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper until smooth and bold.
Assemble the Base – Add corn, red bell pepper, and half the cotija cheese to the cooled pasta.
Combine & Fold – Pour dressing over the pasta mixture and toss thoroughly, then gently fold in avocado to keep pieces intact.
Chill & Finish – Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, then garnish with remaining cotija, cilantro, and extra chili powder before serving.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Salt the Pasta Water Well – Proper seasoning starts at the pasta level.
Use Fresh Lime Juice – Bottled juice lacks the brightness needed for balance.
Dry the Corn – Especially important if using frozen corn to avoid watery dressing.
Add Avocado Last – Prevents browning and maintains clean texture.
Let It Chill – At least 1 hour allows flavors to fully develop.
Revive Leftovers – Add a splash of lime juice before serving again.

Nutritional Information

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes (plus chilling)
Servings: 8 generous side portions
Calories: Approximately 320–360 calories per serving (estimate; varies by cheese and dressing amounts)

Perfect Pairings

Grilled Vegetables – Zucchini, peppers, or mushrooms complement the creamy texture.
BBQ or Grilled Corn – Reinforces the elote inspiration.
Tortilla Chips & Salsa – Adds crunch and contrast.
Light Citrus Drinks – Such as agua fresca or sparkling lime water.

Ideal Occasions

Summer Potlucks – Travels well and feeds a crowd.
BBQ Side Dish – Creamy, cooling contrast to grilled mains.
Picnics & Gatherings – Served chilled or at room temperature.
Meatless Meals – Satisfying enough to stand alone as a vegetarian option.

Storage & Serving Tips

Refrigerate Airtight – Store up to 3 days for best quality.
Stir Before Serving – Pasta absorbs dressing as it sits.
Expect Some Avocado Browning – Flavor remains excellent.
Serve Slightly Chilled – Best texture and flavor balance.

Creative Variations to Try

Charred Corn Elote Salad – Toast corn in a hot skillet for smoky depth.
Protein Boost – Add black beans or grilled tofu for heartiness.
Extra Cheesy Version – Mix in shredded Monterey Jack.
Dairy-Free Swap – Use plant-based sour cream and mayo alternatives.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Salad Feels Dry – Add extra lime juice or a spoon of sour cream.
Too Tangy – Balance with a pinch of sugar or extra mayo.
Watery Texture – Ensure pasta and corn are fully cooled and dried.
Mild Flavor – Increase chili powder or salt slightly.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe succeeds by balancing creamy fats with sharp acidity and natural sweetness. The rotini’s shape traps dressing, ensuring flavor in every bite, while lime juice cuts through richness for freshness. Cotija provides salty contrast, avocado adds body, and spices deliver warmth without overpowering. At roughly 320–360 calories per serving, it’s indulgent enough to satisfy while remaining light enough for warm-weather meals.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Elote Pasta Salad is a modern, flavor-forward side dish that blends comfort and freshness effortlessly. It’s easy to prepare, endlessly adaptable, and guaranteed to stand out on any table. Whether served at a summer BBQ or as a make-ahead meal, it delivers bold flavor with room for lighter swaps and creative twists. 🌽🥑✨