20-Minute Elote Pasta Salad: Quick & Delicious Recipe

Name: 20-Minute Elote Pasta Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 8 oz rotini pasta; 2 ears fresh corn (kernels removed); 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice; 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro; 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (or cotija); 1 tsp chili powder; Salt and pepper to taste

Published: August 18, 2025

by Mia Hanry

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This easy 20-Minute Elote Pasta Salad brings vibrant flavors together for a quick meal
You can customize it with veggies or proteins based on your preferences
The colorful presentation will impress everyone at the table
Perfect for picnics or as a side dish for summer BBQs

I remember the first time I made this dish; my friends devoured it so quickly that I barely got a taste!

Elote Pasta Salad

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Pasta: Any short pasta works great here, but I recommend using rotini for its fun shape and ability to hold onto the dressing.
Fresh Corn: Sweet corn adds crunch and natural sweetness; look for fresh ears at the farmer’s market if possible.
Mayonnaise: Use a good quality mayonnaise to create a creamy base; it’s the glue that holds all those delicious flavors together. For more inspiration, check out this Delicious Garlic Butter Green Beans recipe.
Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice brightens up the dish with acidity and zesty flavor; don’t skimp on this!
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds an aromatic touch; chop it finely for even distribution throughout the salad.
Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta cheese gives creaminess and tang; feel free to substitute with cotija cheese for an authentic twist.
Chili Powder: A sprinkle of chili powder provides warmth and enhances the flavors; adjust to your spice preference.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out all the wonderful flavors in your salad.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together
Bring a pot of salted water to boil over high heat. Add your pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions—about 8-10 minutes should do. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
While the pasta cooks, shuck your fresh corn. If you’re feeling adventurous, grill it for an extra smoky flavor! Cut off the kernels once it’s cool enough to handle.
In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, corn kernels, mayonnaise, lime juice, chopped cilantro, crumbled feta cheese, and chili powder—mix gently until everything is evenly coated. easy egg roll in a bowl.
Taste your creation and season with salt and pepper as needed. Remember that feta can be salty too! Adjust carefully.
Cover your salad and let it chill in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes before serving. This allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together beautifully.
Scoop generous portions into bowls or onto plates. Garnish with extra cilantro or lime wedges if you like—a little flair never hurts!

And there you have it! Your delightful 20-Minute Elote Pasta Salad is ready to impress friends and family alike with its bright colors and irresistible flavors! Enjoy every bite as you reminisce about those sunny summer days filled with laughter—and perhaps some unexpected second helpings! pearl couscous with tomatoes.

You Must Know

This delightful 20-Minute Elote Pasta Salad is a breeze to make
The combination of sweet corn, creamy dressing, and zesty lime makes it a crowd-pleaser
Perfect for summer picnics or quick weeknight dinners, it’s colorful and packed with flavor

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by boiling the pasta while you prepare the elote mixture. This method saves time and ensures everything comes together seamlessly for a delicious result.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out ingredients like using grilled veggies instead of corn or adding jalapeños for some heat. Personalizing your salad will make it truly yours!

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Enjoy this dish cold; reheating isn’t necessary—it tastes great chilled.

Chef's Helpful Tips

For the best flavor, use fresh corn off the cob when in season
Adding feta cheese enhances the creaminess and tang
A sprinkle of smoked paprika gives it an extra kick

The first time I made this 20-Minute Elote Pasta Salad was for a barbecue, and everyone went back for seconds! It quickly became my go-to recipe for gatherings. For more inspiration, check out this Delightful Strawberry Spinach Salad recipe.

FAQ

Can I use frozen corn in this 20-Minute Elote Pasta Salad?

Absolutely! Just thaw it before mixing into your pasta salad.

What can I substitute for mayonnaise in the dressing?

Greek yogurt works wonderfully as a lighter alternative with added creaminess.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta to enjoy this 20-Minute Elote Pasta Salad without worries!

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📖 Recipe Card