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+ servings
Elote Pasta Salad

Creamy Elote Pasta Salad That’s High in Protein and Flavor

Try this delicious Elote Pasta Salad, rich in protein and bursting with vibrant Mexican flavors—perfect for summer gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Marinating Time 15 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta Base
  • 8 oz Pasta (Barilla Protein+) or substitute with rotini, penne, or chickpea pasta
For the Charred Corn
  • 2 cups Charred Corn fresh or frozen, charred until lightly blackened
For the Creamy Dressing
  • 1 cup Greek Yogurt full-fat recommended
  • 1/2 cup Mayonnaise Hellmann’s recommended
  • 2 tbsp Lime Juice freshly squeezed
  • 1 tsp Lime Zest
For Flavor and Seasoning
  • 1/2 cup Cotija Cheese crumbled
  • 1/2 cup Red Onion diced finely
  • 1/4 cup Cilantro chopped
  • 1 medium Jalapeño seeded and minced
  • 1 tsp Chili Powder
  • 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
  • 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Ground Cumin
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black Pepper

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Large skillet
  • medium bowl
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Spatula
  • wooden spoon

Method
 

Steps
  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and toss lightly with olive oil. Let cool.
  2. Char the Corn: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add corn and cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes to char. Stir and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and cool.
  3. Prepare the Dressing: In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt and mayonnaise. Whisk in lime juice, lime zest, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
  4. Combine All Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, charred corn, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and cotija. Pour dressing over and toss gently to coat evenly.
  5. Marinate for Flavor: Cover and let the salad marinate in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 15gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 4gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Allow pasta to cool completely to prevent a watery mixture. Don’t skip the charring of the corn for authentic flavor. Dress just before serving for freshness.

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