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Fresh Zesty Elote Pasta Salad with Creamy Tangy Dressing

Fresh Zesty Elote Pasta Salad - featured image
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A vibrant and creamy pasta salad featuring sweet fresh corn, zesty lime dressing, and fresh herbs. Perfect for summer gatherings, this salad is quick to make and packed with bold flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz rotini or fusilli pasta
  • 2 cups fresh corn kernels (about 3 ears)
  • 1 small red bell pepper, finely diced
  • 3 green onions, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • ½ cup sour cream or Mexican crema
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • Juice of 2 limes (about 3 tablespoons)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon chili powder or cayenne pepper
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: 1 avocado, diced
  • Optional: Grated Cotija cheese or feta cheese

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. While pasta cooks, shuck and husk 3 ears of fresh corn. Slice kernels off the cob. Optionally, cook kernels in boiling water for 2 minutes to soften, then drain and cool.
  3. Dice 1 small red bell pepper, thinly slice 3 green onions, and roughly chop ½ cup fresh cilantro. Set aside.
  4. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together ½ cup sour cream, ¼ cup mayonnaise, juice of 2 limes, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon chili powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as desired.
  5. Drain cooked pasta and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool. Drain well and transfer to a large mixing bowl. Add corn, bell pepper, green onions, and cilantro. Pour dressing over the top.
  6. Gently toss everything until pasta is evenly coated and veggies are well distributed. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld.
  7. Before serving, optionally stir in diced avocado and sprinkle with Cotija cheese.

Notes

Cook pasta al dente and rinse with cold water immediately to avoid mushy noodles. For extra smoky flavor, grill corn before slicing kernels. Chill salad for at least 30 minutes or overnight for best flavor. Prepare dressing a day ahead for enhanced taste. Adjust salt carefully as mayonnaise may contain salt. Add avocado just before serving to avoid browning.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, elote, creamy dressing, summer salad, fresh corn, zesty, easy recipe, potluck, BBQ side dish

Find it online: https://bouncybowl.com/fresh-zesty-elote-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-creamy-tangy-dressing/