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Flavorful Elote Pasta Salad Recipe with Smoky Chipotle Dressing

elote pasta salad - featured image
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A smoky, creamy, and slightly spicy pasta salad featuring roasted corn and a chipotle dressing, perfect for summer gatherings and easy weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces rotini or elbow macaroni pasta
  • 3 cups fresh corn kernels (about 4 ears), roasted or grilled
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup sour cream
  • Juice of 1 large lime (about 2 tablespoons)
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped chipotle peppers in adobo
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • 1 small jalapeño, finely diced (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside in a large bowl.
  2. Heat a cast iron skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add fresh corn kernels in a single layer. Let them char undisturbed for 3-4 minutes, then stir occasionally until lightly browned all over (total 8-10 minutes).
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chopped chipotle peppers, and minced garlic. Add salt and pepper to taste. Adjust chipotle or lime juice if needed.
  4. Add the roasted corn, diced jalapeño (if using), chopped cilantro, and grated Parmesan cheese to the pasta. Pour the dressing over everything and toss gently but thoroughly until evenly coated.
  5. Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld. Stir before serving and add extra cilantro or cheese if desired.

Notes

Rinsing pasta after cooking prevents sticking and cools it quickly. Roasting the corn is essential for authentic smoky elote flavor. Adjust chipotle peppers gradually to control heat. The salad tastes better after chilling for at least an hour. For a lighter dressing, add a splash of water or milk if too thick.

Nutrition

Keywords: elote pasta salad, chipotle dressing, summer salad, smoky pasta salad, corn pasta salad, easy pasta salad, backyard salad

Find it online: https://fizzlefork.com/flavorful-elote-pasta-salad-recipe-with-smoky-chipotle-dressing-easy-and-perfect-for-summer/