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Flavorful Elote Pasta Salad with Smoked Corn and Cotija Crumbles

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A smoky, creamy pasta salad featuring grilled corn, tangy cotija cheese, and a zesty lime-chili dressing. Perfect for summer cookouts and quick weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) rotini or fusilli pasta
  • 3 ears of fresh corn, husked and kernels removed
  • ½ cup (about 60 grams) cotija cheese, crumbled
  • ½ cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
  • Juice of 1 large lime
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225 grams) of rotini pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside to cool slightly (about 10 minutes).
  2. Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush the corn kernels lightly with olive oil. Spread them out on the grill or pan and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 6-8 minutes until kernels are lightly charred and smoky. Remove from heat and let cool.
  3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, juice of 1 lime, 1 teaspoon chili powder, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Add the cooled pasta and smoked corn to the bowl with the dressing. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
  5. Fold in ½ cup crumbled cotija cheese and ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (if using). Adjust seasoning to taste.
  6. Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld together. Give it a final stir before serving.

Notes

If fresh corn or a grill is unavailable, use frozen corn thawed and lightly charred in a skillet. For dairy-free, substitute cotija cheese with crumbled tofu or vegan cheese and mayonnaise with vegan mayo. Chilling the salad for at least 30 minutes enhances flavor. Add protein like grilled chicken or black beans for a fuller meal.

Nutrition

Keywords: elote pasta salad, smoked corn, cotija cheese, creamy dressing, summer salad, easy pasta salad, smoky pasta salad

Find it online: https://breezybake.com/flavorful-elote-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-smoky-corn-and-cotija-crumbles/