Elote Fiesta Healthy Street Corn Pasta Salad

By SandraSeptember 7, 2025

Table of Contents

Alright, let's dive right in, shall we? Ever crave that amazing Mexican street corn flavour but want something a bit more substantial? Honestly, that's exactly where this recipe was born! I'm talking about Healthy Street Corn Pasta Salad a total game changer.

Elote Fiesta: Your New Favorite Pasta Salad

This Mexican Pasta Salad Recipe is inspired by that classic elote , that scrumptious Summer Mexican Recipes treat we all know and love.

It's a creamy, spicy, tangy flavour bomb all tossed with pasta! Think of it as summer on a plate, perfect for Hot Summer Day Dinner Ideas , or even Summer Lunch Ideas For Guests .

It's a super Easy Summer Sides dish that's way more than just a side! This Elote Pasta Salad is quick to make and feeds a crowd.

You get about 6 servings, perfect for sharing, but you might not want to!

Why This Recipe Rocks

This isn't just any pasta salad, right? It's a Healthy Pasta Salad Recipes winner! It's packed with protein from the Greek yogurt and fiber from the whole wheat pasta.

It’s great for a BBQ, a picnic, or honestly, any old Tuesday. What makes it extra special? The charred corn.

That smoky flavour takes it next level.

Alright, so, what do we need? Let's get this party started!

Alright, let's talk about what you'll need to whip up this amazing Healthy Street Corn Pasta Salad ! Trust me, it's easier than it sounds.

This vibrant Elote Pasta Salad is destined to be your go-to when you need quick Summer Lunch Ideas For Guests .

Ingredients & Equipment Deets

We're keeping it simple, folks. This isn't rocket science! More like sunshine on a plate, you know?

Main Ingredients

Pasta: You'll need 1 pound (450g) of whole wheat pasta. Penne or rotini works a treat. Trust me, whole wheat adds a nice nutty flavor.
Corn: Get 4 ears of fresh corn. Fresh is key here. Look for plump kernels, that's how you know it's good!
Greek Yogurt: 1/2 cup (120g) of plain Greek yogurt. Go for 0% or 2% fat to keep it Healthy Pasta Salad Recipes
Mayonnaise: 1/4 cup (60ml) light mayonnaise. Don't go overboard, we're going for creamy, not gloopy!
Lime Juice: 2 tablespoons (30ml) of freshly squeezed lime juice. Freshly squeezed is non-negotiable. It makes all the difference.
Milk: 1 tablespoon (15ml) of milk. Any type will do.
Cotija Cheese: 1/2 cup (60g) crumbled Cotija cheese. If you can't find it, feta works fine.
Cilantro: 1/4 cup (15g) chopped fresh cilantro.

Seasoning Notes

Now, for the flavour bombs! This is where the Summer Mexican Recipes magic happens.

Chili Powder & Cumin: These two are best mates. 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder and 1/4 teaspoon of cumin. They'll bring the warmth to your Mexican Pasta Salad Recipe .
Garlic: 1 minced clove of garlic. Adds that punch!
Lime: Don't forget the lime juice, this adds all the freshness to these Easy Summer Sides
Jalapeño: Want a kick? Dice up a jalapeño. But careful, start small!.

Don't be scared to play around with these! Taste as you go and add more of what you love. This is Grilled Corn Pasta Salad , after all, so have fun with it.

Equipment Needed

Seriously, this is basic stuff. I think even I could do it with one hand.

Large Pot: For cooking the pasta.
Colander: For draining the pasta. Obvs.
Grill: For grilling the corn. Or, use your broiler or oven. Get some lovely char on those kernels
Mixing Bowls: For mixing the dressing and assembling the salad.
Whisk: For whisking the dressing.

Honestly, this Cold Meals For Summer is all about good ingredients, a bit of love, and a willingness to get your hands dirty! And just like that, you have a Vegan Street Corn Pasta Salad .

It's perfect for those Hot Summer Day Dinner Ideas too!

Elote Fiesta: Make a Healthy Street Corn Pasta Salad!

Oh my gosh, you guys! I am so excited to share this recipe. Honestly, this Healthy Street Corn Pasta Salad is a total game changer.

Think Summer Mexican Recipes meet your favorite pasta salad. It's the bomb! I was trying to find great Summer Lunch Ideas For Guests .

Prep Like a Pro

Before we dive in, let's get our mise en place sorted. It will save you a ton of time.

First, gather all your ingredients. Next, chop the cilantro and jalapeño. Get that garlic minced! I always do this first.

It helps everything come together smoothly. Safety first: watch those fingers when dicing that jalapeño! Trust me. I've been there!

step-by-step Corn Magic

Time to bring this Mexican Pasta Salad Recipe to life. It is one of my Easy Summer Sides !

Cook 1 pound of pasta. Use 2 quarts of water with 1 tablespoon of salt. Cook until al dente! Nobody likes mushy pasta.
Prep the corn. Brush 4 ears of corn with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Season with 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and pepper.
Grill or roast the corn. Grill for about 10- 15 minutes , turning often. Roast at 400° F ( 200° C) for 20- 25 minutes . The kernels should be slightly charred.
Cool the corn slightly. Cut the kernels off the cob. Be careful!
Make the dressing. Whisk together 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons lime juice, 1 tablespoon milk, 1 clove minced garlic, 1/2 teaspoon chili powder, and 1/4 teaspoon cumin. Season with salt and pepper.
Assemble the salad. Combine the cooked pasta, corn, dressing, 1/2 cup Cotija cheese, 1/4 cup cilantro, and jalapeño (if using). Toss it all together!
Chill for at least 30 minutes . This lets the flavors meld. Serve chilled with lime wedges.

Pro Tips for Pasta Perfection

Want to really impress? Here are a few tricks!

Char that corn well. The char adds a smoky flavour that is just unreal. Don't overcook the pasta. Al dente is key for texture.

Healthy Pasta Salad Recipes should be all about the texture!

A common mistake is not tasting the dressing. Adjust the lime juice and spices to your liking. This salad can be made a day ahead, making it perfect for parties or a Hot Summer Day Dinner Ideas !

Okay, so this Elote Pasta Salad is seriously good. It's got that sweet, spicy, creamy thing going on that makes it perfect.

Plus, it's a great way to use up summer corn. You can easily make a Vegan Street Corn Pasta Salad by swapping out the mayo and cheese.

It makes a Cold Meals For Summer . Honestly, I could eat this every day. This summer, give this Grilled Corn Pasta Salad a try. You won't regret it!

Alright, let's talk about making this Healthy Street Corn Pasta Salad truly yours ! Honestly, recipes are just a starting point, aren't they? Feel free to get creative in the kitchen! Here are some things I've learned along the way.

Recipe Notes

Serving Suggestions: It's All About the Vibe

Okay, so you've got this gorgeous Elote Pasta Salad. Now what? For plating, think bright and cheerful. I like to mound it high on a platter and garnish with extra cilantro and a sprinkle of chili powder.

It just looks inviting, you know? For an Easy Summer Sides , this salad is pretty great as is.

Complementary sides ? I love serving it with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. Trust me, it’s the perfect Hot Summer Day Dinner Ideas ! Or how about some crispy tortilla chips and guac for a full-on Summer Mexican Recipes fiesta? A refreshing agua fresca is the perfect drink to wash it down.

Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh!

If you have any leftover, which, honestly, I doubt, you can totally keep it in the fridge. Just pop it in an airtight container and it'll be good for up to 3 days .

When you fancy some more, just grab it straight from the fridge; this is one of those Cold Meals For Summer ! I wouldn't recommend freezing it, as the dressing might get a bit weird.

Variations: Your Salad, Your Rules!

Wanna spice things up? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing. It will bring that extra kick to your Mexican Pasta Salad Recipe .

Or maybe you're avoiding dairy? Easy peasy. Use vegan mayo and some nutritional yeast instead of Cotija. Boom Vegan Street Corn Pasta Salad is ready! If you're going grain free, try chickpea or lentil pasta, it's a Healthy Pasta Salad Recipes and great for extra protein.

For Seasonal ingredient swaps , consider adding roasted bell peppers or zucchini in the summer or toasted pumpkin seeds in the fall.

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite

Each serving of this Healthy Street Corn Pasta Salad is around 350 to 400 calories. You will also get about 15-20g of protein and 5-7g of fiber.

Sweetcorn is packed with nutrients! We all like a good dose of those!

This Grilled Corn Pasta Salad is a guilt free way to enjoy the flavors of summer.

This Summer Lunch Ideas For Guests is a game changer

Honestly, this recipe is a winner. It's easy, adaptable, and tastes amazing. So, give it a go and don't be afraid to experiment. Happy cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this Healthy Street Corn Pasta Salad ahead of time? I'm always rushing around like a blue arsed fly!

Absolutely! In fact, this Healthy Street Corn Pasta Salad is even better when made a day in advance. The flavors have more time to meld together, creating a truly scrumptious experience. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container in the fridge and give it a good toss before serving.

I'm not a huge fan of spice; can I tone down the heat in this Healthy Street Corn Pasta Salad recipe?

No worries, mate! You can easily adjust the spice level to your liking. Simply reduce or omit the jalapeño altogether, and use a milder chili powder. You can also skip the chili powder completely and just stick to cumin for a more subtle flavor. Taste as you go and adjust accordingly.

What's the best way to store leftover Healthy Street Corn Pasta Salad, and how long will it last? I hate wasting food, it's just not cricket.

Store any leftover Healthy Street Corn Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days. Just be aware that the pasta might absorb some of the dressing over time, so you might want to add a little extra lime juice or milk to freshen it up before serving.

I'm trying to eat healthier; are there any easy substitutions I can make to lower the calories in this recipe?

Definitely! You've already got a good start with the Greek yogurt and whole wheat pasta. Consider using light mayonnaise instead of regular, and you could also use a low-fat or fat-free Greek yogurt. Another swap could be using a reduced fat cheese instead of cotija.

For a more significant cut in calories, load up on the corn and cilantro to create volume.

Can I grill the corn directly on the cob, or should I use a grill basket? I’m aiming for that proper BBQ char like they get in the States!

You can definitely grill the corn directly on the cob! In fact, that's the best way to get that lovely charred flavor. Just be sure to turn it frequently to prevent burning. If you're worried about the kernels falling through the grates, you can use a grill basket, but you might not get as much direct char.

If you are using the grill basket, preheat it first for the best sear.