Description
A zesty and smoky pasta salad inspired by Mexican elote, featuring charred corn, cotija cheese, and a lime-chili dressing.
Ingredients
1 lb rotini or bowtie pasta
4 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sour cream
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1/2 cup Cotija cheese, crumbled
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Boil the pasta in salted water until al dente, then drain and rinse with cold water.
Step 2: Char the corn in a hot skillet with a drizzle of oil until golden and blackened in spots.
Step 3: Whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, garlic, and spices in a small bowl.
Step 4: In a large bowl, combine the pasta, corn, red onion, and cilantro.
Step 5: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly.
Step 6: Gently fold in the crumbled Cotija cheese.
Step 7: Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor meld.
Notes
For a spicier kick, add a finely diced jalapeño to the mixture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 340 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
