Elote Pasta Salad Cotija Chili (Printable Version)

A vibrant pasta combining sweet corn, tangy lime, Cotija cheese, and a touch of chili.

# Components:

→ Pasta

01 - 12 ounces short pasta such as rotini, fusilli, or penne

→ Vegetables

02 - 2 cups fresh corn kernels or frozen thawed corn
03 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
04 - 1/2 small red onion finely diced
05 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped
06 - 1 jalapeño pepper seeded and finely chopped optional

→ Dressing

07 - 1/3 cup mayonnaise
08 - 1/4 cup sour cream
09 - 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice from approximately 2 limes
10 - 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
11 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
12 - 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
13 - 1 clove garlic minced
14 - Salt and black pepper to taste

→ Cheese and Toppings

15 - 3/4 cup Cotija cheese crumbled plus extra for garnish
16 - 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes or Tajín seasoning optional for garnish
17 - Lime wedges for serving

# Method Steps:

01 - Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.
02 - Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add corn kernels and cook without oil for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly charred. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
04 - Add cooled pasta, charred corn, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, jalapeño if using, and Cotija cheese to the bowl with dressing. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
05 - Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and blend together.
06 - Transfer to serving dish and garnish with extra Cotija cheese, chili flakes or Tajín, and lime wedges on the side.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The charred corn adds a smoky sweetness that makes people ask for the recipe before they even finish eating.
  • It comes together in less than an hour and tastes even better the next day when the flavors have gotten cozy with each other.
  • You can throw it together with what you have on hand—no fancy ingredients or techniques required.
02 -
  • If you don't rinse the pasta under cold water immediately, it'll continue cooking and turn mushy no matter how perfect your timing was.
  • Charring the corn in a dry skillet without oil might feel wrong, but it's the only way to get that caramelized sweetness that people keep asking about.
03 -
  • Make the dressing first and taste it by itself—if it's not delicious on its own, it won't magically become delicious when pasta gets involved.
  • Buy Cotija that's already crumbled if you can find it; it saves time and crumbles more evenly than trying to break it apart yourself.
Return