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Creamy Elote Pasta Salad Recipe with Smoky Chipotle Lime Dressing

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A quick and easy creamy elote pasta salad featuring smoky chipotle lime dressing, roasted corn, and fresh herbs. Perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or a flavorful side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz (340 g) short pasta like rotini, penne, or fusilli
  • 3 cups fresh corn kernels (about 4 ears), roasted or grilled
  • ½ cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) sour cream
  • 2 chipotle peppers in adobo, finely chopped
  • Juice of 2 medium limes
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • 1 small jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (optional)
  • 3 green onions, sliced thinly
  • ½ cup crumbled Cotija or feta cheese (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz (340 g) of your chosen pasta and cook according to package instructions (usually 9-11 minutes) until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
  2. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) or heat a grill pan over medium-high. Toss 3 cups fresh corn kernels with 1 tablespoon olive oil and a pinch of salt. Spread evenly on a baking sheet or place in the grill pan. Roast for 10-12 minutes, stirring halfway through, until slightly charred and fragrant. Let cool.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup (120 ml) mayonnaise, ¼ cup (60 ml) sour cream, finely chopped 2 chipotle peppers in adobo, juice of 2 limes, minced 2 garlic cloves, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning—if you want more heat, add more chipotle or a splash of adobo sauce.
  4. Slice 3 green onions, finely chop ¼ cup cilantro, and if using, seed and mince 1 jalapeño for extra kick.
  5. In a large bowl, add the cooked pasta, roasted corn, green onions, jalapeño, and cilantro. Pour the dressing over and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
  6. Sprinkle ½ cup crumbled Cotija or feta cheese on top and give the salad one last gentle toss.
  7. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Notes

If fresh corn isn’t available, frozen kernels can be used after thawing and drying. For dairy-free versions, substitute mayo and sour cream with vegan alternatives and omit or replace cheese. Adjust chipotle and jalapeño amounts to control spice level. Chilling the salad for at least 30 minutes enhances flavor melding. If dressing is too thick, thin with a teaspoon or two of water or lime juice.

Nutrition

Keywords: elote pasta salad, creamy pasta salad, chipotle lime dressing, summer salad, roasted corn salad, potluck recipe, smoky pasta salad

Find it online: https://blingbite.com/creamy-elote-pasta-salad-recipe-with-smoky-chipotle-lime-dressing-easy/