Grilled Elote Pasta Salad is a delightful fusion of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors that brings a fresh twist to traditional pasta salads. The star ingredient, grilled corn, adds a natural sweetness and a subtle char that elevates the dish beyond the ordinary. I love how this salad captures the essence of Mexican street corn but transforms it into a satisfying, creamy pasta dish.

Making this salad is a joy, especially during the summer when fresh corn is at its peak. The combination of creamy mayonnaise and sour cream dressing with a hint of lime and chili powder creates a vibrant flavor profile that’s both comforting and exciting. It’s a versatile dish that works well as a side for barbecues or as a light main course on its own.

One of the best parts about this recipe is how easy it is to prepare and customize. Whether you want to add a bit more heat, swap in vegan ingredients, or toss in some extra veggies, it adapts beautifully. Plus, it holds up well in the fridge, making it a great option for meal prep or bringing to gatherings. Every time I make it, it feels like a celebration of fresh, simple ingredients coming together in a delicious way.

Quick Facts

Recipe Highlights

This Grilled Elote Pasta Salad is one of those dishes I turn to when I want something fresh but with a smoky, comforting twist. I first made it during a summer cookout, and it quickly became a favorite because it combines the sweetness of grilled corn with creamy, tangy dressing and a touch of spice. It’s a great way to enjoy the flavors of Mexican street corn in a pasta salad form, which feels both familiar and a little unexpected. Whenever I bring this to a picnic or a potluck, it always sparks conversations and second helpings.

• Uses fresh, seasonal corn for the best flavor and texture
• Combines smoky, creamy, and tangy elements for a balanced taste
• Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings
• Can be easily customized to suit vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free diets
• Holds up well as leftovers without losing flavor or texture
• Pairs well with a variety of main dishes, from grilled meats to light seafood

What You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this salad together, with fresh corn and pantry staples playing starring roles.

• 4 ears fresh corn, husked
• 12 ounces rotini or fusilli pasta
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta as a substitute)
• 1 small jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 lime, juiced
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
• Optional: 1 avocado, diced

How to Make It

Let’s walk through the steps to make this flavorful pasta salad come together smoothly.

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool, then set aside.
2. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Brush the corn with olive oil and grill, turning occasionally, until charred in spots and tender, about 8-10 minutes. Let cool slightly.
3. Once the corn is cool enough to handle, cut the kernels off the cob and place them in a large mixing bowl.
4. Add the cooked pasta, red onion, jalapeño, and cilantro to the bowl with the corn.
5. In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
6. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to combine. Fold in the cotija cheese and diced avocado if using.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, lime juice, or chili powder if needed.
8. Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Helpful Tips

A few pointers to help you get the best results with this recipe.

• Grill the corn until nicely charred for that authentic smoky flavor.
• If you don’t have a grill, you can roast the corn under a broiler or cook it in a hot skillet.
• Use a sharp knife to cut kernels off the cob cleanly without wasting any.
• Make the salad a few hours ahead to let the flavors deepen, but add avocado just before serving to keep it fresh.
• Adjust the spice level by adding more or less jalapeño or chili powder according to your taste.
• For extra texture, toss in some toasted pepitas or chopped roasted peanuts.

Ingredient Swaps

If you need to swap out ingredients, here are some alternatives that work well.

• Mayonnaise can be replaced with vegan mayo or extra Greek yogurt for a lighter dressing.
• Cotija cheese can be swapped with feta or queso fresco, or omitted for a dairy-free version.
• Jalapeño can be replaced with a milder pepper like poblano or omitted if you prefer no heat.
• Rotini pasta can be substituted with penne, bowtie, or even quinoa for a gluten-free option.
• Sour cream can be swapped with plain yogurt or a dairy-free sour cream alternative.
• Fresh cilantro can be replaced with fresh parsley or basil if you’re not a fan of cilantro.

Storage Tips

Here’s how to keep your Grilled Elote Pasta Salad fresh and tasty after making it.

• Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• If you’ve added avocado, it’s best to consume within 24 hours to avoid browning.
• Stir the salad gently before serving leftovers, as the dressing may settle.
• Avoid freezing this salad, as the creamy dressing and fresh ingredients don’t freeze well.
• Keep the salad chilled until serving to maintain freshness and flavor.

What to Serve With It

Looking for something to serve alongside? These options complement the salad nicely.

• Grilled chicken or steak for a hearty main course
• Fresh pico de gallo or guacamole as a refreshing side
• Tortilla chips for some crunch and dipping
• A light, citrusy white wine or a cold Mexican lager

Common Questions

Here are some common questions I get about this recipe, with straightforward answers.

Nutritional Info