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Flavorful Elote Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe with Creamy Tajin Crema

elote street corn pasta salad - featured image
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A bright, zesty pasta salad inspired by Mexican street corn, featuring charred corn, creamy Tajin crema, and a perfect balance of smoky, tangy, and spicy flavors. Ideal for summer gatherings and quick meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces rotini or elbow macaroni
  • 4 ears fresh corn, husked (or about 3 cups frozen corn, thawed)
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • Juice of 2 limes (about 3 tablespoons)
  • 2 teaspoons Tajin seasoning, plus extra for garnish
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup cilantro, finely chopped (optional)
  • ½ cup crumbled Cotija or feta cheese
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of rotini or elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside in a colander to drain fully.
  2. Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush husked corn with a little oil to prevent sticking. Grill corn, turning every 2-3 minutes, until charred on all sides and tender, about 10-12 minutes. If using frozen corn, cook in a hot skillet until slightly browned.
  3. Once corn is cool enough to handle, stand each ear upright on a cutting board and slice downward to remove kernels, yielding about 3 cups.
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, Tajin seasoning, and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine drained pasta, charred corn kernels, chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, and crumbled cheese. Pour Tajin crema over and toss gently until evenly coated.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, Tajin, or lime juice as desired.
  7. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld. Can be served immediately if preferred.

Notes

For best smoky flavor, do not rush charring the corn. Rinse pasta after cooking to prevent sticking. Adjust crema seasoning to taste. For dairy-free, substitute sour cream and mayo with coconut yogurt or vegan mayo, and use tofu or nutritional yeast instead of cheese. Salad can be served chilled or at room temperature. Leftovers keep well for up to 3 days refrigerated.

Nutrition

Keywords: elote, street corn, pasta salad, Tajin crema, Mexican, summer salad, creamy dressing, grilled corn

Find it online: https://bitefuljoy.com/flavorful-elote-street-corn-pasta-salad-recipe-with-creamy-tajin-crema/