Why Make This Recipe
Tasty Elote Pasta Salad with Greek yogurt combines the classic flavors of elote with the comfort of pasta salad. It’s a delicious way to enjoy corn, chicken, and spices, all in one dish. This recipe is not only tasty but also healthy, thanks to the Greek yogurt base that adds creaminess without too many calories. Plus, it’s perfect for gatherings or as a quick meal at home.
How to Make Tasty Elote Pasta Salad
Making Tasty Elote Pasta Salad is simple and quick. Follow these easy steps to prepare this flavorful dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (I prefer Fage total 5% for the creamiest texture)
- 3 tbsp mayo
- 1.5 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1.5 limes (zested and juiced for maximum citrus punch)
- 6.7 oz rotini (I always use Barilla for a perfect al dente bite)
- 2.5 cups corn
- 2 tsp avocado oil
- 1/4 tsp chili powder
- 2.5 cups chicken (shredded into bite-sized 1-inch pieces)
- 1 cup cotija (crumbled into small chunks to distribute flavor)
- 1/2 cup cilantro
- Lime wedges
Directions:
- Begin by cooking the rotini according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix the Greek yogurt, mayo, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, lime zest, and lime juice. Stir until smooth.
- In a skillet, heat the avocado oil over medium heat. Add the corn and sprinkle with additional chili powder. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the corn is slightly charred.
- Combine the cooked rotini, corn, shredded chicken, cotija cheese, and cilantro in the bowl with the yogurt mixture. Toss everything together until well coated.
- Adjust the seasoning and add more lime juice if desired. Serve with lime wedges on the side.
How to Serve Tasty Elote Pasta Salad
Serve Tasty Elote Pasta Salad chilled or at room temperature. It works great as a side dish at barbecues or as a main dish for lunch. Garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges for added flavor.
How to Store Tasty Elote Pasta Salad
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. Avoid leaving it out for too long at room temperature to ensure food safety.
Tips to Make Tasty Elote Pasta Salad
- For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or increase the amount of chili powder.
- If you prefer a creamier salad, add more Greek yogurt or mayo.
- You can use grilled chicken for added flavor; just shred it after cooking.
Variation
You can easily make this salad vegetarian by omitting the chicken and replacing it with roasted vegetables or black beans for protein.
FAQs
Can I use frozen corn?
Yes, frozen corn works well. Just thaw it before adding to the salad.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
You can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta.
Can I make this salad in advance?
Yes, it’s great to make ahead of time. Just keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to serve.
Tasty Elote Pasta Salad
Ingredients
For the dressing
- 1 cup Greek yogurt Preferably Fage total 5% for the creamiest texture
- 3 tbsp mayo
- 1.5 tsp chili powder
- 0.5 tsp garlic powder
- 0.25 tsp salt
- 1.5 units limes (zested and juiced) For maximum citrus punch
For the salad
- 6.7 oz rotini Barilla recommended for perfect al dente bite
- 2.5 cups corn
- 2 tsp avocado oil
- 0.25 tsp chili powder
- 2.5 cups chicken (shredded) Shredded into bite-sized 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup cotija (crumbled) Crumbled into small chunks to distribute flavor
- 0.5 cup cilantro
- as needed Lime wedges For serving
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook the rotini according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix the Greek yogurt, mayo, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, lime zest, and lime juice. Stir until smooth.
- In a skillet, heat the avocado oil over medium heat. Add the corn and sprinkle with additional chili powder. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the corn is slightly charred.
Combine and Serve
- Combine the cooked rotini, corn, shredded chicken, cotija cheese, and cilantro in the bowl with the yogurt mixture. Toss everything together until well coated.
- Adjust the seasoning and add more lime juice if desired. Serve with lime wedges on the side.