Description
This vibrant and creamy Cotija Mexican Style Elote Pasta Salad features sweet roasted corn, zesty spices, and smooth plant-based Cotija cheese, blending authentic elote flavors with tender pasta for a refreshing and colorful dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 2 cups cooked small pasta shapes (rotini, shells, or penne)
- 1 1/2 cups fresh corn kernels, roasted or grilled
- 3/4 cup plant-based Cotija (cheese), crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Dressing
- 1/2 cup plant-based mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (natural)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Corn: Roast fresh corn kernels by spreading them on a baking sheet under the broiler or grilling until slightly charred and smoky in aroma. This brings out the sweetness and adds authentic elote flavor to your salad.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil your chosen pasta shape until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water to cool it quickly and stop the cooking process. This helps keep the pasta firm and ready to absorb the creamy dressing.
- Mix the Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together plant-based mayonnaise, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), apple cider vinegar (natural), lime juice (natural), chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This creamy, tangy dressing will bring all components of the salad together harmoniously.
- Combine Ingredients: Gently fold the cooled pasta and roasted corn into the dressing. Add the plant-based Cotija (cheese) and fresh chopped cilantro, mixing just enough to evenly distribute the flavors without breaking the cheese apart.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully and gives you a refreshingly cool dish to enjoy.
Notes
- Use fresh corn when possible for the best sweetness and texture.
- Do not overcook the pasta; al dente texture is ideal.
- Roasting the corn adds a smoky depth that enhances the classic elote flavor.
- Adjust spice levels gradually to suit your preference.
- Allow the salad to chill well to develop richer flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Cotija pasta salad, Mexican pasta salad, elote pasta salad, plant-based, creamy pasta salad, summer salad, grilled corn salad
