Mexican Street Corn (Elote) in the form of a pasta salad is a delicious and healthy way to enjoy fresh corn. Made with fusilli pasta, cherry tomatoes, grilled corn, feta cheese, and a spicy creamy dressing, this Healthy Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a lightened up version!
Prep: In a pot of salted water, boil pasta to al dente, as per package instructions. Drain, cool, and set aside cooked pasta in the fridge to continue cooling.
Meanwhile - Cook corn: Heat outdoor grill to 400 degrees F (205 degrees C). Clean the grates once it has heated. Add a little cooking oil to grill.Alternatively, you can use an indoor grill or char the corn on the stovetop or roast frozen corn:https://thecompletesavorist.com/how-to-roast-frozen-corn
Grill the corn: Place the husked corn directly onto grill grates. Grill the corn for about 3-5 minutes or until kernels begin to turn golden brown and look charred. Turn over and repeat. When all sides are browned, remove from the grill onto a plate.
Remove corn from cobs. In my opinion, the easiest way to do this is with a bundt pan (less messy too!) but you could use a cutting board instead.
Mix pasta, corn, cherry tomatoes, jalapenos (chopped) green onions, cucumber, cilantro and feta cheese together,
6 medium ears sweet corn, husks removed, 16 oz package fusilli pasta, ½ -long English cucumber, chopped, 1 dry Pint -cherry tomatoes, cut in half, 2 tablespoon tamed jalapenos, chopped, 3 green onion, ¾ cup low-fat feta cheese, 3 tablespoon chopped cilantro
Dressing: Whisk mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic, lime juice, lime zest, chili powder, crushed red pepper, sriracha sauce, and salt together.
½ cup fat-free sour cream, 1 teaspoon lime zest from one lime
Add dressing to salad and mix.
¾ teaspoon salt, 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (from one lime), 3 cloves garlic, minced, ¼ cup light or fat-free mayonnaise * I use Hellman's ½ the fat, ¼ teaspoon teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper, 2 teaspoon sriracha
Garnish
Garnish with lime wedges, parmesan cheese and sprigs of cilantro, if desired.
Lime wedges, cilantro sprigs, Parmesan cheese
Notes
Expert Recipe Tips:
Use a Bundt Pan for Corn Removal – Keeps the kernels contained and makes slicing easier.
Grill the Corn – Enhances the natural sweetness and adds a smoky flavor.
Cook Pasta Al Dente – Prevents mushiness and helps maintain the perfect texture.
Make It Ahead – Allows the flavors to meld for a more vibrant taste.
Roast Canned or Frozen Corn – Adds depth and mimics the flavor of grilled fresh corn.
Adjust the Spice Level – Customize heat with more or less chili, sriracha, or jalapeños.
Keep Cilantro Fresh – Store properly and chop just before adding for the best flavor.
Add Protein – Make it a full meal with grilled chicken, shrimp, or black beans.
🌡️StorageStore leftovers of this easy Mexican Street Corn pasta salad in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. However, if you want to prep it in advance, keep the dressing, pasta, corn, and vegetables in separate containers. Combine just before serving.Make-ahead: You can prepare all the ingredients and store them separately. Combine everything right before serving for the best texture and flavor.These ingredients don't stand up to freezing.