Elote (Street Corn) Pasta Salad

• servings: 8 servings
• active time: 10 minutes
• total time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Ingredients

½ tsp chipotle chili powder ($0.06*)

½ tsp ground cumin ($0.04)

½ tsp smoked paprika ($0.08)

½ tsp salt ($0.02)

¼ tsp black pepper (freshly cracked, $0.04)

1 Tbsp cooking oil ($0.04)

2 cups frozen corn (250g, $0.82**)

1 cup red onion (diced,, 136g $0.94)

½ cup poblano peppers (diced,, 65g $0.75)

½ tsp garlic cloves (minced, $0.08)

8 oz. ditalini pasta (uncooked,, 225g $0.83***)

¼ cup mayonnaise ($0.23)

¼ cup Greek yogurt ($0.22)

1 Tbsp lime juice ($0.04)

¼ cup reserved pasta water ($0.00)

½ cup green onion (sliced,, 35g $0.61)

½ cups queso fresco (crumbled,, 60g $0.73)

Directions

Gather and prep all ingredients.

Make the seasoning

In a small bowl, stir together chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, and set aside.

Sauté the veggies

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add oil, corn, red onion, poblano, garlic, and half the spice blend. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until veggies are softened and corn is lightly charred.

Cook the pasta

Meanwhile, cook pasta according to the box instructions, reserving ¼ cup of pasta water. Drain and rinse under cold water until completely cool.

Make the dressing

In a small bowl, mix mayo, Greek yogurt, lime juice, remaining spice blend, and reserved pasta water.

Combine

In a large bowl, toss the cooked pasta, corn mixture, half the green onions, half the queso fresco, and the dressing. Stir until well combined.

Chill for at least 1 hour. Top with remaining green onions and queso fresco before serving.

Notes

*Chipotle chili powder adds a smoky kick, but you can substitute regular chili powder for a milder flavor.

**Fresh corn may be used in place of frozen; however, frozen corn makes the recipe more budget-friendly and accessible year-round.

***Ditalini works great for scooping up all the creamy dressing, but feel free to use small shells or elbows if needed.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 249 kcal
• Total Fat: 10 g
• Sodium: 258 mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 35 g
• Dietary Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 8 g