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Cotija Mexican Style Elote Pasta Salad

Cotija Mexican Style Elote Pasta Salad

  • Author: David
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free, Plant-Based

Description

Cotija Mexican Style Elote Pasta Salad is a vibrant, fresh, and creamy dish featuring sweet corn kernels, smoky turkey bacon, and tangy plant-based Cotija cheese. Tossed in a zesty natural sauce made with plant-based mayonnaise, lime juice, apple cider vinegar, and smoked paprika, this salad offers a perfect balance of tangy, smoky, and sweet flavors. Ideal for light lunches, picnics, or as a colorful side dish, this easy-to-make Mexican-inspired pasta salad combines simple ingredients with delicious comfort in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Vegetables

  • 2 cups elbow or rotini pasta
  • 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Protein

  • 4 slices turkey bacon (smoked, chopped into bite-sized pieces)

Cheese

  • 3/4 cup Cotija cheese (plant-based), crumbled

Sauce

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise (plant-based)
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice (fresh)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (natural)
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (natural)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool for the salad.
  2. Prepare the Corn and Turkey Bacon: If using fresh corn, cook the kernels quickly in boiling water or sauté until tender; if using frozen corn, thaw and drain. In a skillet, cook the turkey bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove from heat and chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Make the Tangy Natural Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the plant-based mayonnaise, fresh lime juice, apple cider vinegar (natural), garlic powder (natural), smoked paprika (natural), salt, and black pepper. This sauce provides creamy tanginess and a subtle smoky flavor that makes the salad memorable.
  4. Mix Everything Together: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, corn kernels, crispy turkey bacon, and chopped cilantro. Pour the sauce over the mixture and toss gently until every ingredient is well coated.
  5. Add Cotija Cheese (Plant-Based) and Serve: Sprinkle the crumbled plant-based Cotija cheese on top of the salad. Give a final gentle mix. Serve immediately or chill the salad for 30 minutes to an hour to let the flavors meld.

Notes

  • Avoid overcooking the pasta to maintain the best texture and prevent mushiness.
  • Use fresh lime juice for more vibrant acidity to enhance the sauce’s brightness.
  • For added depth, toast the corn kernels in a dry skillet to mimic authentic elote flavor.
  • Chill the salad before serving to allow flavors to blend beautifully.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or lime juice as needed before serving.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: No baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican-inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 8g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Mexican pasta salad, Elote pasta salad, Cotija cheese salad, plant-based pasta salad, smoky bacon salad, summer picnic salad

Find it online: https://yummyrecipeszone.com/cotija-mexican-style-elote-pasta-salad/