A warm breeze carries the tantalizing aroma of grilled corn as it mixes with a burst of lime zest, instantly transporting you to a summer barbecue. This Tasty Elote Pasta Salad with Greek Yogurt – Moana’s Kitchen combines the bold flavors of elote with the comfort of pasta, all while being incredibly easy to prepare in about 30 minutes. It works beautifully as a side dish or a light meal due to its creamy texture and vibrant taste.
This recipe is perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or a delicious weeknight dinner. You can make it ahead of time and store it in your fridge for up to three days, making it a wonderful option for meal prep.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- The creamy dressing makes each bite rich and satisfying.
- Fresh lime juice and zest add a zesty kick that brightens the dish.
- The combination of textures from pasta, corn, and chicken keeps it interesting.
- It’s an easy, one-bowl recipe that comes together in under 30 minutes.
What You’ll Need
Get ready to gather these delicious ingredients!
For the Salad
- 6.7 oz rotini (I always use Barilla for a perfect al dente bite)
- 2.5 cups corn
- 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
For the Dressing
- 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
- 2 tsp avocado oil
- 1/4 tsp chili powder
For Serving
- Lime wedges
Note: Greek yogurt adds creaminess but can be substituted with sour cream.
Substitutions & Swaps
- Use any short pasta instead of rotini.
- Fresh lime juice can replace bottled juice.
- Any cheese can substitute cotija if needed.
- Grilled chicken can be swapped for cooked shrimp.
How to Make It
Let’s get cooking!
Boil
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
Drain
Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking and helps cool the pasta quickly.
Mix
In a large mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, mayo, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, lime zest, and lime juice. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
Combine
Add the drained rotini, corn, chicken, and cotija to the bowl. Stir gently to coat everything with the dressing.
Garnish
Fold in the cilantro and adjust seasoning, adding extra chili powder if desired. Serve with lime wedges on the side for garnish.
How to Store It
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: No, the texture changes after freezing.
Reheat: Enjoy cold; no reheating needed.
Tips for Best Results
- Leave out the lime wedges until serving to prevent excess moisture.
- For added crunch, consider folding in diced bell peppers or jalapeños.
- Taste the dressing before mixing; adjust seasoning as desired.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with grilled shrimp for a full meal.
- Serve alongside spicy tacos for a fun twist.
- Bring it to a picnic for a refreshing summer side.
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