If you love Mexican street corn, you’re going to fall in love with this Elote Pasta Salad with Greek Yogurt. Creamy Greek yogurt, tangy lime, smoky charred corn, tender shredded chicken, and salty Cotija cheese come together with perfectly cooked rotini for a refreshing, protein-packed pasta salad that’s bursting with bold flavor. It’s creamy without being heavy, easy to prepare, and perfect for everything from summer cookouts to meal prep lunches.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Inspired by Classic Elote – All the smoky, tangy flavors of Mexican street corn in a hearty pasta salad.
• Creamy Yet Lighter – Greek yogurt creates a rich dressing with extra protein and less heaviness.
• Perfect for Meal Prep – The flavors become even better after chilling.
• Loaded with Protein – Shredded chicken and Greek yogurt make this a satisfying meal.
• Fresh and Flavorful – Lime, cilantro, and Cotija cheese brighten every bite.
• Great for Any Occasion – Perfect for BBQs, potlucks, picnics, or easy weeknight dinners.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Creamy Dressing

• 1 cup Greek yogurt – Full-fat Greek yogurt creates the creamiest dressing while adding plenty of protein.
• 3 tablespoons mayonnaise – Adds richness and silky texture.
• 1½ teaspoons chili powder – Gives the dressing its signature smoky warmth.
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder – Adds savory depth.
• ¼ teaspoon salt – Enhances all the flavors.
• Zest and juice of 1½ limes – Brightens the dressing with fresh citrus flavor.

For the Pasta Salad

• 6.7 ounces rotini pasta – The spiral shape holds onto every bit of the creamy dressing.
• 2½ cups corn kernels – Fresh, frozen, or canned corn can be used, though fresh delivers the best sweetness.
• 2 teaspoons avocado oil – Helps the corn caramelize while broiling.
• ¼ teaspoon chili powder – Adds a hint of smoky spice to the corn.
• 2½ cups cooked shredded chicken – Makes the salad hearty and protein-rich.
• 1 cup Cotija cheese, crumbled – Salty, crumbly cheese that’s traditional in Mexican street corn.
• ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro – Adds fresh herbal flavor.

For Garnish

• Extra crumbled Cotija cheese
• Fresh cilantro
• Lime wedges
• Extra chili powder or Tajín seasoning (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Creamy Dressing

In a large mixing bowl, combine:

• Greek yogurt
• Mayonnaise
• Chili powder
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Lime zest
• Fresh lime juice

Whisk everything together until smooth and creamy.

Set aside while preparing the remaining ingredients to allow the flavors to blend.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil.

Cook the rotini according to the package directions until al dente, about 8–10 minutes.

Drain well.

Do not rinse the pasta—the light starch helps the dressing cling to every piece.

Step 3: Char the Corn

Preheat the broiler to high.

Toss the corn with:

• Avocado oil
• ¼ teaspoon chili powder

Spread the corn into a single layer on a baking sheet.

Broil for 3–4 minutes, stirring halfway through, until lightly charred and caramelized.

This step gives the salad its authentic elote-inspired smoky flavor.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

Add the following to the bowl with the dressing:

• Warm cooked pasta
• Charred corn
• Shredded chicken
• Crumbled Cotija cheese

Gently fold everything together until evenly coated.

Add the chopped cilantro and toss once more.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Transfer the salad to a serving bowl.

Top with:

• Extra Cotija cheese
• Fresh cilantro
• Lime wedges

Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled depending on your preference.

Recipe Notes & Tips

• Don’t Rinse the Pasta – The natural starch helps the creamy dressing coat every piece.
• Char the Corn Well – A little caramelization creates authentic Mexican street corn flavor.
• Use Fresh Lime Juice – Fresh citrus makes a noticeable difference compared to bottled juice.
• Let the Salad Rest – Allowing it to sit for 15–20 minutes helps the flavors meld beautifully.
• Shred Chicken Finely – Smaller pieces distribute evenly throughout the salad.
• Taste Before Serving – Add an extra squeeze of lime or sprinkle of chili powder if desired.

Nutritional Information

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 37 minutes
• Servings: 6 servings
• Calories: Approximately 540 calories per serving (Estimated. The listed recipe total of 1600 calories appears to represent the entire dish rather than a single serving.)

Perfect Pairings

• Grilled Chicken or Steak – Adds even more protein for a complete summer meal.
• Fresh Watermelon Salad – Sweet fruit balances the smoky spices beautifully.
• Grilled Vegetables – Zucchini, peppers, or asparagus pair wonderfully with the creamy salad.
• Tortilla Chips and Salsa – A crunchy side that’s perfect for picnics and BBQs.

Ideal Occasions

• Summer Cookouts – A refreshing side dish for backyard barbecues.
• Potluck Gatherings – Easy to transport and always a crowd favorite.
• Meal Prep Lunches – Keeps well in the refrigerator for several days.
• Family Weeknight Dinners – Filling enough to enjoy as a complete meal.

Storage & Serving Tips

• Refrigerate Leftovers – Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Serve Chilled or Room Temperature – Both bring out the creamy, tangy flavors.
• Refresh Before Serving – Stir in a squeeze of fresh lime juice if the salad has been refrigerated overnight.
• Avoid Freezing – Greek yogurt dressing can separate after thawing, affecting the texture.

Creative Variations to Try

• Vegetarian Elote Pasta Salad – Skip the chicken and add black beans or roasted chickpeas for a hearty vegetarian option.
• Spicy Southwest Version – Mix in diced jalapeños, chipotle peppers, or hot sauce for extra heat.
• Avocado Elote Salad – Fold in diced avocado just before serving for extra creaminess.
• Bacon Ranch Twist – Add crispy bacon and a sprinkle of ranch seasoning for a smoky variation.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Salad Seems Dry – Stir in a spoonful of Greek yogurt or a squeeze of lime juice before serving.
• Corn Isn’t Charred Enough – Broil for an extra minute, watching carefully to prevent burning.
• Dressing Is Too Thick – Thin it with a tablespoon of milk or additional lime juice until it reaches your preferred consistency.
• Flavor Needs a Boost – Finish with extra Cotija cheese, Tajín seasoning, fresh cilantro, or another squeeze of lime.

Why This Recipe Works

This pasta salad takes everything people love about traditional Mexican street corn and transforms it into a hearty, satisfying meal. The creamy Greek yogurt dressing provides richness without feeling heavy, while lime juice and zest brighten every bite. Charred corn delivers natural sweetness and smoky flavor, shredded chicken adds protein, and Cotija cheese contributes its signature salty bite. Tossed with tender rotini and fresh cilantro, every forkful is packed with creamy, tangy, smoky, and savory goodness.

Final Thoughts

Tasty Elote Pasta Salad with Greek Yogurt is a fresh, vibrant twist on classic pasta salad that’s perfect for warm-weather gatherings or easy weeknight meals. Creamy dressing, smoky charred corn, juicy shredded chicken, tangy Cotija cheese, and bright lime create a delicious combination that’s both comforting and refreshing. Whether you’re serving it at a summer barbecue, packing it for lunch, or enjoying it as a light dinner, this flavorful pasta salad is guaranteed to become a favorite recipe you’ll make all season long.