Ingredients

Scale

(Serves 6)

Pasta & corn:

8 oz rotini or penne (use GF pasta—you love gluten-free!)
3 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil

Creamy elote dressing:

½ cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream (high-protein—you love this!)
¼ cup mayonnaise or avocado oil mayo
2 tbsp fresh lime juice (you love citrus!)
1 tsp chili powder
½ tsp smoked paprika
1 garlic clove, minced
Salt & black pepper to taste (use reduced-sodium—you love low-sodium!)

Mix-ins & toppings:

½ cup red bell pepper, diced
¼ cup red onion, finely diced (soak in cold water 10 min to mellow bite)
⅓ cup crumbled cotija or feta cheese (use reduced-sodium—you love low-sodium!)
2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
Optional: Pickled jalapeños (you love spicy!)

For serving:

Extra cotija
Lime wedges
Chili-lime seasoning or Tajín

Instructions

1. Cook pasta:

Prepare pasta according to package directions. Drain; rinse under cold water.

2. Char corn:

Heat oil in skillet over medium-high heat. Add corn; cook 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until charred in spots. Cool slightly.

3. Make dressing:

Whisk Greek yogurt, mayo, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth.

4. Assemble salad:

In large bowl, combine cooled pasta, charred corn, bell pepper, drained red onion, cheese, and cilantro. Pour dressing over; toss gently.

5. Serve:

Garnish with extra cotija, jalapeños (if using), and lime wedges. Sprinkle with Tajín for authentic street corn flair.

💡 Pro Tips for Perfection:
✅ Char corn in skillet or on grill—adds smoky depth.
✅ Rinse pasta with cold water—stops cooking and prevents mushiness.
✅ Low-sodium mastery (you love this!):
→ Use reduced-sodium cheese + skip added salt
→ Boost umami with extra lime zest and smoked paprika
✅ Blood sugar friendly (you love this!):
→ Naturally low-glycemic—no added sugars!
→ Net carbs: 26g/serving
✅ Low-carb/keto option (you love this!):
→ Swap pasta for cauliflower rice or chickpea pasta
→ Reduce corn to 1½ cups; double bell pepper
→ Net carbs drop to 10g/serving
✅ Make ahead:
→ Keeps 3 days refrigerated (flavors meld beautifully!)
→ Add extra lime juice before serving to refresh

Storage & Serving Ideas

→ Fridge life: 3 days | Best served chilled
→ Serving ideas:
→ As a side for grilled meats or fish
→ For potlucks or summer BBQs
→ With tortilla chips for scooping

Prep Time & Nutrition (per serving):