How to Make a Delicious and Protein-Packed Elote Pasta Salad

Introduction

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy all the vibrant flavors of Mexican street food, and one of the most beloved treats is elote - grilled corn on the cob smothered in a creamy, tangy sauce and sprinkled with cotija cheese. In this blog post, we're taking that classic elote flavor and transforming it into a hearty, protein-packed pasta salad that's perfect for meal prepping, backyard barbecues, or anytime you need a satisfying and nutritious dish.

This Elote Pasta Salad is loaded with juicy grilled chicken, fiber-rich chickpea pasta, and all the signature seasonings of authentic elote. The creamy, zesty dressing ties everything together for a flavor explosion in every bite. With over 50 grams of protein per serving, this salad is a nutritional powerhouse that will keep you feeling full and energized. Let's dive in and learn how to make this delicious and healthy summer staple!

Key Ingredients for Elote Pasta Salad

Before we get started on the recipe, let's take a closer look at the star ingredients that make this Elote Pasta Salad so special:

Chickpea Pasta

Traditional pasta is swapped out for a high-protein, gluten-free alternative made from chickpeas. Chickpea pasta packs a serious nutritional punch, with nearly double the protein of regular pasta and a boost of fiber, complex carbs, and essential vitamins and minerals. It provides a hearty, satisfying base for this salad.

Grilled Chicken Breast

Juicy, flavorful grilled chicken breast is the main protein source in this dish. Chicken is an excellent lean protein that's packed with amino acids to support muscle growth and recovery. It also provides a satisfying, savory element to balance out the sweet and tangy flavors.

Elote-Inspired Dressing

The creamy, zesty dressing is what really brings the elote flavor to life in this pasta salad. It's made with a base of Greek yogurt, lime juice, cumin, and paprika - the same seasonings used to dress traditional Mexican street corn. High-protein milk adds extra creaminess and richness.

Roasted Corn

No elote-inspired dish would be complete without the star ingredient - sweet, juicy corn. In this recipe, we use grilled or roasted corn kernels to capture that signature charred, caramelized flavor.

Cotija Cheese

Cotija is a hard, crumbly Mexican cheese that's the perfect topping for this pasta salad. Its salty, tangy flavor pairs beautifully with the other ingredients and adds a delightful textural contrast.

How to Make Elote Pasta Salad

Now that we've covered the key components, let's walk through the step-by-step process of assembling this delicious and nutritious Elote Pasta Salad:

Prep the Ingredients

• Cook the chickpea pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool completely.
• Grill or roast 3 chicken breasts until cooked through. Allow to cool, then dice into bite-sized cubes.
• Cut the kernels off 1 ear of cooked corn on the cob.
• Dice 1 red onion and 1 red bell pepper.

Make the Elote Dressing

• In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of Greek yogurt, the juice of 1 lime, 1 tsp cumin, and 1 tsp paprika. Whisk until well combined.
• Slowly pour in 1/2 cup of high-protein milk (such as skim or 2%) while continuing to whisk. This will create a creamy, pourable dressing.

Assemble the Salad

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chickpea pasta, diced chicken, corn kernels, red onion, and red bell pepper.
• Pour the elote dressing over the salad and gently toss until all the ingredients are evenly coated.
• Top the salad with crumbled cotija cheese.

Nutrition and Health Benefits

This Elote Pasta Salad is not only delicious, but it's also an incredibly nutritious and well-balanced meal. Let's take a closer look at the impressive nutritional profile:

High in Protein

With over 50 grams of protein per serving, this salad is a true powerhouse. The combination of chickpea pasta and grilled chicken breast provides a hefty dose of muscle-building amino acids to keep you feeling full and energized.

Fiber-Rich

The chickpea pasta and fresh vegetables in this dish deliver a generous serving of dietary fiber. Fiber is essential for digestive health, blood sugar regulation, and promoting feelings of fullness.

Nutrient-Dense

In addition to protein and fiber, this salad is packed with a variety of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The corn, bell peppers, and Greek yogurt are all excellent sources of vitamins A and C, while the chickpea pasta provides complex carbs, iron, and folate.

Gluten-Free and Low-Carb

For those following a gluten-free or low-carb diet, this Elote Pasta Salad is an ideal option. The chickpea pasta has a much lower carb count than traditional wheat-based pasta, and the dish is completely free of gluten-containing ingredients.

Serving Suggestions and Meal Prep Tips

This Elote Pasta Salad is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways:

Serving Suggestions

• Serve chilled or at room temperature as a side dish for summer barbecues and potlucks.
• Enjoy it as a main course for a light, protein-packed lunch or dinner.
• Scoop the salad into lettuce cups or stuff it into bell peppers for a low-carb meal.
• Top the salad with sliced avocado, fresh cilantro, or a sprinkle of crushed tortilla chips for extra flavor and texture.

Meal Prep Tips

• This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, making it an excellent option for meal prepping.
• Prepare the individual components (pasta, chicken, vegetables, dressing) in advance and assemble the salad just before serving for maximum freshness.
• The dressing can be made several days ahead of time and stored separately. Give it a quick whisk before tossing with the salad.
• For best results, wait to add the cotija cheese until right before serving to prevent it from becoming soggy.

Conclusion

This Elote Pasta Salad is the perfect blend of bold, authentic Mexican flavors and wholesome, nutritious ingredients. With its high-protein content, fiber-rich base, and vibrant array of vegetables, this dish is sure to become a new summertime staple in your household. Whether you're meal prepping for the week or hosting a backyard barbecue, this Elote Pasta Salad is a delicious and satisfying option that everyone will love.