Elote Gluten Free Macaroni Salad

I love a classic macaroni salad at a summer BBQ… but I love an elevated pasta salad even more! I feel like when its a flavor people haven’t had before, they are more likely to remember it and ask for it over and over again! This Gluten Free Macaroni Salad is elevated with exciting elote, or mexican street corn flavors!

Elote, or Mexican street corn, is grilled corn on the cob that has been slathered with lime, cotija cheese, chili powder and mayo. This easy gluten free pasta recipe is made with all those same elote flavors, like on my elote hot dogs and my easy corn dip, just mixed in with some cold gluten free pasta!

If you love this Gluten Free Macaroni Salad, you’ll also love my high protein pasta salad and my 15-minute gluten free pasta salad.

why you’ll love this allergy friendly Elote Gluten Free Macaroni Salad

• I love a Deli-Style Macaroni Salad. Deli-style pasta salad is creamy, crunchy and a little sweet. This one has all those same elements too, just in a more elevated way! The onion is still crunchy. The yogurt and mayonnaise is still creamy. Plus this one is made with all gluten-free ingredients for the best gluten free macaroni salad you’ll ever have.
• It is is lighter than the classic macaroni salad because there is yogurt, but still so incredibly rich and delicious.
• This homemade macaroni salad is a really budget-friendly recipe. It is way cheaper than the deli version.
• The shredded chicken is a great addition to make this a higher protein macaroni salad or a well rounded, whole meal.
• This Gluten Free pasta Salad is allergy friendly. The pasta is gluten free pasta for an easy gluten free recipe. I also use dairy free yogurt and dairy free cheese when I want a dairy free recipe.

ingredients & substitutions

Gluten Free Pasta: This is the foundation of the Gluten Free Macaroni Salad. I always experiment with different shapes and textures of gluten free pasta, such as penne, rotini, or fusilli. Other gluten-free options include quinoa pasta, lentil pasta or brown rice pasta.

Black Beans: These add a protein boost and a hearty texture. Kidney beans or pinto beans can be used as substitutes too! I love any bean here.

Corn: Sweet corn adds a fresh, summery flavor. Fresh, canned or frozen corn kernels can be used.

Shredded Chicken: This provides a protein-packed element. For a vegetarian option, I just skip the chicken.

Greek Yogurt: This creamy base provides a tangy flavor. You can substitute with sour cream or mayonnaise for a richer taste. For a dairy free option use mayo or dairy free yogurt. Sometimes I just lite mayo too!

Mayonnaise: Vegan mayonnaise can be used as a substitute in this Gluten Free Macaroni Salad. Sometimes I use lite mayo as well!

Cojita Cheese or Dairy Free Feta: This provides a salty, crumbly texture. For a dairy free or vegan option I use dairy free feta.

directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gluten free pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a medium bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Step 3

In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, black beans, corn, shredded chicken (if using), and cojita cheese or dairy free feta.

Step 4

Pour the dressing over the Gluten Free Macaroni Salad and toss to coat evenly.

Step 5

Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Step 6

Garnish with additional crumbled cheese, if desired.

expert tips & tricks

• I love to experiment with different types of gluten free pasta, such as penne, rotini, or fusilli!
• For a spicier Gluten Free Macaroni Salad, I add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing.
• To make this Gluten Free pasta Salad vegetarian, I just omit the shredded chicken.
• You can also add other vegetables to this salad, such as diced bell peppers, red onion, or even avocado. I love a creamy avocado addition!
• I like to fold in a little shredded lettuce for some extra greens!
• I like to pan fry the corn so it has charred edges before folding it into the salad!

serving, storing and meal prepping the Elote Gluten Free Macaroni Salad

Serve the Gluten Free Macaroni Salad chilled!

I store leftover Gluten Free Macaroni Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The Gluten Free Macaroni Salad can be served cold or at room temperature.

You can make this Gluten Free Macaroni Salad the day before a party or event. It stores great in the fridge for up to 3 days. I just like to fold the lettuce in right before serving.

Looking for more allergy friendly easy recipe?

If you make this recipe and enjoyed it, I would really appreciate a review! You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, Tik Tok and Pinterest. Purchase my cookbook Easy Allergy Free Cooking. Join my exclusive weeknight meal plan group for 5 weekly 30-minute dinner recipes. The weeknight meal plan also has an accompanying podcast as well! I would love for you to follow along! 

Love this recipe? You can sign up here to receive easy meal plans, exclusive new recipes and updates!