Elote Pasta Salad With Chicken (Gluten Free)

Elote Pasta Salad With Chicken is my new favorite pasta salad recipe to bring to a potluck or summer BBQ. I swear once people try it, they ask for it at every event I go to! Its the perfect summer side dish! Plus no one ever knows its gluten free because the toppings are the best part!

I had recently made elote hot dogs and my easy corn dip, and thought to myself…what can I put these toppings on next!? Elote Pasta Salad! Elote, or Mexican street corn, is grilled corn on the cob that has been slathered with lime, cotija cheese, chili powder and mayo.

If you love this Elote Pasta Salad With Chicken, 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 Pasta Salad With Chicken

• I had recently made elote hot dogs and my easy corn dip, and thought to myself…what can I put these toppings on next!? Elote Mexican Grilled Corn Pasta Salad with Chicken! Elote, or Mexican street corn, is grilled corn on the cob that has been slathered with lime, cotija cheese, chili powder and mayo.
• This Elote Pasta Salad With Chicken  is allergy friendly, gluten free and can be made dairy free. The pasta is gluten free pasta to make for an easy gluten free recipe. I also use dairy free yogurt and dairy free cheese when I want this to be a dairy free recipe.
• This salad is bursting with flavor, texture, and plenty of elote taste.
• It is is lighter and leaner than the classic macaroni salad! Instead of just using mayonnaise as a dressing, this one is made with a combination of yogurt and mayo together!
• This homemade Elote Pasta Salad With Chicken  is an affordable, budget-friendly recipe. Plus this one is way cheaper than the deli version! Win win!
• The shredded chicken is a great addition to make this a higher protein macaroni salad or a well rounded, whole meal. I love pasta salad for a summer lunch!

ingredients & substitutions

Gluten Free Pasta: You can use any shapes. I like gluten free penne, rotini, or fusilli. I always pick a lentil pasta or brown rice pasta so it isn’t falling apart.

Black Beans: Kidney beans, white beans or pinto beans can be used as substitutes too! I love any bean in this recipe but black beans are closest to a traditional mexican taste for the Elote Pasta Salad With Chicken.

Corn: Sweet corn adds a fresh, summery flavor. I love piling on the corn here! Fresh, canned or frozen corn kernels can all be used. I like to char it on the stove or in the oven before using.

Shredded Chicken: For a vegetarian option, I just skip the chicken. I make my shredded chicken in the crock pot but you can also buy a rotisserie chicken.

Greek Yogurt: You can substitute with sour cream or mayonnaise for a richer taste. This is for the base of the dressing. 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!

Any crumbled cheese: Cojita Cheese or Dairy Free Feta are my go-to’s. Cojita cheese is more traditional while dairy free feta is easier to find for a dairy free Elote Pasta Salad With Chicken .

directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

Preheat your grill to high heat. Place the corn on the grill and cook for 5-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until charred.

Step 3

Remove the corn from the grill and let cool slightly. Cut the corn off the cob and set aside.

Step 4

Cut the red onion into small pieces.

Step 5

In a large bowl, whisk together the yogurt, mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.

Step 6

Add the cooked pasta, black beans, charred corn, red onion, and shredded chicken (if using) to the large bowl with the dressing. Toss the Elote Pasta Salad With Chicken  to coat. Stir in the crumbled Cotija cheese or dairy-free feta.

expert tips & tricks

• For a spicier Elote Pasta Salad With Chicken  I will add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing. You can also use red pepper flakes or more chili powder.
• To make this Elote Pasta Salad vegetarian, I just omit the shredded chicken. You can even add more corn and beans to bulk it up! You can also add other vegetables to this salad. Extra veggies would include diced bell peppers, red onion, or even avocado. I love a creamy avocado addition!

serving, storing and meal prepping the Elote Pasta Salad With Chicken

I always serve the Elote Pasta Salad With Chicken  chilled! You can serve it at room temperature too but chilled is preferred.

I store leftover Elote Pasta Salad With Chicken  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 Elote Pasta Salad With Chicken the day before a party or event. It stores great in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Looking for more allergy friendly easy recipe?

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