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Fresh Mango Tajin Elote Pasta Salad Recipe Easy and Refreshing with Lime Crema

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A vibrant and refreshing summer pasta salad combining sweet mango, spicy Tajin, fresh corn, and a tangy lime crema dressing. Perfect for light meals or summer gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces short pasta like rotini or penne
  • 2 cups fresh corn kernels (about 3 ears) or frozen corn thawed and drained
  • 1 large ripe mango, peeled and diced
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons Tajin seasoning
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • ½ cup sour cream or Mexican crema (or Greek yogurt for lighter option)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
  • 1 teaspoon honey or agave syrup
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • Optional: Crumbled Cotija cheese for topping

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (9-11 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Set aside in a large mixing bowl.
  2. If using fresh corn, remove kernels from about 3 ears. For extra flavor, char the kernels in a grill pan or hot skillet over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes until slightly blackened, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, use raw corn for a sweeter note.
  3. Peel and dice the mango into bite-sized chunks. Dice the red bell pepper and halve the cherry tomatoes. Thinly slice the green onions and chop the cilantro.
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk together sour cream or crema, fresh lime juice, honey, minced garlic (optional), salt, and pepper until smooth and tangy. Adjust sweetness or acidity to taste.
  5. Add the charred corn, diced mango, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, green onions, and cilantro to the cooled pasta. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle Tajin seasoning over the mixture. Toss gently to combine without smashing the mango.
  6. Pour the lime crema over the salad and toss gently again until everything is evenly coated.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or more Tajin if desired. Sprinkle crumbled Cotija cheese on top if using.
  8. Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to an hour to let flavors meld. Enjoy chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta; al dente holds better in salads. Charring corn adds smoky flavor but can be skipped. Toss gently to avoid breaking mango pieces. Adjust Tajin seasoning to taste. Lime crema can be made dairy-free using cashew cream or coconut yogurt. Salad can be served immediately or chilled for better flavor melding. Store leftovers in airtight container up to 2 days; keep lime crema separate for best texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: mango pasta salad, Tajin, elote salad, lime crema, summer salad, Mexican pasta salad, fresh corn salad, easy pasta salad

Find it online: https://elaraeats.com/fresh-mango-tajin-elote-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-and-refreshing-with-lime-crema/