Print

Healthy Street Corn Pasta Salad

Healthy Street Corn Pasta Salad

Healthy Street Corn Pasta Salad is a vibrant, flavorful, and nutritious dish combining smoky grilled corn, tender pasta, creamy dressing, and fresh herbs. Perfect for summer cookouts, meal prep, or quick weeknight dinners, this salad balances fiber, protein, and vitamins in a colorful, easy-to-make recipe that tastes even better after chilling.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

  • 2 cups fresh corn kernels (grilled or roasted)
  • 8 ounces short pasta (rotini, penne, or bowtie)
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1/4 cup diced green onions
  • 1/2 cup crumbled cotija or feta cheese

Dressing Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta for the salad.
  2. Grill the Corn: Grill fresh corn on the cob until slightly charred and smoky. Carefully cut the kernels off the cob. If you don’t have a grill, roast the corn in a hot oven or pan-sear until slightly browned for a similar smoky effect.
  3. Prepare the Dressing: In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt or mayonnaise with lime juice, olive oil, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well and adjust seasoning to taste.
  4. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooled pasta, grilled corn kernels, chopped green onions, cilantro, and crumbled cheese with the dressing until everything is evenly coated.
  5. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. Serve chilled or at room temperature for best taste.

Notes

  • Use fresh corn and herbs for the best flavor impact.
  • Cook pasta al dente to maintain texture and avoid mushiness.
  • Let the salad chill before serving to meld flavors.
  • Adjust chili powder and lime juice to customize spice and acidity levels.
  • Toss gently to prevent breaking corn kernels and flattening pasta.

Nutrition

Keywords: street corn, pasta salad, healthy salad, grilled corn, summer salad, quick salad, easy pasta salad, creamy dressing