Healthy Street Corn Pasta Salad: A Vibrant and Delicious Mexican Pasta Salad Recipe 🌽🍝✨
1. Introduction
If you’re craving a flavorful, nutritious, and easy-to-make dish, look no further than the healthy street corn pasta salad. This Mexican pasta salad recipe combines the zest of street corn with the satisfying texture of pasta, delivering a healthy corn salad option that’s perfect for any occasion. From outdoor picnics to weeknight dinners, this street corn pasta salad is sure to impress with its vibrant colors and bold flavors.
2. Ingredients for the Perfect Street Corn Pasta Salad
- 8 ounces of your favorite pasta (penne, rotini, or fusilli work well)
- 2 cups fresh sweet corn kernels (preferably grilled or roasted)
- 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 cup crumbled cotija or feta cheese
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for a healthier twist
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: sliced jalapeños for extra heat
Explore more pasta recipes and salad ideas by visiting our salad collection for inspiration and tips.
3. Preparing the Ingredients for the Healthy Corn Salad
Boil the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. This helps the pasta stay firm and perfect for a pasta salad. For more pasta tips, check out this guide.
Prepare Corn and Vegetables
While the pasta cooks, grill or roast fresh corn kernels for added smoky flavor. Once cooled, set aside. Dice red onion and chop fresh cilantro, ensuring all ingredients are ready for mixing.
Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. This dressing adds a creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy touch to the Mexican pasta salad recipe.
4. Combining the Flavors: Assembling the Mexican Pasta Salad
Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, grilled corn, red onion, and chopped cilantro. Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss gently to evenly coat all ingredients. Sprinkle with crumbled cotija or feta cheese for authentic flavor. For more salad ideas, visit our salad category.
Adjust Seasonings
taste and add additional salt, pepper, or lime juice as desired. If you like it spicy, add sliced jalapeños for a fiery kick.
5. Serving Suggestions and Presentation Tips
This street corn pasta salad makes an excellent side dish or light main course. Serve chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor. Garnish with extra cilantro or cheese for a colorful presentation. For meal prep or leftovers, store in an airtight container, and use the food storage tips to keep it fresh.
6. Storage Tips for Freshness
Keep leftover healthy corn salad refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days. To preserve the texture, add a splash of lime juice or a light drizzle of mayonnaise when you’re ready to serve again. Avoid freezing, as the dressing may separate and alter the freshness of the ingredients.
7. Variations and Customizations
Customize your Mexican pasta salad recipe with additional ingredients such as shredded chicken, avocado slices, or black beans. For a vegan version, substitute mayonnaise with vegan yogurt and skip the cheese. Get creative and tailor the dish to suit your taste preferences!
8. Frequently Asked Questions about the Healthy Street Corn Pasta Salad
Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen corn can be used. Thaw and pat dry before mixing to prevent excess moisture in the salad.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! The street corn pasta salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, making it perfect for meal prepping. Just add the dressing before serving to keep it fresh.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, by using gluten-free pasta varieties, you can enjoy this healthy corn salad without gluten. Check labels to ensure compatibility.
9. Conclusion
The healthy street corn pasta salad is a colorful, nutritious, and flavorful addition to your recipe collection. Its combination of smoky corn, zesty lime, and creamy dressing makes it a standout Mexican pasta salad recipe that everyone will love. Perfect for summer barbecues, potlucks, or quick weeknight dinners, this healthy corn salad is both satisfying and fresh. Experiment with the ingredients and make this dish your own—enjoy the vibrant flavors and wholesome goodness every time!
Print
Healthy Street Corn Pasta Salad
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Healthy Street Corn Pasta Salad is a vibrant, delicious, and nutritious Mexican-inspired pasta salad featuring smoky grilled corn, fresh cilantro, and a tangy lime dressing. Perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or quick weeknight dinners, this colorful dish combines bold flavors with wholesome ingredients, making it a satisfying addition to any meal.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces of your favorite pasta (penne, rotini, or fusilli work well)
- 2 cups fresh sweet corn kernels (preferably grilled or roasted)
- 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 cup crumbled cotija or feta cheese
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for a healthier twist
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: sliced jalapeños for extra heat
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- Grill or roast the fresh corn kernels and let cool. Dice the red onion and chop the cilantro.
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, grilled corn, red onion, and cilantro. Pour the dressing over and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Sprinkle crumbled cotija or feta cheese on top. Taste and adjust seasonings, adding extra lime juice, salt, or pepper as desired. For added spice, include sliced jalapeños.
Notes
- For extra smoky flavor, char the corn on the grill or under the broiler before adding to the salad.
- You can substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise for a healthier option.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for gluten-free diets.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Add shredded chicken, avocado, or black beans to customize the salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salads
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1 cup)
- Calories: 350 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
