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A vibrant bowl of street corn pasta salad featuring colorful spiral pasta coated in a creamy, slightly charred corn mixture, garnished with chopped cilantro, crumbled cheese, and slices of jalapenos. The dish is presented on a rustic wooden table with fresh ingredients surrounding it, highlighting its fresh and appealing look.

Healthy Street Corn Pasta Salad

  • Author: Maria
  • 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

Scale
  • 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

  1. 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.
  2. Grill or roast the fresh corn kernels and let cool. Dice the red onion and chop the cilantro.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
  4. 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.
  5. 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

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Find it online: https://recipeswonders.com/healthy-street-corn-pasta-salad-2/