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Healthy Street Corn Pasta Salad

Healthy Street Corn Pasta Salad
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Healthy Street Corn Pasta Salad is a vibrant and nutritious summer dish combining smoky grilled corn, tender pasta, cherry tomatoes, fresh cilantro, and crumbled cheese with a zesty, creamy lime dressing. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or family dinners, it’s an easy-to-make, flavorful salad that can be customized to suit any taste or dietary preference.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 8 oz rotini or penne pasta

Vegetables & Herbs

  • 2 cups fresh corn kernels (grilled or roasted)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 jalapeño, diced (adjust to taste)

Cheese

  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta or Cotija cheese

Dressing

  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
  • 1/3 cup Greek yogurt or mayonnaise
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking.
  2. Prepare the Corn: Grill or roast fresh corn on the cob until lightly charred to add smoky flavor. Cut kernels off the cob and set aside.
  3. Make the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together lime juice, Greek yogurt or mayonnaise, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
  4. Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large salad bowl, toss the cooked pasta, grilled corn kernels, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped cilantro, diced jalapeño, and crumbled cheese.
  5. Toss with Dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad and mix thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  6. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld perfectly before serving.

Notes

  • Grill Your Corn: Charring adds smoky depth which enhances flavor.
  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and vegetables greatly improve taste.
  • Don’t Overcook Pasta: Keep pasta firm to maintain texture.
  • Chill for Best Results: Resting the salad melds flavors beautifully.
  • Adjust Heat Gradually: Add jalapeño or chili powder slowly to suit your spice preference.

Nutrition

Keywords: street corn pasta salad, grilled corn salad, healthy pasta salad, summer salad, gluten free pasta salad, easy pasta salad, potluck recipe

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