Healthy Street Corn Pasta Salad: The Ultimate Pasta Salad Recipe
Introduction to Healthy Street Corn Pasta Salad
Are you looking for a refreshing and hearty dish that combines the vibrant flavors of Mexican street corn with the comforting texture of pasta? Look no further! This Healthy Street Corn Pasta Salad is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making it a perfect choice for family gatherings, potlucks, or a quick weekday meal. With its colorful ingredients and zesty dressing, this salad is sure to impress everyone at your table.
A Personal Story Behind My Healthy Street Corn Pasta Salad Journey
Growing up, I always looked forward to summer barbecues where street corn was a staple. The sweet corn, combined with creamy cheese and spices, created a flavor explosion that captivated my taste buds. As I ventured into the world of cooking, I wanted to capture that essence in a lighter, healthier dish that could be enjoyed all year round. Thus, my Healthy Street Corn Pasta Salad was born, blending my love for pasta with the unforgettable taste of street corn.
What Makes This Healthy Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe Special?
This recipe stands out due to its unique combination of ingredients that celebrate the essence of Mexican street corn. The use of fusilli pasta adds a delightful twist, while the addition of Greek yogurt makes the dressing creamy yet healthy. The jalapeño provides just the right amount of heat, and the fresh cilantro and lime juice brighten the dish, making it not just a salad but a flavor experience. Plus, it can easily be customized to include proteins like grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a complete meal!
The Full Healthy Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cups fusilli pasta or similar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cups corn kernels
- 1 jalapeno, seeds removed and finely diced
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup cotija cheese (or feta cheese), divided
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Lime wedges, for serving
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (or coconut aminos)
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the fusilli pasta according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside, allowing it to cool slightly.
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, sauté the corn kernels in olive oil for about 5 minutes or until they start to get a nice char, stirring occasionally for even cooking. Add the diced jalapeño and sauté for an additional minute to soften. Set aside to cool.
- For the dressing, in a bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lime juice, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, salt, and half of the cotija cheese until well combined. If you prefer a smoother dressing, blend these ingredients in a food processor.
- In a large serving bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sautéed corn, and jalapeño. Drizzle the desired amount of dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly. Remember, you can always add more dressing later if needed.
- Sprinkle the remaining cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, and an extra dash of chili powder over the top for added flavor and presentation. Serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra zesty kick.
Serving Suggestions and Variations for Healthy Street Corn Pasta Salad
This Healthy Street Corn Pasta Salad is versatile and can be served in various ways. You can add grilled chicken or shrimp to transform it into a complete meal. For a vegetarian option, consider adding black beans or chickpeas for extra protein. If you’re looking for a crunch, toss in some chopped bell peppers or avocado. This salad can also be enjoyed warm or cold, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers!
Frequently Asked Questions About Healthy Street Corn Pasta Salad
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! This salad can be made a day in advance. Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to prevent the pasta from absorbing too much moisture.
How can I adjust the spice level?
If you prefer a milder salad, you can reduce the amount of jalapeño and chili powder. Alternatively, add more for an extra kick!
Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the fusilli pasta with gluten-free pasta available in stores, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delicious dish!
Recipe Stats
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Calories per Serving: 320
- Servings: 6
Healthy Street Corn Pasta Salad
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups fusilli pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cups corn kernels
- 1 unit jalapeno seeds removed and finely diced
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro chopped
- 0.5 cup cotija cheese or feta cheese, divided
- 0.5 teaspoon chili powder
- 0.5 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
- 0.5 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce or coconut aminos
- 0.25 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 unit lime wedges for serving
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the fusilli pasta according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside, allowing it to cool slightly.
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, sauté the corn kernels in olive oil for about 5 minutes or until they start to get a nice char, stirring occasionally for even cooking. Add the diced jalapeño and sauté for an additional minute to soften. Set aside to cool.
- For the dressing, in a bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lime juice, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, salt, and half of the cotija cheese until well combined. If you prefer a smoother dressing, blend these ingredients in a food processor.
- In a large serving bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sautéed corn, and jalapeño. Drizzle the desired amount of dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly. Remember, you can always add more dressing later if needed.
- Sprinkle the remaining cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, and an extra dash of chili powder over the top for added flavor and presentation. Serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra zesty kick.