Get ready for a vibrant side dish that’s perfect for any occasion! This Healthy Street Corn Pasta Salad brings the beloved flavors of Mexican street corn into a refreshing pasta salad format. It is ideal for summer potlucks, family barbecues, or as a flavorful lunch. This delightful twist offers a lighter, healthier take on a classic.
Why You’ll Love This Healthy Street Corn Pasta Salad
You are sure to adore this incredible Healthy Street Corn Pasta Salad. It combines the irresistible zest of elote with tender pasta for a truly unique dish. Elote, a popular Mexican street corn, is typically grilled and coated with a creamy sauce, cheese, chili powder, and lime. This salad features a lighter Greek yogurt dressing, making it a healthier choice without sacrificing flavor. It is remarkably easy to prepare, saving you time in the kitchen. Whether you use fresh, frozen, or canned corn, this recipe is adaptable and always delicious. This dish is also perfect to make ahead, and it easily feeds a crowd affordably.
Ingredients
Making this delightful Healthy Street Corn Pasta Salad starts with a few simple ingredients. You will need 4 cups of fusilli pasta, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and 3 cups of corn kernels. Include 1 finely diced jalapeno (seeds removed) and 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped cilantro. You also need ½ cup of cotija cheese, divided. For the dressing, gather ½ cup of Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise, 3 tablespoons of lime juice, ½ teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce, and ¼ teaspoon of chili powder, plus salt to taste. Lime wedges are perfect for serving.
Notes & Substitutions
Feel free to use penne, rotini, or shells if fusilli is not available. For the corn, fresh kernels charred on a grill or skillet offer the best flavor, but frozen or canned (drained) work well too. If you cannot find cotija cheese, crumbled feta cheese makes an excellent substitute. For a vegetarian option, replace Worcestershire sauce with coconut aminos. Adjust the amount of jalapeno, or leave some seeds in, to control the spice level according to your preference.
Equipment
You won’t need much special equipment to whip up this amazing pasta salad. Grab a large pot for cooking your pasta until perfectly al dente. A non-stick skillet is essential for sautéing the corn and jalapeno. You will also need a couple of mixing bowls for combining ingredients and preparing the dressing. A whisk helps create a smooth dressing, or a food processor if you prefer. Finally, standard measuring cups and spoons ensure accuracy.
Instructions
Creating this flavorful Healthy Street Corn Pasta Salad is straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a delicious result:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the fusilli pasta and cook according to the package directions until it is perfectly al dente.
- Drain the cooked pasta and rinse it thoroughly under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Set aside.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the corn kernels and sauté them for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender-crisp and slightly charred.
- Add the finely diced jalapeno to the skillet with the corn. Sauté for just 1 more minute until it softens slightly. Remove the skillet from the heat.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lime juice, Worcestershire sauce, ¼ teaspoon of chili powder, and salt until the dressing is completely smooth and well combined.
- Place the cooled pasta, the sautéed corn, and the diced jalapeno into a large serving bowl.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta mixture. Toss everything gently until the pasta and vegetables are evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
- Stir in half of the cotija cheese (¼ cup) into the pasta salad. This integrates the salty, crumbly cheese throughout the dish.
- Garnish the top of the Healthy Street Corn Pasta Salad with the remaining half of the cotija cheese.
- Sprinkle generously with fresh chopped cilantro and the remaining ½ teaspoon of chili powder for an extra pop of color and flavor.
- Serve the Healthy Street Corn Pasta Salad immediately or chill it for later. Offer lime wedges on the side for an extra squeeze of citrus.
Pro Tips for the Best Healthy Street Corn Pasta Salad
Achieve the best results for your Healthy Street Corn Pasta Salad with these tips. Always cook your pasta perfectly al dente; nobody enjoys mushy pasta. The term “al dente” means cooked until it is firm to the bite, a method that helps maintain the pasta’s texture and prevents it from becoming overly soft. Make sure to cool the pasta completely before mixing, as warm pasta can absorb too much dressing or become gummy. Charring the corn slightly in the skillet adds a wonderful smoky depth that enhances the street corn flavor. Adjust the spice level of the jalapeno to your liking by removing or keeping some seeds. Always taste the dressing before adding it to the pasta, and adjust seasonings as needed. A squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving brightens all the flavors. For optimal flavor, make this salad ahead of time and let it chill for at least an hour.
Serving Suggestions, Storage, & Variations
This versatile Healthy Street Corn Pasta Salad fits perfectly into many meal plans.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this vibrant pasta salad alongside your favorite grilled meats, such as juicy chicken breasts or classic burgers. It makes an outstanding addition to any potluck or picnic spread. You can also enjoy it on its own as a satisfying and light lunch.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover Healthy Street Corn Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3-4 days. If the salad seems a bit dry after storage, simply stir in a spoonful of extra Greek yogurt or lime juice to refresh it.
Creative Variations
Experiment with additional ingredients to customize your salad. Add a can of rinsed black beans or diced bell peppers for extra color and nutrients. Diced avocado or halved cherry tomatoes are also fantastic additions. For a heartier main course, mix in some grilled chicken or shrimp. You can also try other crumbly cheeses like queso fresco for a slightly different flavor profile.
Nutrition Information
This Healthy Street Corn Pasta Salad offers a delicious way to enjoy a balanced meal. It features wholesome ingredients like Greek yogurt and fresh vegetables. Greek yogurt is recognized for its high protein content and beneficial probiotics, contributing to overall digestive health and satiety. The following values are estimated per serving, highlighting the nutrient benefits of this delightful dish, which provides a good source of protein and fiber while remaining relatively light.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 303 kcal |
| Carbohydrate Content | 44 g |
| Protein Content | 11 g |
| Fat Content | 10 g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 3 g |
| Trans Fat Content | 0.01 g |
| Cholesterol Content | 14 mg |
| Sodium Content | 360 mg |
| Potassium Content | 254 mg |
| Fiber Content | 3 g |
| Sugar Content | 6 g |
| Vitamin A | 206 IU |
| Vitamin C | 6 mg |
| Calcium | 94 mg |
| Iron | 1 mg |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3 g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 3 g |
Healthy Street Corn Pasta Salad
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook fusilli pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions, then drain.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add corn kernels and sauté for a few minutes, stirring often. Then add the diced jalapeno and sauté for one more minute. Set the mixture aside.
- To make the dressing, whisk together all dressing ingredients plus half of the cotija cheese in a bowl until well combined. Alternatively, use a food processor or blender to blitz until smooth.
- Place the cooked pasta, corn, and jalapeno in a large serving bowl. Drizzle with the desired amount of dressing and toss to coat the pasta evenly.
- Sprinkle the pasta salad with the remaining cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, and chili powder. Serve with lime wedges.
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Is this pasta salad gluten-free? You can easily make this recipe gluten-free by simply substituting traditional pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta variety.
- Can I use frozen corn? Yes, absolutely! You can use frozen corn kernels directly from the freezer; just sauté them a few minutes longer until they are tender and slightly charred.
- How long does it last? This Healthy Street Corn Pasta Salad keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days.
- Can I make it spicier? To increase the heat, leave some of the seeds in your diced jalapeno or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing.
- Is it suitable for vegetarians? Yes, this recipe is naturally vegetarian. For a vegan option, swap Greek yogurt for a plant-based alternative and omit the cotija cheese.
Conclusion
This Healthy Street Corn Pasta Salad is a true crowd-pleaser, delivering vibrant flavors and a satisfying texture in every bite. It is incredibly easy to prepare, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings. We hope you enjoy making and sharing this delicious and healthy recipe. Give it a try soon, and please share your thoughts and photos with us! We love seeing your creations.
