Description
This Healthy Street Corn Pasta Salad is a lighter twist on classic elote-inspired flavors. It combines tender pasta, sweet corn, fresh herbs, and a creamy, tangy Greek yogurt dressing. Perfect for BBQs, potlucks, or meal prep, it’s fresh, flavorful, and satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 12 oz whole wheat or chickpea pasta
- 2 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or grilled)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/3 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup cotija cheese or feta cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 avocado, diced (optional)
For the Dressing
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Instructions
- Cook pasta: Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- Make dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, add cooled pasta, corn, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cotija cheese, and cilantro.
- Pour dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Add avocado: Gently fold in diced avocado if using.
- Chill: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.
Notes
For extra smoky flavor, grill the corn before adding it to the salad. You can also swap Greek yogurt for sour cream or add jalapeños for heat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: street corn pasta salad, healthy pasta salad, elote pasta salad, summer side dish, mexican pasta salad