Healthy Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe
This Healthy Street Corn Pasta Salad is a vibrant and nutritious dish combining whole wheat pasta with sweet corn, fresh cherry tomatoes, creamy avocado, and a zesty lime dressing. Perfectly seasoned with chili powder and fresh cilantro, it's a refreshing and wholesome salad ideal for main courses or as a side dish at any gathering.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz Whole Wheat Pasta
- 1 cup Corn Kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes, halved
- 1 Avocado, diced
- 0.5 cup Red Onion, finely chopped
- 0.5 cup Cilantro, chopped
Dressing
- 1 Lime, juiced
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tsp Chili Powder
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Optional
- Feta Cheese, crumbled
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the whole wheat pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent it from sticking.
- Prepare the Corn: If using fresh corn, grill or sauté the corn kernels in a skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes until they are slightly charred and cooked through. If using frozen corn, simply thaw it thoroughly.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, prepared corn, halved cherry tomatoes, diced avocado, finely chopped red onion, and chopped cilantro, mixing gently to blend the ingredients evenly.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together freshly squeezed lime juice, olive oil, chili powder, salt, and pepper until the dressing is well combined and smooth.
- Toss and Season: Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Toss gently to coat all ingredients well, ensuring the flavors are evenly distributed throughout the salad.
- Add Optional Topping: If desired, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top of the salad for added flavor and creaminess before serving.
- Serve: Enjoy your Healthy Street Corn Pasta Salad chilled or at room temperature, making it a perfect dish for picnics, lunches, or light dinners.
Notes
- Feel free to customize this pasta salad by adding black beans or additional vegetables like bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeño to the dressing.
- If preparing ahead, keep the dressing separate until serving to maintain the salad’s freshness and texture.
- Use gluten-free pasta if you want to make this recipe gluten-free.
