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Healthy Street Corn Pasta Salad

🌽 Healthy Street Corn Pasta Salad

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 7 servings
Calories: 290
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz whole wheat rotini or penne pasta
  • 2 cups corn kernels fresh, frozen, or canned & drained
  • 1/4 cup red onion finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped
  • 1/3 cup crumbled cotija or feta cheese
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1/2 avocado diced (optional)
  • For the lightened dressing:
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tbsp light mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cool water.
  2. If using fresh corn, grill or sauté until lightly charred. Otherwise, lightly pan-toast frozen or canned corn in a dry skillet for 3–4 minutes for that roasted flavor.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, light mayo, olive oil, chili powder, paprika, garlic, lime juice, salt, and pepper until creamy.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, corn, red onion, tomatoes, cilantro, and avocado (if using).
  5. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is well coated. Gently fold in the crumbled cotija or feta cheese.
  6. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.

Notes

Add grilled chicken or black beans to turn this into a hearty main dish.
Cotija is more traditional, but feta works great and is easier to find.
For extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne or a diced jalapeño.
This salad is best served chilled and keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days.