Healthy Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe – Creamy Mexican-Inspired Salad with Corn, Yogurt & Lime
This Healthy Street Corn Pasta Salad is a fresh and flavorful twist on the classic Mexican street corn. Made with grilled corn, whole grain pasta, Greek yogurt, lime juice, and a touch of chili powder, it’s creamy, zesty, and packed with wholesome ingredients. Tossed with avocado, cilantro, and a sprinkle of cotija or feta, it’s perfect for summer cookouts, potlucks, or meal prep. Light, satisfying, and bursting with bold flavor—this salad is a must-try for healthy food lovers.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Mixing bowls
- Skillet or grill
- Knife and cutting board
- Whisk
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Ingredients
- 12 oz whole wheat pasta (fusilli, penne, or rotini)
- 2 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (or light sour cream)
- Juice and zest of 2 limes
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ cup Cotija or feta cheese, crumbled
- ½ red onion, finely diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
- Optional: 1 avocado (diced), 1 jalapeño (sliced), ½ cup black beans
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil pasta until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside to cool.
- Char Corn: Heat a dry skillet over medium-high. Add corn and cook until lightly blistered. Let cool.
- Prep Veggies: Dice red onion, halve tomatoes, chop cilantro, and prep optional add-ins.
- Make Dressing: Whisk together Greek yogurt, lime juice and zest, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Combine: In a large bowl, mix pasta, corn, veggies, cheese, and dressing until evenly coated.
- Chill: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld.
- Serve: Garnish with extra cilantro, lime wedges, and cheese. Serve chilled.
Notes
- For extra protein, add grilled chicken or shrimp.
- Use chickpea or lentil pasta for a gluten-free version.
- Swap Greek yogurt for avocado-lime dressing for a dairy-free option.
- Make ahead: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Stir before serving.
- Avoid freezing—texture and flavor degrade.