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Healthy Street Corn Pasta Salad

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A fresh, flavorful pasta salad inspired by Mexican street corn—elote flavors with roasted corn, cotija cheese, lime, and herbs, perfect as a side or light main.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz pasta (rotini, bow‑tie, or similar)
  • 3 cups corn kernels (fresh roasted or frozen, defrosted)
  • ½ cup cotija cheese, crumbled (or feta)
  • ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • ½ cup red onion, diced
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced (optional)
  • 1 lime, zested and juiced
  • ½ cup Greek yogurt
  • 2 Tbsp mayonnaise
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • ½ tsp chili powder
  • ½ tsp cumin
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente; drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. If using fresh corn, roast or grill until lightly charred then cut kernels from cob; if using frozen, sauté in oil until warmed.
  3. In a bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, olive oil, lime zest and juice, chili powder, cumin, salt and pepper.
  4. In a large bowl, combine pasta, corn, cotija, cilantro, red onion, and jalapeño.
  5. Pour dressing over salad and toss to coat evenly.
  6. Adjust seasoning with extra lime juice, salt, or pepper as needed.
  7. Serve chilled or at room temperature; garnish with extra cilantro and cotija if desired.

Notes

  • Make ahead: store salad and dressing separately and toss before serving.
  • For more heat, include jalapeño seeds or add cayenne.
  • Substitute feta or queso fresco for cotija.
  • Use Greek yogurt alone if you prefer lighter dressing (per Mallory).
  • Works with gluten-free pasta for GF option.

Nutrition

Keywords: street corn, elote, pasta salad, cotija, healthy

Find it online: https://recipesfoodeasy.com/healthy-street-corn-pasta-salad/