Healthy Street Corn Pasta Salad: A Delicious and Nutritious Recipe

Healthy Street Corn Pasta Salad

Healthy Street Corn Pasta Salad is a delightful twist on a classic favorite that brings the vibrant flavors of summer right to your table. This dish is inspired by the beloved Mexican street corn, known as elote, which features grilled corn slathered in creamy sauces and spices. By transforming this iconic street food into a pasta salad, we create a dish that is not only refreshing but also packed with nutrients.

People adore this Healthy Street Corn Pasta Salad for its perfect balance of taste and texture. The sweet, juicy corn pairs beautifully with al dente pasta, while the creamy dressing adds a rich, satisfying element. It’s a convenient dish that can be prepared in advance, making it ideal for picnics, barbecues, or even a quick weeknight dinner. With its colorful presentation and bold flavors, this salad is sure to impress your family and friends, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion.

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces whole wheat pasta (fusilli or penne works well)
• 2 cups fresh corn kernels (about 4 ears of corn)
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
• 1 lime, juiced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparing the Pasta

1. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. This will help flavor the pasta as it cooks.
2. Once the water is boiling, add the whole wheat pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
3. While the pasta is cooking, prepare an ice bath by filling a large bowl with ice and water. This will help stop the cooking process once the pasta is done.
4. When the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and immediately transfer it to the ice bath. Let it sit for a few minutes to cool down, then drain again and set aside.

Preparing the Corn and Vegetables

1. If using fresh corn, carefully cut the kernels off the cob. You can do this by standing the cob upright in a bowl and running a knife down the sides.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil. Once hot, add the corn kernels and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until they are tender and slightly charred. This will enhance their sweetness and flavor.
3. Remove the skillet from heat and let the corn cool for a few minutes.
4. While the corn is cooling, prepare the other vegetables. Dice the red bell pepper, finely chop the red onion, and halve the cherry tomatoes. Set them aside in a large mixing bowl.

Making the Dressing

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to your taste. This dressing will add a zesty kick to the salad.

Assembling the Salad

1. In the large mixing bowl with the diced vegetables, add the cooled pasta and sautéed corn. Gently toss to combine all the ingredients.
2. Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Toss everything together until the pasta and veggies are well coated with the dressing.
3. Next, add the diced avocado and crumbled feta cheese (if using). Gently fold them into the salad to avoid mashing the avocado.
4. Finally, sprinkle the chopped cilantro over the top and give the salad one last gentle toss.

Serving the Salad

1. Transfer the salad to a large serving bowl or individual plates. You can serve it immediately, but I recommend letting it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
2. Before serving, give the salad a quick toss to redistribute the dressing. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
3. This Healthy Street Corn Pasta Salad is perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a light lunch. Enjoy!

Storage Tips

1. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad will keep well for up to 3 days.
2. Keep in mind that the avocado may brown slightly, but it will still taste delicious. You can add a little extra lime juice to help prevent browning.

Variations

• For a protein boost, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or black beans.
• Swap out the feta cheese for a dairy-free alternative or omit it entirely for a vegan version.
• Add jalapeños for a

  

  Conclusion:

  If you’re looking for a dish that perfectly balances flavor, nutrition, and ease of preparation, then this Healthy Street Corn Pasta Salad is an absolute must-try! The combination of sweet corn, fresh herbs, and a zesty dressing creates a delightful explosion of flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also packed with wholesome ingredients that make it a guilt-free option for any meal. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish at a summer barbecue or enjoying it as a light lunch, this pasta salad is sure to impress.

  For serving suggestions, consider pairing this salad with grilled chicken or shrimp for a complete meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious. You can also serve it alongside your favorite grilled vegetables or as a refreshing side to tacos or burritos. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some diced avocado for creaminess or a sprinkle of feta cheese for an extra layer of flavor. You can even switch up the pasta by using whole grain or gluten-free options to cater to your dietary preferences.

  One of the best things about this Healthy Street Corn Pasta Salad is its versatility. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients! You can add diced bell peppers for a crunch, jalapeños for a kick, or even black beans for added protein. The possibilities are endless, and that’s what makes this recipe so special. It’s not just a salad; it’s a canvas for your culinary creativity!

  I encourage you to give this recipe a try and experience the delightful flavors for yourself. Once you’ve made it, I’d love to hear about your experience! Did you add any unique twists? How did your family and friends enjoy it? Sharing your thoughts and variations not only helps others discover this fantastic dish but also inspires creativity in the kitchen.

  So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and whip up this Healthy Street Corn Pasta Salad today. I promise you won’t be disappointed! Enjoy every bite, and don’t forget to share your delicious results with friends and family. Happy cooking!

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  Healthy Street Corn Pasta Salad: A Delicious and Nutritious Recipe

  This Healthy Street Corn Pasta Salad features whole wheat pasta tossed with fresh corn, vibrant vegetables, and a zesty lime dressing. It's a nutritious and refreshing dish, perfect for picnics, barbecues, or a light lunch, offering a delightful combination of flavors and textures.

  Prep Time15 minutes

  Cook Time15 minutes

  Total Time30 minutes

  Category: Lunch

  Yield: 4-6 servings

  Save This Recipe

  Ingredients

  • 8 ounces whole wheat pasta
  • 2 cups fresh corn kernels
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 small red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

  Instructions

  1. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Once boiling, add the whole wheat pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
  3. While the pasta cooks, prepare an ice bath by filling a large bowl with ice and water.
  4. When the pasta is done, drain it and immediately transfer it to the ice bath. Let it cool for a few minutes, then drain again and set aside.
  5. If using fresh corn, cut the kernels off the cob by standing the cob upright in a bowl and running a knife down the sides.
  6. In a large skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil. Once hot, add the corn kernels and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until tender and slightly charred.
  7. Remove the skillet from heat and let the corn cool for a few minutes.
  8. While the corn cools, prepare the other vegetables: dice the red bell pepper, finely chop the red onion, and halve the cherry tomatoes. Set aside in a large mixing bowl.
  9. In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  10. In the large mixing bowl with the diced vegetables, add the cooled pasta and sautéed corn. Gently toss to combine.
  11. Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss until well coated.
  12. Add the diced avocado and crumbled feta cheese (if using), folding gently to avoid mashing the avocado.
  13. Sprinkle the chopped cilantro over the top and give the salad one last gentle toss.
  14. Transfer the salad to a large serving bowl or individual plates. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to meld flavors.
  15. Before serving, give the salad a quick toss and adjust seasoning if necessary.

  Notes

  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The avocado may brown slightly, but it will still taste delicious. Adding extra lime juice can help prevent browning.
  • For a protein boost, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or black beans. You can also swap out the feta cheese for a dairy-free alternative or omit it for a vegan version. Adding jalapeños can give it an extra kick!