Are you ready for a vibrant burst of flavor that will transport you straight to the sunny streets of Mexico? I’m absolutely bubbling with excitement to share this delightful and healthy Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad recipe with you! It’s like all the goodness of street corn wrapped up in a fun pasta dish and super easy to make and oh-so-yummy! So, let’s dive right into this deliciousness together!
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Why You’ll Love This Healthy Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe
This pasta salad is everything you could ever want in a dish! It’s fresh, colorful, and packed with flavor that dances on your taste buds. Perfect as a side dish for a barbecue, a picnic treat, or even as a light lunch on those busy days! Plus, it’s super healthy thanks to the goodies nestled inside like corn, Greek yogurt, and fresh veggies. Whether you’re a pasta lover or just craving something refreshing, this salad is a winner. I mean, who wouldn’t want a taste of street corn magic mixed with delightful pasta? Let’s be real, your taste buds will be doing a happy dance!
How to make Healthy Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
Oh, you’re going to love how simple this is! Let’s whip up some kitchen magic, shall we?
Ingredients for Healthy Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad:
- 4 cups fusilli pasta (or similar)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cups corn kernels
- 1 jalapeno (seeds removed and finely diced)
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro (chopped)
- 1/2 cup cotija cheese (can sub feta cheese), divided
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Lime wedges, for serving
- 1/2 cup Greek Yogurt
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (or coconut aminos)
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the fusilli. Cook according to package directions. Drain.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the corn kernels and sauté them for a few minutes, stirring often. Add the jalapeño and sauté for 1 more minute. Set aside.
- To make the dressing, whisk all the dressing ingredients plus half of the cotija cheese together in a bowl until well combined. Alternatively, you can place the ingredients all in a food processor or blender and blitz them until smooth.
- Place the pasta, corn, and jalapeño in a large serving bowl and drizzle on as much dressing as desired. Toss to coat the pasta evenly.
- Sprinkle the pasta salad with the remaining cotija cheese, cilantro, and chili powder. Serve with lime wedges.
What to Serve With Healthy Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
This pasta salad shines on its own, but it loves a little company too! Pair it with grilled chicken, shrimp tacos, or even just a plate of fresh guacamole and tortilla chips! Yum! Any of these will complement the zesty flavors perfectly, making your meal a fiesta for the senses!
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips of Healthy Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
Want to prepare ahead? You totally can! This salad can be made a few hours in advance, just keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve it! And if you happen to have leftovers (which I highly doubt because it’s that good), store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Just know that the pasta might soak up some of that dressing, so feel free to add a dash more if you like it saucy!
Expert Tips for the Perfect Healthy Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
- Make sure to cook the pasta al dente for the best texture!
- Don’t skip the lime juice, it adds that fresh zesty kick that pairs beautifully with the corn and spices!
- Adjust the jalapeño based on your spice level preference. You can even skip it if you’re not into heat!
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
Feel free to get creative! Swap in quinoa for a gluten-free option, mix in black beans for extra protein, or add diced bell peppers for more crunch and color! The sky’s the limit with this recipe—make it your own!
FAQs
1. Can I make this pasta salad vegan?
Absolutely! Swap the Greek yogurt and mayo for a vegan alternative, and replace the cotija cheese with a dairy-free cheese or extra avocado!
2. How can I make this dish spicy?
If you’re craving some heat, throw in some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash more chili powder!
3. Can I use frozen corn?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw and drain it before sautéing. It’ll taste just as fabulous!
Are you ready to whip this up in your kitchen? Grab your ingredients and let’s have a healthy fiesta!
Enjoy every scrumptious bite!