Description
A vibrant pasta salad inspired by Mexican street corn, featuring chicken, cotija cheese, and a creamy dressing.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz pasta (Barilla rotini recommended)
- 2 cups corn (fresh or frozen)
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 2 cups chicken (shredded or 1/2-inch cubes)
- 1 cup cotija cheese (crumbled)
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 teaspoons chili powder (ancho or chipotle recommended)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 3/4 cup Greek yogurt (Fage 5%)
- 1/4 cup mayo
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon honey or agave
- 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- Fresh lime wedges, for serving
- Extra cotija cheese and cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool.
- Prepare the corn: If you’re using fresh corn, grill or sauté it in a skillet for a few minutes until it’s tender and lightly charred. If using frozen corn, simply thaw it out.
- Mix the dressing: In a bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayo, honey or agave, lime juice, garlic powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, and salt.
- Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, corn, chicken, cotija cheese, and chopped cilantro. Pour the dressing over the top and gently toss everything together until well coated.
- Chill & serve: Let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature, garnished with extra cotija cheese, cilantro, and lime wedges.
- Enjoy: Gather your loved ones around the table, serve this delicious pasta salad, and watch as smiles unfold with each satisfying bite!
Notes
Perfect for meal prep and great as leftovers. Customize with your favorite vegetables or proteins.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 30mg