Name: Zesty Mexican Street Corn Chicken Pasta Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 8 oz pasta (Barilla rotini recommended); 2 cups corn; 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; Extra cotija cheese and cilantro for garnish

Description

A vibrant and creamy pasta salad with the whimsical flavors of street corn, tender chicken, and zesty dressing, perfect for summer gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

8 oz pasta (Barilla rotini recommended)
2 cups corn
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
Extra cotija cheese and cilantro for garnish

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Begin by cooking your pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Allow it to chill while you prepare the other ingredients.
Sauté the Corn: In a medium skillet, heat the avocado oil over medium-high heat. Add the corn and sauté until it’s golden and slightly charred, about 3-4 minutes. Let it cool.
Mix the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, mayo, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, honey (or agave), and fresh lime juice. Stir until well mixed and creamy.
Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked pasta, sautéed corn, shredded chicken, cotija cheese, and cilantro into the bowl with the dressing. Toss gently to ensure everything is evenly coated.
Chill and Serve: For the best flavor, cover the salad with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. When you’re ready to serve, give it a gentle stir and garnish with extra cotija cheese, cilantro, and fresh lime wedges.
Enjoy: Dish out generous servings and enjoy every creamy, zesty bite!

Notes

This salad can be made a day in advance for better flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 385
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 450mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 23g
Cholesterol: 30mg