Corn Street Style Pasta Salad
A fusion pasta salad featuring roasted corn, tender pasta, creamy yogurt-mayo dressing, lime, spices, and fresh herbs. It’s tangy, slightly smoky, and perfect for picnics, BBQs, or as a fun Mediterranean–Mexican mash-up side dish.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Ingredients
For the Salad
8 oz (225g) short pasta (elbow, rotini, or penne)
2 cups corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen – roasted for best flavor)
½ red bell pepper, diced
½ small red onion, finely chopped
½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
¼ cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
½ cup crumbled feta
For the Dressing
¼ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup Greek yogurt (light & tangy balance)
2 tbsp lime juice
1 tsp lime zest
1 garlic clove, minced
½ tsp chili powder or smoked paprika
½ tsp ground cumin
Salt & black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Boil pasta in salted water until al dente.
Drain, rinse under cool water, and set aside.
2. Roast the Corn
Fresh corn on cob: Grill or roast until lightly charred, then slice off kernels.
Frozen or canned: Sauté in a skillet with a little olive oil until golden.
3. Mix the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lime juice, zest, garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
4. Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, combine pasta, corn, bell pepper, onion, tomatoes, and cilantro.
Pour dressing over and toss well.
Top with crumbled feta/cotija.
5. Chill & Serve
Refrigerate for 20–30 minutes to let flavors meld.
Garnish with extra cilantro and a squeeze of lime before serving.
Notes & Tips
For extra crunch, add diced cucumber or shredded cabbage.
If serving outdoors, keep the salad chilled to avoid the dressing getting too heavy.
Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein-packed main dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes! Make up to 1 day ahead; stir in cheese and herbs just before serving for freshness.
Q: Can I make it lighter?
A: Use all Greek yogurt instead of mayo for a healthier twist.
Q: Can I make it Mediterranean-style?
A: Swap lime for lemon, add olives, and use parsley + feta for a Mediterranean fusion.
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~320
Protein: 11g
Fat: 13g
Carbs: 42g
Fiber: 3g