As the air cools and the leaves begin to turn, there’s something irresistible about hearty yet healthy dishes that bring comfort without weighing us down. This Healthy Street Corn Pasta Salad hits that sweet spot. Inspired by the bold flavors of Mexican street corn, this salad is creamy, zesty, slightly smoky, and loaded with fresh veggies. It’s one of those dishes you make once and immediately add to your regular rotation.
What makes this recipe a reader favorite is its balance it’s satisfying enough to be a meal but light enough to enjoy alongside grilled meats, tacos, or soups. Whether you’re prepping lunches for the week or hosting a fall potluck, this dish delivers every time. And the best part? It comes together in under 30 minutes.
Let’s get cooking!
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Healthy Street Corn Pasta Salad
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy, zesty, and loaded with bold Mexican-inspired flavors, this Healthy Street Corn Pasta Salad is the perfect hearty-yet-light dish for any occasion. Packed with fresh veggies, smoky corn, and a tangy yogurt-lime dressing, it’s ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (elbow, rotini, or fusilli)
- 1½ cups corn (fresh, canned, or thawed frozen)
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup light mayo
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp chili powder
- ¼ tsp cumin
- 1/3 cup chopped cilantro
- ¼ cup crumbled feta or cotija cheese
- 1/3 cup red onion, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional add-ins: diced jalapeño, cherry tomatoes, avocado cubes
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside.
- Char the corn in a hot skillet or grill until lightly golden. If using canned or frozen, dry with a paper towel before toasting.
- In a large bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayo, lime juice, garlic, smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Add cooked pasta, corn, red onion, and cilantro to the bowl. Toss gently to combine.
- Fold in crumbled feta or cotija cheese.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Add more lime or cheese if desired before serving.
Notes
To boost flavor, don’t skip charring the corn. Use fresh lime juice for the best taste and choose a pasta shape that holds onto dressing well. Add protein like grilled chicken or beans for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Ingredients for Healthy Street Corn Pasta Salad
This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients you probably already have at home. Each one adds something special color, crunch, creaminess, or heat.
You’ll need:
- 8 oz pasta (elbow, rotini, or fusilli work well)
- 1½ cups corn (fresh, canned, or thawed frozen)
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup light mayo
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp chili powder
- ¼ tsp cumin
- 1/3 cup chopped cilantro
- ¼ cup crumbled feta or cotija cheese
- 1/3 cup red onion, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional add-ins: diced jalapeño, cherry tomatoes, avocado cubes
If you’re looking for a twist on this kind of dish, try our Mexican Street Corn Chicken Pasta Salad or explore our Green Goddess Chicken Salad Recipe for more vibrant flavors.
Step-by-Step Instructions
This recipe is beginner-friendly and comes together in just a few easy steps.
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking. Set aside.
2. Char the Corn
If using fresh corn, grill or pan-sear it until lightly charred. For canned or frozen, dry them with a paper towel and toast in a hot skillet until slightly golden. This step adds incredible flavor.
3. Make the Dressing
In a large bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayo, lime juice, minced garlic, smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning.
4. Toss It All Together
Add the cooked pasta, corn, red onion, and chopped cilantro into the bowl with the dressing. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated. Fold in the feta last.
5. Chill and Serve
Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Just before serving, you can add extra cheese or a fresh squeeze of lime.
Looking for another crowd-pleasing option? Check out our Dill Pickle Pasta Salad—it’s equally tangy and creamy.
Tips for Success
Don’t skip the char: The smoky flavor from charred corn is what sets this salad apart. If grilling isn’t an option, a hot skillet works just as well.
Go for fresh lime: Bottled juice doesn’t compare. Fresh lime brightens the entire dish and pairs beautifully with the spices.
Use pasta with texture: Choose shapes that hold onto the creamy dressing like rotini, penne, or fusilli.
Balance the heat: Add jalapeño or chili flakes if you like spice, but keep it mild if serving kids or spice-sensitive guests.
Pair it with something equally zesty like our Mexican Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing or a refreshing Strawberry Spinach Salad.
Variations to Try
Gluten-Free Version: Swap traditional pasta with your favorite gluten-free brand. Chickpea or lentil pasta works beautifully here.
Vegan Version: Use plant-based yogurt and mayo, and swap feta for your favorite dairy-free cheese.
Add Protein: Grilled chicken, black beans, or crispy tofu can turn this side into a hearty meal.
Add Crunch: A sprinkle of pumpkin seeds, crushed tortilla chips, or roasted chickpeas adds texture.
For even more variation inspiration, don’t miss our Vegetarian Feta Potato Salad and Air Fryer Gnocchi Salad Recipe both unique and easy to customize.
Storage Recommendations
This Healthy Street Corn Pasta Salad stores like a dream. Here’s how:
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Stir before serving and add a splash of lime or yogurt if needed.
- Meal Prep Tip: Keep dressing separate until ready to eat if prepping ahead for multiple days.
- Freezing? Not recommended. The creamy dressing and fresh herbs don’t hold up well to freezing and thawing.
Pair leftovers with grilled proteins or a bowl of comforting Burrata Salad for an elevated lunch or dinner.
Conclusion
This Healthy Street Corn Pasta Salad is the ultimate marriage of comfort and freshness. It’s perfect for transitional seasons when you’re craving something cozy but still light. Easy to make, packed with flavor, and endlessly adaptable this recipe has earned its spot as a Fresh Leaf favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or prepping meals for the week, you’ll find yourself making it again and again.