Description
A wonderfully creamy pasta salad inspired by the flavors of Mexican street corn, perfect for weeknight dinners or picnics.
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
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- Sauté the corn: In a skillet over medium heat, add the avocado oil. Once hot, add the corn and sauté for about 5 minutes until it starts to caramelize slightly. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Combine chicken and spices: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt. Stir well to coat the chicken in the spices.
- Make the dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayo, honey or agave, and lime juice until creamy and smooth.
- Toss everything together: In the large mixing bowl, add the cooked pasta, sautéed corn, cotija cheese, cilantro, and dressing. Gently toss until everything is well coated.
- Chill and serve: Let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve cold, garnished with extra cotija cheese, cilantro, and fresh lime wedges.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The pasta may absorb some dressing over time, so add more yogurt or lime juice before serving.
- 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: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 60mg