High Protein Street Corn Pasta Salad

5 from 2 votes

High Protein Street Corn Pasta Salad

This street corn pasta salad brings together all the zesty, creamy flavors of Mexican street corn with gluten-free pasta and protein-packed chicken! I'm a big pasta salad fan any time of year - not just summer! This one has some chicken for protein and to make it a complete meal. I LOVE Mexican street corn and this combines all of the flavors of that with gluten free pasta & chicken. Just so good!

Prep Time10

Cook Time12

Total Time22

Course: Dinner, Lunch

Cuisine: American

Diet: Gluten Free

Servings: servings

Author: Mary Smith

Equipment

whisk

Ingredients

12 oz gluten free pasta
30 oz frozen corn fire roasted or regular, cooked according to package directions
2 cups cooked shredded chicken I used rotisserie
1 cup diced red onion
⅓ cup chopped cilantro
1 cup cotija cheese crumbled

Dressing

¾ cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt
½ cup avocado oil mayo
¼ cup sour cream
¼ cup lime juice
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp salt + more salt to taste
pinch cayenne

Instructions

Cook the pasta according to package directions, drain, and cool under cold running water. Set aside.
Meanwhile, combine the dressing ingredients in a bowl and whisk to combine.
Add the cooked pasta to a large bowl with the cooked corn, onion, diced chicken, cilantro, and ¾ cup of the cotija cheese.
Pour the dressing over top and toss to combine. Season with salt to taste and toss again.
Sprinkle the rest of the cheese and some extra chopped cilantro on top and enjoy!

Video

Notes

- Make-Ahead: I recommend making this and serving as soon as possible for the best texture and taste! However, time in the fridge allows the pasta to absorb all those delicious flavors. It's even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep! Depending on the type of gluten free pasta used, it can get slightly harder overnight. I often make a double batch on Sunday for easy lunches throughout the week.

- Perfect for Picky Eaters: Have little ones who are selective about their food? This pasta salad is easy to customize. You can serve the components separately for kids, or adjust the spice level to suit milder palates. My kids love it with extra cheese and no cilantro! You can also substitute green onions for the red onion if your kids prefer a milder flavor. This truly is the best pasta salad for families because it's so adaptable!

- Pasta Varieties: While I typically use gluten-free rotini or fusilli (the spirals catch all that delicious dressing!), you can use any short pasta shape. Ditalini pasta works beautifully and gives a fun texture that kids especially love. Just make sure to follow the specific cooking instructions for your chosen gluten-free pasta.

- Corn Considerations: While the recipe calls for frozen corn, fresh corn kernels cut straight from the cob are amazing when in season. For an extra flavor boost, char the corn in a skillet over medium-high heat before adding it to the salad. The slight caramelization adds incredible depth!

- Customize It: This salad is incredibly adaptable. Try adding black beans for extra protein, diced bell peppers for crunch, or avocado chunks for creaminess. Add diced jalapeños for heat or a spoonful of honey for a touch of sweetness. Make it your own!

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