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Zesty Mexican Street Corn Chicken Pasta Salad

Zesty Mexican Street Corn Chicken Pasta Salad for Summer Bliss

A vibrant Zesty Mexican Street Corn Chicken Pasta Salad perfect for summer gatherings, featuring roasted corn, lime, chicken, and cotija cheese.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Chilling Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Barilla rotini provides structure and a perfect base for the salad.
For the Corn
  • 2 cups Fresh or frozen corn adds sweetness and crunch; broil for charred flavor, frozen can go straight to the pan.
  • 1 tbsp Avocado oil enhances the roasted corn flavor.
For the Chicken
  • 2 cups Shredded or cubed chicken serves as the main protein; can be grilled, poached, or sautéed.
For the Cheese
  • 1 cup Cotija cheese crumbled gives a salty, creamy element; can substitute with feta or queso blanco.
For Freshness
  • 1/2 cup Cilantro chopped adds a fresh herbaceous note; omit if not preferred.
For Spices
  • 2 tsp Chili powder (ancho or chipotle preferred) brings spice and depth to the dish.
  • 1/2 tsp Smoked paprika contributes a delightful smoky flavor.
For the Dressing
  • 3/4 cup Greek yogurt (preferably Fage 5%) is the main component for a creamy and tangy dressing.
  • 1/4 cup Mayonnaise adds richness; substitute with extra Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
  • 1/2 tsp Garlic powder enhances overall flavor; fresh garlic can be swapped in for a stronger taste.
  • 1/2 tsp Salt is essential for seasoning.
  • 1 tsp Honey or agave adds a hint of sweetness to balance flavors.
  • 1 1/2 tbsp Fresh lime juice provides acidity and brightness; lemon can substitute if needed.
  • Fresh lime wedges for serving, enhances the citrus aspect of the salad.

Equipment

  • Pot
  • Skillet
  • baking sheet
  • mixing bowl
  • Colander

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add Barilla rotini pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, stirring occasionally. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Let it cool while you prepare the other ingredients.
  2. While the pasta is cooking, heat a skillet over medium heat and cook seasoned chicken for about 6-8 minutes until no longer pink and juices run clear. Once done, remove the chicken from heat and let it cool slightly before shredding or cubing it.
  3. Next, toss corn with avocado oil and chili powder in a bowl for flavor. Spread the mixture evenly on a baking sheet and broil it in your oven for 3-4 minutes until it becomes charred and fragrant.
  4. In a mixing bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, fresh lime juice, garlic powder, salt, chili powder, smoked paprika, and honey or agave until smooth and creamy.
  5. In a large salad bowl, combine the cooled pasta, charred corn, cooked chicken, cotija cheese, and cilantro. Drizzle the creamy dressing over the ingredients and gently toss everything together until fully coated.
  6. Transfer your salad to a serving dish. For an extra touch, sprinkle additional cotija cheese and chopped cilantro on top. Serve chilled with fresh lime wedges on the side.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 25gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 5gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Refrigerate the salad for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

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