This High Protein Street Corn Pasta Salad is everything you crave in a summer dish—vibrant, protein-packed, and bursting with irresistible street corn-inspired flavor! Tender gluten free pasta, juicy rotisserie chicken, and a tangy, creamy dressing come together with fire-roasted corn, cilantro, cotija, and the perfect hint of spice. It’s easy to prep, crowd-pleasingly customizable, and so delicious, you’ll be tempted to eat it straight from the mixing bowl!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Protein-Packed & Satisfying: With lean, shredded chicken, Greek yogurt, and cotija cheese, this pasta salad will actually fill you up and keep you energized!
- All the Flavors of Street Corn: Sweet corn, creamy dressing, fresh lime, and the bold warmth of chili and cumin transport you right to your favorite street food cart.
- Beautifully Adaptable: Whether you want to switch up the protein, add veggies, or make it spicier or milder, this recipe bends to your favorites and dietary needs.
- Perfect for Meal Prep & Gatherings: It’s just as fabulous straight from the fridge the next day—hello, easy lunches, potlucks, and picnics!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of High Protein Street Corn Pasta Salad lies in its handful of honest, flavorful ingredients that work together in perfect harmony. Each one brings either a pop of color, a big dose of texture, or fresh, street corn-inspired flavor to every single bite.
- Gluten Free Pasta (12 oz): Rotini, fusilli, or your favorite short shape—the spirals are perfect for catching all that luscious dressing.
- Frozen Fire-Roasted Corn (30 oz): Offers that signature, slightly smoky street-corn vibe, but regular frozen corn or fresh corn cut from the cob work too.
- Cooked Shredded Chicken (2 cups): Rotisserie chicken keeps prep quick and adds hearty, protein-packed substance.
- Red Onion (1 cup, diced): Adds sweet crunch and a gorgeous pop of color; sub green onion for milder flavor.
- Chopped Cilantro (⅓ cup): Brings loads of freshness that’s unmistakably street corn-inspired.
- Cotija Cheese (1 cup, crumbled): This crumbly, salty cheese is a street corn essential, adding creaminess and a savory punch.
- Dressing: A tangy, creamy blend featuring ¾ cup nonfat Greek yogurt, ½ cup avocado oil mayo, ¼ cup sour cream, ¼ cup fresh lime juice, plus a blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne, and just enough salt to make all the flavors pop.
Variations
One of the best parts of making High Protein Street Corn Pasta Salad is how easy it is to swap, add, or tweak ingredients to suit your craving, pantry, or dietary preferences. Don’t be afraid to play with the flavors—you can truly make it your own!
- Vegetarian Version: Omit the chicken and add black beans or extra cotija for a protein-rich, meat-free twist.
- Add Some Crunch: Toss in diced bell peppers, radish, or even sliced jalapeños for added texture and a pop of brightness.
- Boost the Creaminess: Mix in avocado chunks or a scoop of mashed avocado right into the dressing before tossing for extra lusciousness.
- Spice It Up or Down: Keep the spices mild for sensitive palates or go bold with extra chili powder, cayenne, or your favorite hot sauce if you love heat.
- Tweak the Cheese: Swap cotija for feta or queso fresco—both work wonderfully and change up the flavor profile slightly!
How to Make High Protein Street Corn Pasta Salad
Step 1: Cook the Pasta and Corn
Start by boiling your gluten free pasta according to package directions until it’s just al dente—don’t overcook! Drain it and run under cold water to stop the cooking and keep it perfectly toothsome. While that’s happening, cook your frozen corn (and if you’re feeling extra, char it in a hot skillet for deeper flavor).
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Dressing
In a medium bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, avocado oil mayo, sour cream, lime juice, and all the spices. The result should smell bright and tangy, with a little warmth from the chili and cumin—it’s the backbone of that irresistible street corn flavor!
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
In a large salad bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cooked corn, shredded chicken, red onion, cilantro, and most of the cotija cheese. Pour that luscious dressing over the top, and toss well so every piece gets coated.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Season with extra salt if needed, toss one more time, then sprinkle the remaining cotija and a scattering of fresh cilantro over the top. Serve family-style or pile it up in individual bowls—it’s impossible not to sneak a forkful!
Pro Tips for Making High Protein Street Corn Pasta Salad
- Gluten Free Pasta Prep: Always rinse cooked gluten-free pasta under cold water to stop the cooking and prevent any sticky clumping—it keeps your salad fresh and separates every spiral.
- Flavor-Boosting Corn: Sear or char your corn in a dry skillet for a few minutes; that smokiness really takes the street corn flavor to the next level.
- Dressing Texture Matters: If you like your salad extra creamy, reserve a couple tablespoons of the dressing to refresh leftovers and keep things velvety.
- Next-Day Magic: The flavors meld and intensify overnight, so don’t be afraid to prep ahead—just add a squeeze of fresh lime before serving if needed!
How to Serve High Protein Street Corn Pasta Salad
Garnishes
For that irresistible finish, sprinkle generous crumbles of cotija cheese, extra fresh cilantro, and a few lime wedges right before serving. If you’re feeling spicy, a dusting of extra chili powder or a drizzle of hot sauce transforms each bite into a flavor celebration!
Side Dishes
High Protein Street Corn Pasta Salad is pretty much a meal on its own, but it plays incredibly well with grilled meats (think steak, fish, or even shrimp skewers), a crisp leafy salad, or a platter of sliced watermelon for a refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this salad inside lettuce cups for a fun handheld twist, scoop it onto tostadas for a crunchy party appetizer, or layer it into individual mason jars for the cutest picnic lunch ever. It even shines at potlucks in a big, colorful bowl—just watch it disappear!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover High Protein Street Corn Pasta Salad tightly covered in the refrigerator, and it will stay fresh and fabulous for up to four days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making tomorrow’s lunch extra special!
Freezing
While the salad is best enjoyed fresh or from the fridge, freezing is not recommended—the creamy dressing and pasta can separate and change texture after thawing. If you want to prep ahead, make the components separately and combine them just before serving.
Reheating
This salad is designed to be served cold, so there’s no need to reheat! If you want to revive the leftovers, simply toss with a splash of lime juice or a spoonful of fresh dressing, then enjoy straight from the fridge.
FAQs
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Can I make High Protein Street Corn Pasta Salad without chicken?
Absolutely! For a vegetarian version, just leave out the chicken and add black beans, extra cheese, or even cooked tofu for another protein boost. It’s delicious and filling either way.
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What’s the best pasta shape for this salad?
Short, spiral-shaped pasta like rotini or fusilli works best because it clings to the creamy dressing and mingles with all the mix-ins. Ditalini is another fun choice—just avoid long noodles or thin shapes for the best texture.
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Is this recipe spicy?
It has a gentle warmth from chili powder and cayenne, but the spice is not overpowering. Feel free to adjust the level by increasing or omitting the cayenne, or adding fresh jalapeños and hot sauce to taste.
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Can I prepare High Protein Street Corn Pasta Salad in advance?
Yes, and it gets even better after marinating overnight! If making ahead for several days, wait to add the final garnish of cheese and cilantro until just before serving for the freshest look.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to taste just how lively and satisfying this High Protein Street Corn Pasta Salad truly is! It’s a celebration of color, flavor, and fun in every bite—perfect for busy weeknights, summer cookouts, or whenever you’re craving something bold and nourishing. This one always disappears fast in my house, and I hope it becomes a new favorite at your table too!
Print
High Protein Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing, Tossing
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This High Protein Street Corn Pasta Salad is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines gluten-free pasta, fire-roasted corn, shredded chicken, and a zesty dressing. Topped with cotija cheese and cilantro, this salad is perfect for a nutritious meal or side dish.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 12 oz gluten-free pasta
- 30 oz frozen corn, fire-roasted or regular, cooked
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup diced red onion
- 1/3 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 cup crumbled cotija cheese
For the Dressing:
- 3/4 cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup avocado oil mayo
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt + more to taste
- pinch of cayenne
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Prepare the pasta according to package directions, then drain and cool under cold water. Set aside.
- Make the Dressing: Whisk together Greek yogurt, mayo, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and cayenne in a bowl.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine pasta, corn, chicken, onion, cilantro, and most of the cotija cheese. Pour the dressing over and toss to combine.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt to taste, then sprinkle remaining cheese and cilantro on top. Enjoy!
Notes
- Make-Ahead: Best served fresh, but flavors meld well with time in the fridge. Great for meal prep!
- Picky Eaters: Easily customizable for kids and adaptable to preferences.
- Pasta Varieties: Try different gluten-free pasta shapes for variety.
- Corn Considerations: Fresh corn can be used for added flavor; char for depth.
- Customize It: Add black beans, bell peppers, avocado, jalapeños, or honey to make it your own!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 425
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
