Fiesta Pasta Healthy Street Corn Salad

Q: I'm not a massive fan of spice. How can I adjust the recipe?

No worries, spice-averse friend! Simply omit the chili powder or reduce the amount to a pinch. You can also skip the jalapeño entirely or remove the seeds and membranes for a milder flavour. Remember to always taste as you go; like Goldilocks, you will find the spice level that is 'just right'!

Fiesta Pasta My Healthy Street Corn Salad Recipe

By Ethan NavarroOctober 1, 2025

4.67 (3 Ratings)

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook: Fancy a Fiesta?

Ever crave something fresh, zesty, and guilt free? This Healthy Street Corn Pasta Salad brings those vibrant Mexican flavours straight to your plate. It's the flavour party!

Brief Overview: A Salad with a Story

This Elote Pasta Salad recipe draws inspo from Mexican street corn. It's known as Elote! It is a dish. So delicious! It’s super easy to make, perfect for Weekday Lunches .

It's done in under an hour. This recipe yields 6 servings, ideal for sharing.

Main Benefits: Goodness in Every Bite

Loaded with whole grains and fresh veggies, this is one of those Healthy Pasta Salad Recipes you can feel good about.

Seriously, it’s great for Labor Day Weekend Food ! Think of it as a colourful Snack Dinner .

What Makes This Fiesta Pasta Pop?

Alright, let's talk about this Fiesta Pasta. You know, this Healthy Street Corn Pasta Salad isn't just another Summer Pasta Salad . Honestly, it's a game changer.

This recipe is a vibrant twist on the classic, bringing together the sweet, smoky flavours of grilled corn with creamy avocado and a zesty lime dressing.

Plus, it's packed with nutrients, making it a Light Pasta Salad Recipe that's as good for you as it is delicious.

Time to Gather the Goodies!

We are using 1 pound whole wheat pasta for the pasta salad. 2 ears of corn will provide that sweet corn flavour.

You can use the frozen corn! It's less work! Greek yogurt and light mayo make the creamy dressing. It's healthy and yummy.

We need some fresh stuff like avocado, red onion and cilantro! Grab your mixing bowls and pots! Let's make Grilled Corn Pasta Salad

Ingredients & Equipment for a Fiesta in Your Mouth!

Alright, let's talk about what you'll need to make this Healthy Street Corn Pasta Salad a reality. Trust me, it's easier than navigating the tube during rush hour! I love this Pasta Salad Vegetarian recipe and I know you will too.

Main Ingredients: Your Shopping List

Here's the lowdown on what to grab at the shops. Remember, quality matters. especially when it comes to the lime!

Pasta: 1 pound (450g) of whole wheat pasta. Rotini, penne, or elbow macaroni are fab. I usually go for rotini.
Corn: 2 ears of fresh corn or 2 cups of thawed frozen corn. Fresh is best but frozen works great too.
Greek Yogurt: 1/2 cup (120g) plain Greek yogurt. Go for 2% or non-fat.
Mayonnaise: 1/4 cup (60g) light mayo. Don't go overboard on the mayo, alright?
Lime Juice: 2 tablespoons (30ml) freshly squeezed lime juice. Fresh is a must!
Avocado: 1 ripe avocado, diced.
Red Onion: 1/2 red onion, finely chopped.
Cotija Cheese: 1/2 cup (50g) crumbled Cotija cheese (optional).
Cilantro: 1/4 cup (25g) fresh cilantro, chopped.
Garlic: 1 clove , minced.
Chili Powder: 1/2 teaspoon .
Smoked Paprika: 1/4 teaspoon .

Seasoning Notes: Flavor Bombs!

This ain't just any pasta salad, this is a Mexican Street Corn Salad Recipe ! The spice combo is key.

Chili powder and smoked paprika give it that smoky warmth. Want a bit of kick? Throw in some minced jalapeño! If you don't have Cotija cheese, feta works perfectly.

And for an extra zing, add a squeeze more lime juice. It's honestly such a Summer Pasta Salad .

Spice it Up!. It's perfect for Weekday Lunches

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

You don't need a fancy kitchen, trust me!. You'll need:

A large pot.
A colander.
A grill (or a skillet will do).
Mixing bowls.

A trusty wooden spoon is always a bonus!. You can easily throw it together for Labor Day Weekend Food . This recipe is perfect as a Snack Dinner .

Who doesn't love a Light Pasta Salad Recipe or some Healthy Pasta Salad Recipes ? Why not try this Grilled Corn Pasta Salad or Elote Pasta Salad .

Get Your Fiesta On with Healthy Street Corn Pasta Salad

Honestly, are you tired of the same old boring Pasta Salad Vegetarian recipes? Fancy something that screams summer, sunshine, and a bit of spice? Then, get ready to meet my Healthy Street Corn Pasta Salad , a dish so good, it’s practically a party in your mouth! This isn't just food, it's a vibe.

And the best part? It's easy enough for even the most kitchen shy amongst us. This Elote Pasta Salad hits all the right spots!

Prep Like a Pro: Essential Mise en Place

Before we dive in, let’s get organised. It's like decluttering your brain! Cook your 1 pound pasta as per the packet instructions.

While that's bubbling away, shuck those 2 ears of corn. Grab your other ingredients: Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lime, red onion, and don't forget the pièce de résistance : that creamy avocado.

Let's Get Cooking: Healthy Street Corn Salad step-by-step

Boil 8 cups water with 1 tbsp salt. Cook 450g pasta al dente . Drain and rinse.
Brush corn with 1 tbsp olive oil. Grill for 5- 7 minutes per side until charred. Cool, then cut kernels off. Alternatively, saute 2 cups of frozen corn for 5 minutes.
Whisk together 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, 1/4 cup mayo, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1 minced clove garlic, 1/2 tsp chili powder, and 1/4 tsp smoked paprika. Season with salt and pepper.
Combine pasta, corn, diced 1 avocado, chopped 1/2 red onion, and 1/2 cup Cotija cheese in a bowl.
Pour dressing over salad. Toss gently.
Chill for at least 15 minutes to let flavours meld. Serve chilled.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Salad

Don't overcook the pasta! Mushy pasta is nobody's friend.
Want that authentic street corn flavour? Char that corn, baby! Grilling or searing the corn adds a smoky depth that’s just divine.
Make this ahead of time for Weekday Lunches or for your Labor Day Weekend Food gathering. It will taste even better.

This Summer Pasta Salad is not only packed with goodness but also incredibly versatile. It's a Snack Dinner kind of meal.

You can serve as a side with grilled chicken or fish, or just enjoy it as a light Snack Dinner .

The combination of sweet corn, creamy avocado, and tangy lime is a match made in heaven. It's a Light Pasta Salad Recipe you will make again and again.

Enjoy this Mexican Street Corn Salad Recipe and let me know what you think!

Recipe Notes for Your Fiesta Pasta: Healthy Street Corn Salad

Right, so you're about to dive into making this Healthy Street Corn Pasta Salad . Ace! Before you get your apron on, here are a few notes.

I’ve made this Elote Pasta Salad a fair few times now. Honestly, these little tips can take it from good to brilliant .

Serving Suggestions: Making it Look and Taste Amazing

Presentation is key, innit? For Labor Day Weekend Food or Weekday Lunches , piling this high in a nice bowl always looks fab.

I love adding a sprinkle of extra Cotija and fresh cilantro right before serving. For a side, think Grilled Corn Pasta Salad alongside some proper BBQ chicken or fish.

Drinks wise? A nice cold lemonade or even a cheeky margarita would be spot on. It’s also a great Snack Dinner if you’re not feeling like a heavy meal.

Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh

If you’re not scoffing the whole lot at once which, let’s be honest, is unlikely here's how to keep it in top nick.

For refrigeration, pop it in an airtight container and it’ll be good for 3-4 days . I wouldn’t recommend freezing this one, the avocado goes a bit weird.

Reheating? Nah, this Summer Pasta Salad is best enjoyed cold. Honestly, it tastes even better the next day as the flavours have had a chance to mingle.

Variations: Mix it Up!

Fancy a change? For a Pasta Salad Vegetarian option, just make sure your cheese is vegetarian friendly. Easy peasy. Want it even healthier? Chuck in some black beans or chickpeas for extra protein and fiber.

For a bit of seasonal fun, try using roasted butternut squash instead of corn in the autumn. Adds a lovely sweetness.

This is a Light Pasta Salad Recipe , so don't be shy to experiment. You can even add some chicken breast for some extra protein.

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite

This Mexican Street Corn Salad Recipe isn't just tasty; it's good for you too! We're talking fiber from the whole wheat pasta.

Healthy fats from the avocado, and protein from the Greek yogurt. It has around 350 calories per serving, with a good balance of protein, carbs and fats.

Remember, that's a rough estimate. It really depends on how generous you are with the ingredients.

I reckon you're all set to give this Healthy Pasta Salad Recipes a go. Don't be scared to tweak it.

Make it your own. Have fun, and let me know how it turns out! You've got this.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this Healthy Street Corn Pasta Salad actually healthy? It sounds too good to be true!

You bet your biscuits it is! By using whole wheat pasta, Greek yogurt in the dressing, and packing it with fresh veggies like corn and avocado, this pasta salad offers a lighter, more nutritious twist on traditional versions.

It's all about making smart swaps without sacrificing flavour, a bit like swapping your usual fry-up for avocado toast still delicious, just a bit better for you.

Can I make this Healthy Street Corn Pasta Salad ahead of time? Will the avocado go brown?

Absolutely! This salad is a fantastic make-ahead dish. To prevent the avocado from browning, toss it with a little extra lime juice before adding it to the salad. You can also add the avocado right before serving.

The flavours actually meld together beautifully after a few hours in the fridge, just like a good cup of tea needs time to steep!

I'm not a massive fan of spice. How can I adjust the recipe?

No worries, spice averse friend! Simply omit the chili powder or reduce the amount to a pinch. You can also skip the jalapeño entirely or remove the seeds and membranes for a milder flavour. Remember to always taste as you go; like Goldilocks, you will find the spice level that is 'just right'!

What's the best way to store leftover Healthy Street Corn Pasta Salad? How long will it last?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days. Be mindful that the avocado might brown slightly, but it will still be perfectly safe and tasty to eat. Just give it a good stir before serving, just like you'd stir your gravy to get rid of the skin on top!

I don't have Cotija cheese. What can I use instead for my Healthy Street Corn Pasta Salad?

Cotija can sometimes be tricky to find, so no stress if you don't have it. Feta cheese is a fantastic substitute with a similar salty, crumbly texture. If you are vegan or don't like cheese, you can just leave it out.

Think of it like choosing your favourite biscuit with your tea - many options work, and it's great to experiment.

Can I grill my corn indoors if I don't have a grill?

Of course! If you don't have a grill, a skillet works just as well. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium high heat and cook the corn kernels, turning occasionally, until lightly charred. For frozen corn, just heat it through in the skillet.

A frying pan can be like a Swiss Army Knife in the kitchen versatile and always useful, a bit like having Mary Berry on speed dial!