Description
A healthy, flavorful twist on classic Mexican street corn pasta salad with Greek yogurt dressing, chili butter, and grilled corn. Light, creamy, and full of zesty flavor.
Ingredients
Short pasta (rotini or penne) – 1 lb
Grilled corn (from 3–4 ears) – 2 cups
Romaine lettuce (shredded) – 1 head
Avocado (diced) – 1
Spicy cheddar (diced) – ½ cup
Fresh basil (torn) – ½ cup
Fresh cilantro (chopped) – ½ cup
Cotija or feta cheese (crumbled) – ¾ cup
Greek yogurt – ½ cup
Reduced-fat cream cheese (softened) – 3 oz
Olive oil – 2 tbsp
Lime juice – 2 tbsp
Garlic (grated) – 1 clove
Salt and pepper – to taste
Smoked paprika – 1 tsp
Chili powder – 2 tsp
Cayenne pepper – ¼ tsp
Butter (light) – 2 tbsp
Instructions
1. Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain, rinse, and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, whisk Greek yogurt, cream cheese, olive oil, lime juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Add corn, lettuce, avocado, basil, cilantro, cheddar, and cheese. Toss gently to combine.
4. Melt butter with smoked paprika, chili powder, and cayenne. Drizzle over salad.
5. Top with extra cilantro and a squeeze of lime before serving.
6. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
Use nonfat Greek yogurt and light butter to keep it guilt-free.
Add avocado just before serving to prevent browning.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
 - Cook Time: 10 minutes
 - Category: Salad
 - Method: Mixing
 - Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
 
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
 - Calories: 320
 - Sugar: 4g
 - Sodium: 280mg
 - Fat: 15g
 - Saturated Fat: 6g
 - Unsaturated Fat: 7g
 - Trans Fat: 0g
 - Carbohydrates: 34g
 - Fiber: 3g
 - Protein: 10g
 - Cholesterol: 25mg
 
