Go Back
- 8 oz. rotini pasta - 1 cup sweet corn, cooked (fresh or frozen) - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped - 1 avocado, diced - 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped - 1/4 cup Cotija cheese, crumbled - Juice of 2 limes - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon chili powder - Salt and pepper to taste To make a tasty Easy Street Corn Pasta Salad, gather these ingredients. Each one adds flavor and texture. The rotini pasta serves as a great base. Sweet corn brings a burst of flavor. Fresh veggies like bell pepper and avocado add crunch. Cilantro and lime juice give it a bright taste. Cotija cheese adds a creamy, salty touch. You can mix it up with these fun additions: - Jalapeños for heat - Black beans for protein - Zucchini for extra veggies - Feta cheese for a different cheese option Feel free to swap or add ingredients. This salad is flexible. Make it your own with flavors you enjoy! Pick the best ingredients for your salad. Here are some tips: - Choose firm, bright bell peppers without spots. - For corn, look for sweet, plump kernels. - Select ripe avocados that yield slightly when pressed. - Use fresh herbs, as they add great flavor. Fresh ingredients make a big difference. They enhance the taste and texture of your salad. Always shop for the best! First, boil water in a big pot. Add salt to make the pasta tasty. Next, add 8 ounces of rotini pasta. Cook until it is al dente, which takes about 8 to 10 minutes. After that, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking and cools it down fast. Set the pasta aside. Now, let’s prepare the other ingredients. If you have fresh corn, cook one cup until tender. If you use frozen corn, thaw it first. Dice one red bell pepper and chop half a red onion finely. Cube one avocado and halve half a cup of cherry tomatoes. Lastly, chop a quarter cup of fresh cilantro. Now you have everything ready! Grab a large mixing bowl. Add the cooked pasta, corn, diced red bell pepper, red onion, avocado, cherry tomatoes, and cilantro. Mix gently so you don’t mash the avocado. You want all the flavors to blend without squishing the ingredients. This step makes your salad colorful and full of texture. For the dressing, take a small bowl. Whisk together the juice of two limes, three tablespoons of olive oil, one teaspoon of chili powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until it looks smooth. Now, pour the dressing over the salad mix. Toss gently to coat everything well. Finally, fold in a quarter cup of crumbled Cotija cheese. This cheese adds a delicious salty flavor. Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors meld and makes it even tastier! To get the best texture in your pasta salad, cook the rotini until it is al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard. After cooking, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking and keeps the pasta from getting mushy. Toss the pasta gently with the other ingredients. This helps keep it fluffy and light. For a burst of flavor, use fresh ingredients like sweet corn and ripe avocado. Lime juice adds brightness and balances the dish. A pinch of chili powder spices it up without overpowering. Adjust the salt and pepper to your taste. If you want more zest, add a bit of lime zest. You can also try using smoked paprika for a deeper flavor. When serving, use a large bowl for a family-style meal or individual cups for a fun twist. Garnish with extra cilantro and a lime wedge on top. This gives a fresh look and a hint of flavor. Drizzling a bit of olive oil right before serving adds a nice touch. Chilling the salad for at least 30 minutes makes it taste even better. {{image_2}} If you have food allergies or special diets, there are easy swaps. For gluten-free needs, use gluten-free rotini pasta. You can also skip the cheese or use a dairy-free option. For a vegan version, replace Cotija cheese with nutritional yeast. This will still add a nice flavor. Want to try new tastes? Add a can of black beans for a hearty twist. You can also toss in some jalapeños for a spicy kick. For a sweet touch, add diced mango or pineapple. Each change brings a new flavor that can brighten your meal. To make this salad a full meal, you can add protein. Grilled chicken adds a nice, smoky flavor. If you prefer plant-based protein, try chickpeas or cubed tofu. These options will fill you up and make the dish more satisfying. To store leftovers, place the pasta salad in an airtight container. This keeps the salad fresh. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors will blend more over time. However, the avocado may brown a bit. To slow this, add lime juice directly on the avocado before storage. If you add protein, like chicken or beans, be careful when reheating. You can warm it in the microwave. Heat it in short bursts to avoid cooking the salad further. Stir the salad gently to heat it evenly. Enjoy it warm or cold, depending on your taste. Meal prep makes this salad easy to enjoy all week. Start by cooking the pasta and chopping the veggies in advance. Keep the dressing separate until serving time. This keeps everything fresh and crunchy. You can mix and match ingredients, too, for variety. Easy Street Corn Pasta Salad lasts about three to five days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. The flavors will blend even more over time. Just make sure to give it a good stir before serving again. Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. It’s great for meal prep! I suggest making it a day in advance. This way, the flavors have time to meld. Just keep it chilled in the fridge until you are ready to serve. If you can’t find Cotija cheese, try using feta cheese. Feta has a similar crumbly texture and salty flavor. You can also use queso fresco for a milder taste. Both options work well in this salad. This blog post covered how to make Easy Street Corn Pasta Salad. We discussed ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for the best texture. You learned how to personalize the salad with various options and storage tips for leftovers. Feel free to experiment with flavors and ingredients. This pasta salad is versatile and perfect for any meal. Enjoy making it your own, while keeping it fresh and tasty!

Easy Street Corn Pasta Salad

Whip up a delicious and refreshing Easy Street Corn Pasta Salad that’s perfect for gatherings or a quick lunch! This vibrant dish combines rotini pasta with sweet corn, bell peppers, avocado, and a zesty lime dressing for a burst of flavor in every bite. It's easy to make and comes together in just 50 minutes. Dive into the recipe and discover how to create this colorful salad that’s sure to impress.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

8 oz. rotini pasta

1 cup sweet corn, cooked (fresh or frozen)

1 red bell pepper, diced

1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped

1 avocado, diced

1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

1/4 cup Cotija cheese, crumbled

Juice of 2 limes

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon chili powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Start by cooking the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sweet corn, diced red bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, and chopped cilantro.

      In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, chili powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.

        Pour the dressing over the pasta salad mixture and toss gently until all the ingredients are evenly coated.

          Fold in the crumbled Cotija cheese just before serving to maintain its texture.

            Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

              Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 4-6

                - Presentation Tips: Serve in a large bowl or individual cups, garnished with extra cilantro and a lime wedge for a fresh touch. For a festive feel, drizzle a bit of extra olive oil on top just before serving.