The High Protein Street Corn Pasta Salad brings together everything you crave in one wildly flavorful, creamy, and filling bowl—the classic street corn flavors, a generous punch of protein, and pasta that soaks up all that zesty dressing. It’s a satisfying mash-up that’s perfect for easy lunches, meal prep, potlucks, or simply brightening up your busy weeknights!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Street Corn Flavor: Creamy, tangy, and lightly spiced, every bite captures the fun of Mexican elote mixed with hearty pasta.
- Protein Packed & Super Filling: Rotisserie chicken and Greek yogurt make this a truly satisfying, high protein meal you’ll actually look forward to eating.
- Meal Prep Magic: It only tastes better as it sits, meaning you can whip up a batch in advance for fast lunches, family dinners, or grab-and-go snacks.
- Easy to Customize: Whether you want more veggies, a different cheese, or extra heat, this High Protein Street Corn Pasta Salad adapts beautifully to your tastes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll love how every ingredient in this High Protein Street Corn Pasta Salad earns its keep. Simple pantry staples and a handful of fresh additions come together to create an irresistible blend of flavors, textures, and vibrant color—each playing a unique role in that craveable street corn-meets-pasta experience.
- 12 oz gluten free pasta: Rotini or fusilli work best, holding onto heaps of creamy dressing for maximum flavor in every bite. But you can use your favorite short pasta.
- 30 oz frozen corn, fire roasted or regular: Fire-roasted corn adds a sweet, smoky flavor. If using regular, consider charring it for extra depth.
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken: I love using rotisserie chicken—it’s quick, tender, and full of flavor.
- 1 cup diced red onion: Adds a sharp crunch and beautiful pop of color (or swap in green onions for a milder bite).
- ⅓ cup chopped cilantro: For brightness, freshness, and a classic street corn vibe.
- 1 cup cotija cheese, crumbled: Tangy, salty, and perfectly crumbly, just like the cheese on elote (feta works in a pinch!).
- ¾ cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt: Creamy, tangy, high-protein—you’ll never miss the full-fat alternatives.
- ½ cup avocado oil mayo: Lends luscious texture with heart-healthy fats; regular mayo is totally fine, too.
- ¼ cup sour cream: Classic elote creaminess and a subtle tang that rounds out the dressing.
- ¼ cup lime juice: For zippy, citrusy brightness that brings everything to life.
- 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp paprika, pinch cayenne: These spices give warmth and gentle heat, echoing street corn’s classic flavors.
- 1 tsp salt (plus more to taste): Brings out every layered flavor—adjust as needed for your perfect bite.
Variations
This High Protein Street Corn Pasta Salad is just begging for your personal twist! It’s wonderfully flexible—swap in what you love or have on hand, or make it your own to suit your dietary needs. Here are some of my favorite delicious ways to shake things up:
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and toss in black beans or cannellini beans for a protein-rich, vegetarian take.
- Add Avocado: Stir in cubes of ripe avocado just before serving for extra creaminess and healthy fats.
- Spicy Upgrade: Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce for a kick, or swap regular paprika for smoked for a deeper flavor.
- Cheese Swap: Feta cheese stands in beautifully if you can’t find cotija—still tangy, salty, and delicious.
- Low-Dairy: Use vegan mayo or plant-based yogurt and leave off the cheese for a dairy-light version.
How to Make High Protein Street Corn Pasta Salad
Step 1: Cook and Cool the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook your gluten-free pasta according to package directions until just al dente. Drain immediately and run under cold water—this keeps the noodles from sticking and stops the cooking so they stay firm in the salad.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Creamy Dressing
In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, mayo, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and a pinch of cayenne. Whisk until smooth, bright, and fragrant. This dressing is the REAL magic—don’t skimp on whisking!
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
In a very large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cooked corn (make sure it’s drained of moisture), diced red onion, shredded chicken, cilantro, and about ¾ of the cotija cheese. Pour the luscious dressing over the top and toss gently to coat everything evenly in creamy, spiced goodness.
Step 4: Top and Serve
Taste and adjust salt (sometimes the pasta absorbs more than you think!), then sprinkle with the reserved cotija and extra chopped cilantro. Serve right away, or chill for later—the flavors only intensify!
Pro Tips for Making High Protein Street Corn Pasta Salad
- Noodle Know-How: Rinse gluten free pasta thoroughly after cooking; this removes excess starch and ensures your High Protein Street Corn Pasta Salad stays light and never gummy.
- Char That Corn: For a smoky edge, char your corn in a dry skillet over medium-high heat—even just a few minutes brings serious depth to the finished dish!
- Creamy Dressing Trick: Whisk your dressing until completely smooth, then set aside for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to mingle before tossing.
- Make-Ahead Magic: The salad tastes even better after chilling for a few hours (or overnight); just reserve a bit of extra dressing to freshen it up before serving.
How to Serve High Protein Street Corn Pasta Salad
Garnishes
A final flourish really makes the flavors pop—scatter plenty of extra cotija cheese, fresh cilantro, and a dusting of chili powder or smoked paprika on top before serving. For even more street corn authenticity, try a squeeze of fresh lime juice or a drizzle of hot sauce right at the table!
Side Dishes
Pair your High Protein Street Corn Pasta Salad with grilled chicken or steak, charred vegetables, or a simple green salad for a balanced feast. It’s also the hit of any potluck when served alongside burgers, tacos, or even picnic-ready sandwiches.
Creative Ways to Present
For something extra fun, scoop the salad into lettuce boats, stuff into small mason jars for picnics, or serve in halved bell peppers for a playful, portable twist. Mini portions in party cups make it perfect for gatherings where you want to show off those creamy, colorful layers!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors meld together over time and become even more delicious—just give everything a quick toss before serving again!
Freezing
While this High Protein Street Corn Pasta Salad is at its best fresh or cold from the fridge, freezing isn’t recommended. The creamy dressing and fresh herbs lose their lovely texture once thawed. If you need to prep ahead, simply mix the base ingredients and wait to toss with dressing and herbs until just before serving.
Reheating
This salad is designed to be irresistible served cold or at room temperature. If you do prefer it a bit warm, gently microwave individual portions for 20–30 seconds—just enough to take the chill off—while being careful not to overheat or the dressing can separate.
FAQs
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Can I make High Protein Street Corn Pasta Salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, letting the salad sit in the fridge for a few hours (or even overnight) deepens the flavors and allows the dressing to soak into the pasta. For the freshest texture, reserve a little extra dressing to toss in just before serving.
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What pasta works best for this recipe?
Short, sturdy shapes like rotini, fusilli, or ditalini are perfect—they trap all that creamy dressing. Gluten-free varieties work beautifully, but you can use any short pasta you love (just be sure to cook it al dente).
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Can I make this salad vegetarian or dairy-free?
Definitely! Skip the chicken and add black beans or keep it veggie-heavy with extra corn and bell peppers. For dairy-free, use plant-based yogurt, vegan mayo, and dairy-free feta or simply omit the cheese.
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How spicy is High Protein Street Corn Pasta Salad?
The base recipe is gently spiced but not overly hot. If you love heat, add more cayenne or toss in fresh jalapeños. Prefer things milder? Simply leave out the cayenne and opt for a mild chili powder.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something creamy, bright, and totally satisfying, give High Protein Street Corn Pasta Salad a go. It’s the kind of dish you’ll want to return to all summer long—and honestly, any time you want a little extra joy at your table. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and make it your own!
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
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This High Protein Street Corn Pasta Salad is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines the creaminess of Greek yogurt dressing with the crunch of corn and the zest of lime juice. Packed with protein from chicken and cotija cheese, this gluten-free pasta salad is perfect for a quick meal or meal prep!
Ingredients
Gluten-Free Pasta:
- 12 oz gluten free pasta
Corn Salad:
- 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
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, plus more to taste
- Pinch of cayenne
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions, drain, and cool under cold running water. Set aside.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, mayo, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and cayenne. Whisk to combine.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix cooked pasta with corn, chicken, onion, cilantro, and 3/4 cup cotija cheese.
- Add Dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine. Season with salt to taste.
- Finish and Serve: Sprinkle remaining cheese and cilantro on top. Enjoy!
Notes
- Make-Ahead: Best served fresh, but flavors develop well when refrigerated. Great for meal prep.
- Customization: Easily adjustable for picky eaters or personal preferences.
- Pasta Varieties: Use any short pasta shape, following gluten-free cooking instructions.
- Corn Considerations: Fresh corn can be substituted for frozen, adding charred corn enhances flavor.
- Customize It: Add beans, bell peppers, avocado, jalapeños, or honey for personal touch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 610mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
