Healthy Street Corn Pasta Salad
Highlighted under: Healthy & Light
Enjoy a fresh twist on a classic favorite with this Healthy Street Corn Pasta Salad. Loaded with sweet corn, vibrant veggies, and a zesty lime dressing, this dish is perfect for summer barbecues, potlucks, or a light meal. It's a nutritious and colorful way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet, making it an ideal appetizer for any gathering.
This Healthy Street Corn Pasta Salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. The sweet corn adds a delightful crunch, while the colorful vegetables make it visually appealing. Toss it with a zesty lime dressing for a refreshing taste that will leave your guests asking for more.
A Fresh and Flavorful Delight
Healthy Street Corn Pasta Salad is a harmonious blend of fresh ingredients that brings the essence of summer to your table. The combination of sweet corn, cherry tomatoes, and colorful bell peppers creates a visually appealing dish bursting with flavor. This recipe is easy to prepare, making it perfect for casual get-togethers as well as more festive occasions.
The lime dressing adds a zesty kick to the salad, enhancing the natural sweetness of the corn and the freshness of the vegetables. With every bite, you’ll experience a delightful crunch that complements the tender pasta. This dish is more than just a salad; it’s a vibrant celebration of seasonal produce.
Nutritional Benefits
This Healthy Street Corn Pasta Salad isn’t just delicious; it's also packed with essential nutrients. Sweet corn is a great source of vitamins A and C, as well as fiber, contributing to a healthy digestive system. The colorful veggies in this salad provide an array of antioxidants, which help combat free radicals and promote overall health.
Moreover, using whole-grain pasta can increase your intake of complex carbohydrates and fiber, making this dish not only satisfying but also beneficial for maintaining energy levels. With the addition of healthy fats from olive oil, you're giving your body the nourishment it deserves while indulging in a tasty meal.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you're hosting a barbecue, attending a potluck, or simply enjoying a light meal at home, this pasta salad is a versatile dish that can suit any occasion. Its vibrant appearance and fresh taste make it an attractive option for gatherings, while its nutritional profile ensures that you’ll feel good serving it to family and friends.
The salad can be made ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen, which means less stress on the day of your event. Its simplicity and adaptability make it easy to customize with your favorite seasonal vegetables, transforming it into a dish that can be enjoyed all year round.
Ingredients
Gather these fresh ingredients for your delicious pasta salad.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces of pasta (your choice)
- 1 cup sweet corn (fresh or canned)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Make sure to rinse your pasta before mixing it with the ingredients.
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your Healthy Street Corn Pasta Salad.
Cook the Pasta
In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
Prepare the Vegetables
In a large bowl, combine the sweet corn, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, red onion, and cilantro.
Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Combine Ingredients
Add the cooked pasta to the vegetable mixture. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well to combine.
Serve and Enjoy
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving for flavors to meld.
Serve this refreshing pasta salad at your next gathering!
Tips for the Best Salad
To elevate your Healthy Street Corn Pasta Salad, consider grilling the corn for a smoky flavor that enhances the dish's complexity. Additionally, feel free to experiment with different dressings by adding ingredients like honey or jalapeño for added sweetness or spice, respectively. Remember that using fresh herbs will intensify the flavors throughout the dish.
For added protein, you could include grilled chicken or chickpeas, making this salad an excellent standalone dish for lunch or dinner. This adaptability is one of the many reasons why it’s a favorite among health-conscious eaters and busy families alike.
Storage and Leftovers
If you have leftovers, they can easily be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This Healthy Street Corn Pasta Salad will last for 3 to 5 days, allowing you to enjoy the flavors throughout the week. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving, as the dressing may settle.
If you find that the salad has dried out a bit after storage, simply add a splash of olive oil or a squeeze of fresh lime juice to revive the flavors. It's a fantastic option for meal prep, providing a quick and nutritious meal choice ready to grab when you need it.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes, it tastes even better when made a day in advance.
→ Is this salad gluten-free?
You can use gluten-free pasta to make it gluten-free.
Healthy Street Corn Pasta Salad
Enjoy a fresh twist on a classic favorite with this Healthy Street Corn Pasta Salad. Loaded with sweet corn, vibrant veggies, and a zesty lime dressing, this dish is perfect for summer barbecues, potlucks, or a light meal. It's a nutritious and colorful way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet, making it an ideal appetizer for any gathering.
Created by: Hayley Morton
Recipe Type: Healthy & Light
Skill Level: easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 8 ounces of pasta (your choice)
- 1 cup sweet corn (fresh or canned)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
In a large bowl, combine the sweet corn, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, red onion, and cilantro.
In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Add the cooked pasta to the vegetable mixture. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well to combine.
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving for flavors to meld.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Total Calories: 250
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 10g