DisclaimerTerms Of UseGDPR PolicyCookie Policy

My Dish Spin

Corn Pasta Salad Quick and Tasty Summer Dish

by
For a great corn pasta salad, you need fresh, bright ingredients. Start with pasta. I prefer using rotini. This shape holds the dressing and corn well. You can also use other short pasta types, like penne or fusilli.

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Get ready for summer with a refreshing corn pasta salad that’s quick and tasty! This dish is perfect for any gathering, from beach picnics to backyard BBQs. I’ll guide you through essential ingredients, step-by-step preparation, and fun variations. Plus, I’ll share serving tips and nutritional benefits that make this salad a must-try. Dive in to discover how easy it is to impress your guests with this delicious crowd-pleaser!

Jump to Recipe

What Ingredients Are Essential for a Delicious Corn Pasta Salad?

For a great corn pasta salad, you need fresh, bright ingredients. Start with pasta. I prefer using rotini. This shape holds the dressing and corn well. You can also use other short pasta types, like penne or fusilli.

Next, add sweet corn. You can use canned corn for convenience. Make sure to drain it well. If you want a fresher taste, use grilled or steamed corn.

Fresh vegetables make the salad pop. I like cherry tomatoes, diced red bell pepper, and finely chopped red onion. These add color and crunch. Don’t forget cilantro for a fresh kick!

For creaminess, add an avocado. It gives a rich texture and balances the flavors. Crumbled feta cheese adds saltiness and tang.

Now, let’s talk about the dressing. A mix of olive oil, lime juice, and honey works well. Smoked paprika adds a nice depth.

Finally, consider a spicy kick. If you like heat, add chopped jalapeño to your salad.

This easy pasta salad with corn is all about fresh tastes and colors. You can find the full recipe here.

How Do You Prepare the Corn Pasta Salad Step by Step?

To make a corn pasta salad, follow these steps.

What Are the Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Salad?

1. Boil the pasta. Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add 8 oz of rotini pasta. Cook it until al dente. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes.

2. Drain and rinse. Once cooked, drain the pasta. Rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking. It will also help keep the pasta firm.

3. Mix the veggies. In a large bowl, add 1 can of drained sweet corn, 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1 diced red bell pepper, 1/2 finely chopped red onion, and 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro. Stir to mix well.

4. Prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of lime juice, 1 teaspoon of honey, 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and salt and pepper to taste.

5. Combine everything. Add the cooled pasta to the veggie mix. Gently fold in 1 diced avocado and 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese.

6. Dress the salad. Pour the dressing over the pasta salad. Toss everything together until coated.

7. Add heat if desired. If you like spice, add 1 finely chopped jalapeño.

8. Taste and chill. Taste and adjust the seasoning. Cover the salad and chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.

How Do You Make the Dressing for Corn Pasta Salad?

To make the dressing, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, honey, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl. This mixture adds a tangy and sweet flavor. It balances well with the corn and veggies.

What Preparations Should Be Done in Advance?

You can prepare many ingredients ahead of time. Cook the pasta and let it cool. Chop the veggies and store them in the fridge. You can also make the dressing a day before. This saves time and enhances the flavors.

For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions. Enjoy your corn pasta salad!

For a great corn pasta salad, you need fresh, bright ingredients. Start with <strong>pasta</strong>. I prefer using rotini. This shape holds the dressing and corn well. You can also use other short pasta types, like penne or fusilli.” /></p> </p> <h2>What Variations of Corn Pasta Salad Can You Try?</h2> </p> <p>You can have fun with corn pasta salad by trying different styles. One tasty option is corn salad with tomatoes and basil. This mix adds fresh flavors and bright colors. Use ripe tomatoes and fresh basil for the best taste.</p> </p> <p>Another great idea is a southwestern corn pasta salad. Add black beans, corn, and diced peppers for a spicy kick. A squeeze of lime juice really brightens this dish. You can also sprinkle some cumin for more depth.</p> </p> <p>If you want something light and fresh, try a Mediterranean corn pasta salad. Use olives, feta cheese, and fresh herbs like parsley or dill. This version pairs well with grilled chicken or fish.</p> </p> <h3>How Can You Customize Your Corn Pasta Salad?</h3> </p> <p>You can make your corn pasta salad unique by changing the ingredients. Start with your favorite pasta shape. Rotini works well, but try penne or farfalle too. Next, think about your veggies. You can add bell peppers, cucumbers, or even peas.</p> </p> <p>For protein, consider chickpeas or grilled chicken. These options make your salad more filling. You can also switch up the cheese. Feta, mozzarella, or even goat cheese work great.</p> </p> <h3>What Are Some Vegetarian and Gluten-Free Options?</h3> </p> <p>Corn pasta salad can easily fit a vegetarian diet. Just skip any meat and load up on veggies. For cheese lovers, feta or mozzarella adds a nice touch.</p> </p> <p>If you need a gluten-free option, swap regular pasta for gluten-free pasta. There are many tasty choices made from rice or corn. This way, everyone can enjoy the salad.</p> </p> <h3>Which Seasonal Ingredients Can Enhance the Salad?</h3> </p> <p>Seasonal ingredients can really boost your corn pasta salad. In summer, fresh corn shines. Use sweet corn right off the cob for the best taste.</p> </p> <p>Tomatoes are also in season during summer. They add color and flavor. Don’t forget herbs like basil or cilantro. They brighten up each bite.</p> </p> <p>In the fall, consider adding roasted squash or pumpkin. These give a warm flavor that is perfect for cooler days.</p> </p> <h2>How Can You Serve Corn Pasta Salad for Different Occasions?</h2> </p> <p>You can serve corn pasta salad at many events. It works great for potlucks, BBQs, and family gatherings.</p> </p> <h3>What Are the Best Serving Suggestions?</h3> </p> <p>For potlucks, place your corn pasta salad in a large bowl. Use a bowl that looks nice. This invites people to try it. For BBQs, serve it cold. This makes it refreshing on warm days. You can also add a sprinkle of lime juice on top for extra flavor.</p> </p> <h3>How Do You Present Your Salad to Impress Guests?</h3> </p> <p>To impress guests, focus on the colors in your salad. Use bright cherry tomatoes and green avocado. Garnish with fresh cilantro. This adds a pop of color. You can also serve it in a clear glass bowl. This lets guests see all the ingredients. A few lime wedges on the side can add a fun touch.</p> </p> <h3>What Accompaniments Pair Well with Corn Pasta Salad?</h3> </p> <p>Corn pasta salad pairs well with grilled chicken or fish. The light flavors balance nicely. You can also serve it with tortilla chips for crunch. If you want something sweet, a fruit salad works well too. These pairings make your meal complete and satisfying. For the full recipe, try my Sweet & Savory Corn Pasta Salad.</p> </p> <p><img decoding=

For a great corn pasta salad, you need fresh, bright ingredients. Start with pasta. I prefer using rotini. This shape holds the dressing and corn well. You can also use other short pasta types, like penne or fusilli.

Corn Pasta Salad

Beat the summer heat with a quick and tasty corn pasta salad that’s perfect for any outdoor gathering! This vibrant dish combines fresh ingredients like sweet corn, colorful veggies, and creamy avocado, all tossed in a zesty dressing. Whether you're heading to a picnic or hosting a BBQ, impress your guests effortlessly with this crowd-pleaser. Click through for the full recipe and get ready to enjoy a refreshing summer staple!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

8 oz (about 225g) rotini pasta

1 can (15 oz) sweet corn, drained

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 red bell pepper, diced

1/2 red onion, finely chopped

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

1 avocado, diced

1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled

3 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons lime juice

1 teaspoon honey

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional: 1 jalapeño, finely chopped for extra heat

Instructions
 

Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the rotini pasta and cook 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 drained corn, halved cherry tomatoes, diced red bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, and chopped cilantro.

      In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, honey, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.

        Add the cooked and cooled pasta to the vegetable mixture. Gently mix in the diced avocado and crumbled feta cheese.

          Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss everything together until evenly coated.

            If using jalapeño, sprinkle it in at this stage for a spicy kick.

              Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

                Cover the salad and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving for the flavors to meld.

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

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the salad in a large beautiful bowl, garnished with a sprinkle of extra feta and a few sprigs of cilantro on top. For a colorful contrast, you can serve with lime wedges on the side for squeezing.

                      WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

                      Leave a Comment

                      Recipe Rating