High Protein Street Corn Pasta Salad

Elevate your summer potluck game with this High Protein Street Corn Pasta Salad, a vibrant and nutritious twist on a classic favorite. Bursting with the bold flavors of smoky charred corn, juicy cherry tomatoes, and zesty lime, this salad combines wholesome, high-protein pasta made from chickpeas or lentils with hearty black beans for a satisfying plant-powered boost. A creamy dressing of Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, and warming spices like chili powder and cumin ties the dish together, while optional Cotija cheese adds a salty, tangy finish. Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy, protein-packed recipe works perfectly as a make-ahead meal or a fresh, crowd-pleasing side dish. Enjoy it chilled or at room temperature for a taste of summer in every bite! Keywords: high protein pasta salad, street corn pasta salad, healthy summer recipes, easy make-ahead dishes, nutritious side recipes.

Nutriscore Rating: 82/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 8 ounces Pasta (high-protein, like chickpea or lentil pasta)
• 1.5 cups Corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen and thawed)
• 1 cup Black beans (cooked, rinsed, and drained)
• 1 cup Cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 0.25 cup Red onion (finely diced)
• 0.25 cup Cilantro (chopped)
• 0.25 cup Cotija cheese (crumbled, optional)
• 0.5 cup Greek yogurt (plain, non-fat)
• 2 tablespoons Mayonnaise
• 1 whole Lime (juiced)
• 1 teaspoon Chili powder
• 0.5 teaspoon Cumin (ground)
• 0.5 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil

Directions

Step 1

Cook the high-protein pasta according to package instructions. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.

Step 2

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, add the corn kernels. If using fresh corn, cook until charred and caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. If using canned or thawed frozen corn, cook for 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.

Step 3

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta, charred corn, black beans, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro.

Step 4

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.

Step 5

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

Step 6

If desired, sprinkle the salad with crumbled Cotija cheese for added flavor and protein.

Step 7

Refrigerate the salad for at least 15-20 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.

Step 8

Serve chilled or at room temperature and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1306.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2014.9

Total Fat 74.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 18.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 87.4mg	0%
Sodium 2280.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 264.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 46.1g	0%
Total Sugars 35.8g
Protein 101.5g	0%

Vitamin D 12.8IU	0%
Calcium 822.6mg	0%
Iron 18.1mg	0%
Potassium 3838.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 31.4%

Protein: 19.0%

Carbs: 49.5%