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Large white bowl of Mexican streetcorn pasta salad with chicken topped with charred corn, feta cheese and fresh cilantro

mexican streetcorn pasta salad with chicken

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 480

Ingredients

  • 1 lb short pasta cavatappi or rotini
  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 4 cups corn kernels fresh, or thawed frozen
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta
  • 2 limes juiced and zested
  • 2 jalapeños seeded + finely diced
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1.5 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/3 cup diced red onion

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400
  • Heat a 3.5 qt sauté pan over medium-high, once hot add a splash of olive oil
  • Pat 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts dry and rub with 1 teaspoons ground cumin, 1 teaspoons garlic powder, a little of the chili powder, salt, and pepper.
  • Sear undisturbed for 4 minutes per side then transfer to the oven for 12 minutes (until chicken reaches internal temperature of 165°F inside). Rest 5 min, then dice.
  • Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and season generously with salt. Cook 1 pounds short pasta to al dente, drain, and toss with a little bit of oil to prevent it from sticking.
  • Heat the 10-inch skillet over high until hot, add 2 tablespoons olive oil, then corn in a single layer. Season with paprika, chili powder, salt and pepper. Leave it ALONE so it chars, tossing only every couple minutes, until blistered and golden in spots.
  • In a medium bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together mayonnaise, greek yogurt, the juice + zest of limes, 3 garlic cloves until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust salt and lime.
  • Add the pasta, charred corn, and diced chicken to a large bowl. Fold in cheese, jalapeños, fresh cilantro, and red onion. Drizzle with dressing. Toss until everything's glossy and coated

Notes

  • You can leave out the chicken to keep it vegetarian - would be a perfect side dish!
  • Reserve a little dressing and/or add a squeeze of lime juice before serving as the pasta will absorb the dressing as it sits in the fridge. 
 

Nutrition

Serving: 1.5cupsCalories: 480kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 28gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 620mgPotassium: 380mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 180IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 120mgIron: 2mg