Mexican Street Corn Chicken Pasta Salad
User Reviews
5
Mexican Street Corn Chicken Pasta Salad
Description
The salad brings together grilled corn kernels, cooked bowtie pasta, and shredded chicken, combined with fresh baby spinach, sliced avocado, black beans, chopped cilantro, and thinly sliced red onion. The grilled corn adds slight char and sweetness, complementing the creamy, peppery dressing made from mayonnaise, cayenne pepper, minced garlic, and freshly squeezed lime juice. The cotija or queso fresco cheese sprinkled over adds a salty, crumbly element characteristic of Mexican flavors.
This dish is assembled by tossing all ingredients with the dressing just before serving to maintain freshness and texture. The pasta provides substance, while the vegetables offer bright notes. It suits being served immediately but can also be prepared ahead by storing ingredients and dressing separately, then combined when ready. It typically serves around 8 people as a side or 4-6 as a main dish.
Ingredients
- 3 cups baby spinach
- 2 cups chicken rotisserie chicken works well, shredded
- 3 cups bowtie pasta or another short noodle, cooked
- 2 corn ears
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- salt to taste
- 2 avocado sliced
- ½ cup black beans
- 1 bunch cilantro chopped
- ½ red onion thinly sliced
- ½ cup cotija cheese or queso fresco cheese, crumbled
Dressing
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise light
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons lime juice freshly squeezed
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together dressing ingredients and set aside.
- Brush corn with oil and season with salt to taste. Grill over medium-high heat for 5-10 minutes, turning throughout, until kernels begin to char. Allow to cool slightly before using a sharp knife to cut kernels from the cobs.
- In a large bowl combine spinach, chicken, pasta, grilled corn, avocados, black beans, cilantro, onions, and cheese. Pour dressing over the top and toss to combine. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Prepare the salad ingredients and dressing separately and chill both covered; toss together just before serving to preserve freshness.
- This salad serves about 8 as a side or 4-6 as a main course.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 318 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 318kcal | 16% |
| Carbohydrates | 30g | 10% |
| Protein | 16g | 32% |
| Fat | 16g | 25% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 36mg | 12% |
| Sodium | 218mg | 9% |
| Potassium | 561mg | 12% |
| Fiber | 6g | 24% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 1336IU | 27% |
| Vitamin C | 11mg | 12% |
| Calcium | 79mg | 8% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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