Description
Street Corn Pasta Salad combines tender pasta, sweet roasted corn, creamy plant-based cheese, and a zesty natural cider dressing for a vibrant, refreshing, and satisfying meal perfect for lunches, casual gatherings, or as a versatile side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 2 cups penne or rotini pasta
Corn
- 3 cups fresh corn kernels (roasted)
Cheese and Herbs
- 1 cup plant-based cheese (creamy)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon natural maple syrup (natural)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add your choice of pasta, and cook until al dente following package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to halt cooking and cool the pasta for the salad.
- Roast the Corn: Remove kernels from fresh corn cobs and roast them in a hot skillet or oven until lightly charred and golden, enhancing sweetness and adding a subtle smoky flavor.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), lime juice, natural maple syrup (natural), smoked paprika, ground cumin, and a pinch of salt to create a tangy, balanced dressing.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, gently toss the cooked pasta, roasted corn, chopped fresh cilantro, chopped fresh chives, and creamy plant-based cheese. Pour the dressing over and toss until everything is well coated.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld beautifully. Serve chilled for a refreshing and vibrant dish.
Notes
- Use fresh, in-season corn for best flavor and texture.
- Do not overcook pasta; keep it slightly firm to prevent mushiness when mixed with dressing.
- Roast or grill corn to add depth and smokiness to the salad.
- Chill thoroughly before serving for a delicious flavor blend.
- Adjust dressing with more lime juice or natural maple syrup (natural) to balance tang and sweetness as preferred.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: street corn pasta salad, plant-based cheese salad, roasted corn salad, gluten free pasta salad, vegetarian pasta salad
