Description
Smoked Corn Avocado Pasta Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish featuring tender rotini pasta tossed with smoky grilled corn kernels, creamy diced avocados, juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp red onion, and fresh cilantro. Enhanced with a zesty lime and chili powder dressing, this salad is perfect for summer cookouts, picnics, or as a flavorful side dish to your favorite BBQ meals.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 2 ears smoked or grilled corn, kernels removed
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup diced red onion
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
- ¼ cup crumbled cotija cheese (optional)
Dressing
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the rotini pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely, preventing it from sticking together.
- Prepare Salad Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the smoked or grilled corn kernels, diced avocados, halved cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, chopped cilantro, and crumbled cotija cheese if using.
- Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined and smooth.
- Toss Salad: Gently pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss carefully to coat evenly while keeping the avocado chunks intact.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- Add grilled chicken for extra protein and a heartier meal.
- Stir the salad gently to keep the avocado pieces from mashing.
- Best enjoyed within 24 hours to maintain freshness and texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
