Easy Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad for Summer Cookouts
If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing pasta salad with a healthy twist, this Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is the answer.
Inspired by the popular Mexican street food, this recipe combines corn, zesty lime, fresh cilantro, and a creamy lightened-up dressing for a refreshing dish that’s both satisfying and easy to make.
It’s a great way to enjoy big flavor while keeping calories and Weight Watchers points in check.
The Ingredients
Pasta: Pasta provides complex carbohydrates that give your body energy and help keep you feeling satisfied. Choosing a moderate portion makes it a great base for a balanced salad.
Corn: Corn is naturally rich in fiber, antioxidants, and important nutrients like vitamin C and folate. Its natural sweetness adds flavor without the need for added sugar.
Red Onion: Red onions contain antioxidants and plant compounds that may support heart health. They also add crunch and bold flavor while being very low in calories.
Jalapeño: Jalapeños add a spicy kick and contain vitamin C along with capsaicin, a compound that may help support metabolism and overall wellness.
Reduced-Fat Mayonnaise: Using reduced-fat mayonnaise helps create a creamy dressing with fewer calories and less fat than regular mayo while still delivering rich flavor.
Fat-Free Sour Cream: Fat-free sour cream adds tanginess and creaminess while significantly reducing the calories and fat found in traditional sour cream.
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice brightens the entire dish and provides vitamin C. It also enhances flavor naturally, reducing the need for excess salt or heavy dressings.
Cilantro: Cilantro adds fresh flavor and contains antioxidants along with small amounts of vitamins A, C, and K.
Chili Powder, Cumin, Garlic Powder, and Smoked Paprika: These spices add layers of flavor without adding calories, fat, or sugar. They help create the classic Mexican street corn taste while keeping the recipe Weight Watchers friendly.
Together, these ingredients create a balanced dish that offers fiber from vegetables and corn, protein from cheese and dairy, healthy portion-controlled carbohydrates from pasta, and plenty of fresh flavors from herbs, citrus, and spices.
The result is a satisfying salad that’s lighter than traditional versions while still tasting indulgent.
Click here to track the points on your Weight Watchers app. The full nutrition information can be found at the bottom of the recipe card.
How to Make Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Spray with nonstick cooking spray and add corn. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned and roasted. Let cool.
In a small bowl, whisk together reduced-fat mayo, fat-free sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
In a large bowl, add cooled pasta, corn, red onion, jalapeño, cheese, and cilantro. Pour dressing over the top and toss until well coated.
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving so the flavors can blend.
Optional Add-Ins
- Diced grilled chicken
- Black beans
- Cherry tomatoes
- Avocado (adds points but tastes amazing)
- Tajín seasoning instead of chili powder
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 8 oz. uncooked rotini pasta
- 1 1/2 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen thawed, or canned drained)
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely diced
- 1/2 cup reduced-fat feta cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
For the dressing:
- 1/3 cup reduced-fat mayonnaise
- 2/3 cup fat-free sour cream
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Spray with nonstick cooking spray and add corn. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned and roasted. Let cool.
- In a small bowl, whisk together reduced-fat mayo, fat-free sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- In a large bowl, add cooled pasta, corn, red onion, jalapeño, cheese, and cilantro. Pour dressing over the top and toss until well coated.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving so the flavors can blend.
Notes
Here are some more Weight Watchers friendly recipes:
Are you looking for a meal plan that’s Weight Watchers friendly? I have over 300 meal plans that you can choose from and I post a new one each week. Click here to check them out!
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