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Smoked Corn Avocado Pasta Salad Recipe

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4.1 from 31 reviews

  • Author: Jane
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Smoked Corn Avocado Pasta Salad is a vibrant and refreshing side dish featuring tender rotini pasta tossed with smoky grilled corn, creamy diced avocado, juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp red onion, fresh cilantro, and optional crumbled cotija cheese. It is dressed with a zesty lime and chili-infused olive oil dressing, making it perfect for summer cookouts, BBQs, or light meals that celebrate bold, fresh flavors.

Ingredients

Pasta Salad

  • 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

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely and stop the cooking process. Set aside.
  2. Prepare the salad ingredients: Remove kernels from the smoked or grilled corn ears. Dice the ripe avocados, halve the cherry tomatoes, and dice the red onion. Chop the fresh cilantro and crumble the cotija cheese if using.
  3. Combine the salad: In a large mixing bowl, gently toss together the cooled pasta, corn kernels, diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, and cotija cheese. Stir carefully to avoid mashing the avocado.
  4. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined and emulsified.
  5. Toss with dressing: Drizzle the dressing over the pasta salad and gently toss everything together so the dressing coats all ingredients evenly.
  6. Chill and serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled as a side dish or light meal.

Notes

  • Add grilled chicken for extra protein and a heartier meal.
  • Stir gently to keep the avocado pieces intact and maintain the salad’s creamy texture.
  • Best enjoyed within 24 hours to ensure freshness and flavor.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://cookingmomy.com/smoked-corn-avocado-pasta-salad-recipe/