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Flavorful Grilled Chicken Street Corn Pasta Salad

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A smoky, creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy pasta salad featuring grilled chicken, street corn, and a lime-infused creamy dressing. Perfect for summer gatherings and quick meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound / 450 g)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for coating)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 3 ears fresh corn, husked (or about 2 cups frozen corn, thawed)
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 8 ounces (225 g) rotini or penne pasta (whole wheat or gluten-free options work too)
  • 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken breasts dry and rub them with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let them sit for 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225 g) of pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually 9-11 minutes, until al dente. Drain and rinse briefly under cold water to stop cooking and cool it for the salad. Set aside.
  3. Heat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into bite-sized strips.
  4. While the chicken grills, grill the corn on the cob, turning occasionally, until charred in spots, about 8-10 minutes. Let cool slightly, then slice kernels off the cob with a sharp knife.
  5. In a bowl, mix corn kernels with mayonnaise, cotija cheese, lime juice, chili powder, and chopped cilantro. Stir until well combined.
  6. In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  7. In a large bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the grilled chicken slices and street corn mixture. Pour the dressing over and gently stir until everything is coated evenly.
  8. Taste and add more salt, pepper, or lime juice if needed. For a bit more heat, sprinkle additional chili powder or a dash of cayenne.
  9. Serve immediately for a warm salad or refrigerate for 30 minutes to let flavors meld.

Notes

Rest chicken after grilling for juiciness. Grill corn until charred for best flavor. Rinse pasta with cold water to prevent sticking. Keep dressing separate if prepping ahead to avoid sogginess. Slice chicken against the grain for tenderness. Adjust chili powder for spice preference.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled chicken, street corn, pasta salad, summer recipe, easy pasta salad, backyard BBQ, creamy dressing, smoky flavor

Find it online: https://sofiaspice.com/flavorful-grilled-chicken-street-corn-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-and-perfect-for-summer/