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Creamy High Protein Elote Pasta Salad

Creamy High Protein Elote Pasta Salad for a Tasty Twist

This Creamy High Protein Elote Pasta Salad features charred corn and a rich Greek yogurt dressing, perfect for meal prep or gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Chilling Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 cups
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta Base
  • 8 oz Barilla Protein+ pasta or any short pasta like rotini or shells
For the Vegetables
  • 4.5 cups charred corn fresh, frozen, or canned
  • 0.5 cup cotija cheese feta can be used as an alternative
  • 0.5 large red onion finely diced
  • 0.5 cup cilantro or parsley if preferred
  • 1 medium jalapeño adjust for spice preference
For the Creamy Dressing
  • 0.75 cup Greek yogurt lower-fat options available
  • 2 tbsp mayonnaise or increase yogurt for a lighter dressing
  • 1 medium lime juiced and zested
  • 0.75 tsp chili powder
  • 0.75 tsp smoked paprika
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.25 tsp ground cumin
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper

Equipment

  • large pot
  • skillet
  • mixing bowl
  • Colander

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta, cooking it until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes, then drain and rinse with cold water.
  2. While the pasta cooks, finely dice the red onion and mince the jalapeño, removing seeds for a milder flavor. Chop cilantro, zest and juice the lime.
  3. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sauté the corn for about 3-6 minutes until charred and golden-brown. Remove and allow to cool slightly.
  4. In a mixing bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lime zest, lime juice, and spices until smooth and creamy.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, charred corn, diced red onion, minced jalapeño, chopped cilantro, and cotija cheese. Drizzle the dressing over and gently toss until well-coated.
  6. Cover the bowl and chill the salad in the refrigerator for about 10-15 minutes to meld flavors. Serve chilled.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 15gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 5gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Store the salad in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Avoid freezing as it may affect the texture.

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