Name: Grilled Corn & Avocado Pasta Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz short pasta (fusilli or penne); 2 ears fresh corn, grilled; 1 ripe avocado, diced; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped; Juice of 2 limes; 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste

Print Recipe

The aroma of grilled corn wafts through the air, mingling with the creamy promise of avocado in a delightful pasta salad. This Grilled Corn & Avocado Pasta Salad is a refreshing burst of flavor and texture that dances on your taste buds. refreshing pasta salad recipe Imagine savoring warm, smoky corn and buttery avocado against a backdrop of perfectly cooked pasta, drizzled with a tangy dressing that whispers summer to your senses.

Gather your friends and family because this dish is not just dinner; it’s an event! Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or enjoying a cozy evening, this salad promises to steal the spotlight. Just wait until you see the smiles when they take their first bite—trust me, it’s worth every minute spent in the kitchen.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

It’s super easy to whip up, making meal prep feel like a breeze
The flavor profile is a delightful mix of smoky, creamy, and tangy that everyone will rave about
Colorful ingredients create a visually stunning dish that brightens any table
Perfect for summer picnics but versatile enough for any occasion

This salad always gets rave reviews from my friends, especially when they discover it’s packed with flavor and healthy goodness.

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Pasta: I use short pasta like fusilli or penne, which holds the sauce beautifully while providing great texture.
Sweet Corn: Fresh corn is best when grilled for that smoky sweetness; frozen works in a pinch if fresh isn’t available. savory halloumi wraps.
Avocado: Choose ripe avocados; they should yield slightly when gently pressed for maximum creaminess.
Cherry Tomatoes: These add vibrant color and juicy bursts of flavor; go for red or yellow for variety. roasted cherry tomatoes.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a bright note; if you’re not a fan, parsley makes an excellent substitute.
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice gives your dressing that zing! Bottled just doesn’t have the same magic.
Olive Oil: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for depth of flavor in your dressing.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; adjust to taste based on your preferences.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.

Grill the Corn: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place fresh corn on the grill and cook until charred on all sides, about 10 minutes. Let cool slightly before cutting off kernels.

Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper until emulsified. delicious Greek chicken bowl This zesty dressing brings all the flavors together beautifully.

Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, add cooked pasta, grilled corn kernels, diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped cilantro. Gently toss everything together to keep the avocado intact.

Dress It Up: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently until evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed—don’t be shy!

Chill and Serve: Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld together. Serve chilled or at room temperature during your next gathering!

This Grilled Corn & Avocado Pasta Salad brings sunshine to any gathering! It’s perfect alongside grilled meats or enjoyed on its own as a light meal. Enjoy every bite! For more inspiration, check out this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta recipe.

You Must Know

Grilled Corn & Avocado Pasta Salad is a vibrant dish that combines flavors and textures
The smoky corn and creamy avocado create a delightful harmony, making it perfect for summer gatherings or picnics
Fresh herbs enhance the taste, ensuring each bite is refreshing and satisfying

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by grilling the corn until it gets those gorgeous char marks. Cook the pasta while preparing the dressing to save time and ensure everything comes together seamlessly.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap in cherry tomatoes or black beans for added color and protein. A squeeze of lime juice can elevate the flavors even more.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on low heat to maintain the texture.

Chef's Helpful Tips

Use fresh corn for grilling; it’s sweeter compared to frozen
Always rinse pasta with cold water after cooking to stop it from getting mushy
Consider adding feta cheese for an extra creamy touch that complements the salad beautifully

Creating this dish reminds me of summer barbecues with friends, where laughter filled the air and everyone fought over seconds of this delicious salad.

FAQs

FAQ

Can I make Grilled Corn & Avocado Pasta Salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it a few hours in advance; just add avocado just before serving.

What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Short pasta shapes like fusilli or rotini hold onto the dressing wonderfully.

How long can I store leftovers?

Leftovers last about three days in the fridge when stored properly.