Hi👋 I’m MARILYN, a 34-year-old from the United Kingdom. Cooking is my passion, and I love sharing delicious, easy-to-follow recipes. Join me on marilynrecipes.com to explore a world of culinary delights, from comforting classics to innovative creations. Let’s make cooking fun and enjoyable for everyone! Cooking is about more than just food it’s about sharing stories and making memories.
One of my favorite memories in the kitchen is from a sunny Saturday morning a few years ago. I had a basket full of fresh corn from the market, and I was craving something light but flavorful. I wanted a salad that could feel indulgent but still wholesome perfect for sharing with friends or serving at a family picnic. That’s when I created my Healthy Street Corn Pasta Salad with Greek Yogurt. The combination of sweet corn, smoky charred bits, creamy Greek yogurt, and tender pasta immediately brought everyone to the table. Every bite felt like summer on a plate, and the best part? It was packed with flavor without any heavy mayo.
Since then, this recipe has become a staple at my house. I make it for potlucks, for weekday lunches, and sometimes just because I want something bright and cheerful to share. I love how simple ingredients can come together to create something that feels festive and nourishing at the same time.
Why I Love Making This Recipe
I love this salad because it’s more than just a side dish it’s a way to bring people together. I often find that food connects us to memories, to each other, and to ourselves. Making this salad reminds me of sunny afternoons with my friends, laughing in my kitchen while the corn sizzles on the stove. The Greek yogurt gives it a creamy, tangy lift that balances perfectly with the natural sweetness of the corn, and the herbs make every bite feel fresh and vibrant.
It’s also so versatile. I can toss in leftover roasted vegetables, sprinkle a little feta on top, or add some grilled chicken for a complete meal. Every time I make it, I feel like I’m sharing a little bit of love with the people who sit down to eat it.
Ingredients & Little Kitchen Secrets
Here’s what you’ll need to make this salad come to life:
Ingredients:
- 300g fusilli pasta
- 3 cups fresh corn kernels (about 4 ears of corn)
- 200g Greek yogurt (full-fat or low-fat works)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: crumbled feta or cotija cheese for garnish
Little Kitchen Secrets:
- Char the corn lightly in a hot skillet to bring out a smoky flavor that makes the salad irresistible.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo for creaminess with a tangy twist and a healthier profile.
- Let the salad sit for at least 20 minutes after mixing this allows all the flavors to marry beautifully.
How I Make It, Step by Step
- Cook the Pasta: I start by boiling water with a pinch of salt. Once boiling, I add the fusilli and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. I drain it and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and set it aside to cool.
- Char the Corn: While the pasta is cooking, I heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. I add the olive oil and corn kernels and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the corn gets lightly browned and smoky. This step really brings out the depth of flavor.
- Prepare the Veggies: I dice the red bell pepper, finely chop the red onion, and roughly chop the cilantro. I love how fresh herbs can elevate a simple salad.
- Mix the Dressing: In a small bowl, I whisk together Greek yogurt, lime juice, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. I taste it to make sure it has the right balance of tanginess and seasoning.
- Combine Everything: I toss the cooled pasta with the charred corn, bell pepper, red onion, and cilantro. Then, I fold in the Greek yogurt dressing gently, making sure everything is coated without breaking the pasta.
- Final Touches: I sprinkle extra cilantro or cheese on top if I’m feeling indulgent. I always add a tiny squeeze of lime right before serving for a fresh burst of flavor.
How I Serve It at Home
I usually serve this salad chilled or at room temperature. It’s perfect as a side dish for grilled chicken, fish, or even as part of a picnic spread. I love bringing it to potlucks because it’s colorful, easy to share, and people always ask for the recipe. Sometimes, I serve it in a large wooden bowl right in the center of the table and watch as everyone digs in, smiling and sharing stories. That’s my favorite parthe communal joy that comes with a simple, well-made dish.
Storage, Reheating & Make-Ahead Tips
- Storage: I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Make-Ahead: This salad actually tastes better if made a few hours in advance because the flavors meld together.
- Reheating: I don’t recommend microwaving because the Greek yogurt may separate. Just bring it to room temperature and give it a gentle stir.
- Tip: If the salad thickens too much after sitting in the fridge, I add a teaspoon of water or lime juice to loosen it before serving.
100-Word Short Version
This Healthy Street Corn Pasta Salad with Greek Yogurt is my go-to for bright, summery meals. I combine tender fusilli with smoky charred corn, crisp red bell pepper, red onion, and fresh cilantro. Greek yogurt mixed with lime juice, smoked paprika, and cumin makes a creamy, tangy dressing that ties everything together. I toss it all gently, sprinkle optional cheese or extra herbs, and serve chilled or at room temperature. It’s easy, wholesome, and perfect for family dinners, picnics, or potlucks. Leftovers stay fresh for 3 days, making it as convenient as it is delicious.
Recipe Card Section
⏱️ Time
- Prep: 15 mins
- Cook: 15 mins
- Total: 30 mins
🛒 Ingredients
- 300g fusilli pasta
- 3 cups fresh corn kernels
- 200g Greek yogurt
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: crumbled feta or cotija cheese
👩🍳 Instructions
- Boil pasta until al dente, rinse under cold water, and set aside.
- Heat oil in a skillet, add corn, and char lightly for 5–7 minutes.
- Dice bell pepper, chop onion and cilantro.
- Mix Greek yogurt, lime juice, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper for the dressing.
- Toss pasta, corn, veggies, and dressing together gently.
- Garnish with cilantro or cheese and serve chilled or at room temperature.
📝 Notes
- Char the corn for deep flavor.
- Make ahead for enhanced taste.
- Store in fridge up to 3 days.
- Add water or lime juice if salad thickens.
🍽️ Nutrition
Calories: 250 kcal
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Carbs: 38g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 9g
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 150mg
Healthy Street Corn Pasta Salad with Greek Yogurt
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossed
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy this Healthy Street Corn Pasta Salad with Greek Yogurt! Tender fusilli, smoky charred corn, fresh bell pepper, red onion, and cilantro tossed in a creamy, tangy Greek yogurt dressing make the perfect light and colorful meal for summer or family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 300g fusilli pasta
- 3 cups fresh corn kernels
- 200g Greek yogurt
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: crumbled feta or cotija cheese
Instructions
- Boil pasta until al dente, rinse under cold water, and set aside.
- Heat oil in a skillet, add corn, and char lightly for 5–7 minutes.
- Dice bell pepper, chop onion and cilantro.
- Mix Greek yogurt, lime juice, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper for the dressing.
- Toss pasta, corn, veggies, and dressing together gently.
- Garnish with cilantro or cheese and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
Char the corn for deep flavor. Make ahead for enhanced taste. Store in fridge up to 3 days. Add water or lime juice if salad thickens.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Conclusion
Making this Healthy Street Corn Pasta Salad with Greek Yogurt always fills me with joy. It’s simple, wholesome, and full of flavor the kind of dish that makes people linger at the table, sharing stories and laughter. Every time I prepare it, I think about how wonderful it is to create something that brings comfort and connection. Whether you’re cooking for your family, friends, or just yourself, this salad is proof that healthy can be vibrant, cozy, and irresistibly delicious.