Delicious Grilled Corn & Avocado Pasta Salad Recipe

Grilled Corn & Avocado Pasta Salad is like a summer party in a bowl. Picture this: warm, smoky corn mingling with creamy avocado and al dente pasta, all dressed in a zesty lime vinaigrette. You can practically hear the BBQ sizzling as you dig into this vibrant dish that screams sunshine and good times. For more inspiration, check out this Spinach Pasta Salad recipe.

Now, let me take you back to that one summer day when I attempted to impress my friends with my culinary skills. The sun was shining, my grill was hot, and I was determined to create an unforgettable meal. Spoiler alert: this salad became the star of the show! Perfect for picnics, backyard BBQs, or just a casual Tuesday dinner, it’s a recipe that promises to tantalize your taste buds while bringing everyone together.

Ingredients for Grilled Corn & Avocado Pasta Salad

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

• Pasta: Use your favorite shape; I recommend rotini or penne for their ability to hold onto the dressing.
• Fresh Corn: Grill whole ears of corn until they are charred; this adds a smoky sweetness that’s hard to beat.
• Avocados: Choose ripe avocados that yield slightly when pressed to ensure creaminess in your salad.
• Cherry Tomatoes: These juicy little gems add color and a burst of sweetness; halving them allows for more flavor distribution.
• Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion provides a sharp crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy avocado.

For the Dressing:

• Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice brightens up the flavors; bottled juice doesn’t quite cut it!
• Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil will enhance the overall taste of your dressing.
• Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds an aromatic touch; if you’re not a fan, parsley can be used instead.

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

How to Make Grilled Corn & Avocado Pasta Salad

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling your pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.

Step 2: Grill the Corn

While the pasta cooks, preheat your grill over medium-high heat. Grill the corn for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally until charred. Let cool before slicing off the kernels.

Step 3: Prepare Your Veggies

Dice your avocados and halve those cherry tomatoes while you wait for your corn to cool. Don’t forget to thinly slice that red onion!

Step 4: Mix Up The Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, chopped cilantro, salt, and pepper until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed—this is where magic happens!

Step 5: Combine Everything

In a large bowl, toss together cooked pasta, grilled corn kernels, diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, and red onion. Pour dressing over everything and mix gently but thoroughly.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy

Transfer your colorful creation into serving bowls or keep it in the fridge for later. Either way, enjoy every bite of this delightful Grilled Corn & Avocado Pasta Salad!

Now you’re armed with all you need to impress guests or treat yourself on a quiet evening at home! Transfer to plates and drizzle with additional dressing if desired for that perfect finishing touch.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by grilling your corn until it’s golden and smoky, then cook the pasta while letting the corn cool. Meanwhile, chop your avocados and prepare the dressing to ensure everything combines beautifully without losing freshness.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out ingredients based on your cravings! You can add cherry tomatoes for extra sweetness, jalapeños for a kick, or even feta cheese for a salty twist that takes this Grilled Corn & Avocado Pasta Salad to new heights.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To refresh the salad before serving, drizzle with extra lime juice and toss gently to rehydrate the flavors without cooking the ingredients.

Sometimes I make this Grilled Corn & Avocado Pasta Salad for potlucks, and it never fails to grab attention! Friends rave about it, asking for the recipe as they scoop up seconds. healthy snack options.

FAQs:

What ingredients are needed for Grilled Corn & Avocado Pasta Salad?

To make Grilled Corn & Avocado Pasta Salad, you will need fresh corn on the cob, ripe avocados, your favorite pasta (like fusilli or penne), cherry tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. This recipe highlights the vibrant flavors of summer with simple ingredients that come together beautifully. Using fresh produce will enhance the overall taste of the salad.

How do I prepare the grilled corn for the salad?

Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. Husk the corn and remove all silk strands. Grill the corn for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until it gets a nice char. Once grilled, allow it to cool before cutting the kernels off the cob. This adds a smoky flavor that complements the avocado and pasta perfectly in your Grilled Corn & Avocado Pasta Salad.

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

Yes, you can prepare parts of the Grilled Corn & Avocado Pasta Salad ahead of time. You can grill the corn and cook the pasta a day before serving. However, it’s best to add the avocado and dressing just before serving to prevent browning and sogginess. This way, you will maintain both freshness and texture in your dish.

What variations can I try with this pasta salad?

Feel free to experiment with different ingredients in your Grilled Corn & Avocado Pasta Salad. You can add black beans for extra protein or substitute cherry tomatoes with diced bell peppers for added crunch. For a spicy kick, incorporate jalapeños or serve with a spicy dressing. The versatility allows you to customize this salad according to your taste preferences.

Conclusion for Grilled Corn & Avocado Pasta Salad:

In summary, Grilled Corn & Avocado Pasta Salad is a delightful dish that combines fresh flavors and textures ideal for warm weather meals. With simple ingredients like grilled corn and creamy avocados, it offers a nutritious option that is easy to prepare. light summer side dish Whether enjoyed as a side or main dish, this salad brings vibrant colors and tastes together in one bowl. Elevate your summer dining experience with this refreshing recipe!

Print

Grilled Corn & Avocado Pasta Salad

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Grilled Corn & Avocado Pasta Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that brings the essence of summer to your table. Featuring warm, smoky grilled corn, creamy avocado, and al dente rotini pasta, all tossed in a zesty lime vinaigrette, this salad is perfect for picnics, BBQs, or simply as a light weeknight dinner. Quick to prepare and bursting with flavor, it’s a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz rotini pasta
• 2 ears fresh corn
• 2 ripe avocados, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 3 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Cook the rotini pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
2. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and grill the corn for about 10 minutes until charred. Let cool before cutting off the kernels.
3. While the corn cools, dice the avocados and halve the cherry tomatoes.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, cilantro, salt, and pepper.
5. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, grilled corn kernels, diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, and red onion. Pour dressing over the top and mix gently.
6. Serve immediately or chill for later enjoyment.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 350mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 7g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 0mg