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Fresh Grilled Corn and Avocado Pasta Salad Easy Zesty Cilantro Lime Dressing Recipe

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A vibrant and refreshing pasta salad featuring smoky grilled corn, creamy avocado, and a zesty cilantro lime dressing. Perfect for summer gatherings and quick meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces (340g) short pasta like rotini or penne (whole wheat or gluten-free pasta works well too)
  • 3 ears fresh corn, husked and grilled (frozen corn can be used as a substitute)
  • 2 ripe avocados, diced
  • 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped
  • Juice and zest of 2 large limes
  • ⅓ cup (80 ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon honey or agave
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional add-ins: halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onions, crumbled feta cheese

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces (340g) of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain and rinse with cool water to stop cooking. Set aside.
  2. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Place husked corn directly on grill and cook, turning occasionally, until charred spots appear, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  3. Using a sharp knife, slice kernels off each ear of corn as close to the cob as possible. Place kernels in a large mixing bowl.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice and zest, ⅓ cup olive oil, honey or agave, minced garlic, and chopped cilantro. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Add cooked pasta and diced avocado to the bowl with corn kernels. Gently fold to combine without mashing avocado.
  6. Pour dressing over salad and toss lightly but thoroughly to coat all ingredients.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld and prevent avocado browning.
  8. Before serving, gently toss salad again. Optionally, top with cherry tomatoes, red onions, or crumbled feta.

Notes

Add avocado just before serving or chilling to prevent browning. Grill corn carefully to achieve smoky char without burning. Dressing can be adjusted with extra olive oil or a pinch of sugar if too tangy. For vegan version, substitute honey with maple syrup or agave and omit cheese toppings.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, grilled corn, avocado, cilantro lime dressing, summer salad, easy pasta salad, vegetarian, gluten-free option

Find it online: https://realityeats.com/fresh-grilled-corn-and-avocado-pasta-salad-easy-zesty-cilantro-lime-dressing-recipe/