Street Corn Chicken Pasta Salad That Feels Like Summer in a Bowl

Name: Street Corn Chicken Pasta Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 300 g short pasta; 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced; 2 cups corn kernels; ½ red onion, thinly sliced; ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped; ½ cup crumbled feta or cotija-style cheese; ½ cup mayonnaise; ⅓ cup Greek yogurt; Juice of 2 limes; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon chili powder; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and black pepper to taste

INAYA 54 minutes ago

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The Story & Intro

Hi, I’m INAYA, 38, from the beautiful island of Crete in Greece. Cooking has been part of my life since I was a child, learning from my grandmother how to make traditional Greek dishes full of love and flavor. I believe food brings people together, especially women who want to share warmth and happiness through cooking.

When I stand in my kitchen and make Street Corn Chicken Pasta Salad, I feel that same joy I felt as a little girl watching my grandmother cook with calm hands and a big heart. Of course, my grandmother never made Street Corn Chicken Pasta Salad exactly like this corn salads were simpler back then but the spirit is the same. Simple ingredients, shared bowls, laughter around the table.

I love how Street Corn Chicken Pasta Salad brings together different worlds. Creamy, smoky street corn flavors remind me of summer markets, while pasta makes it comforting and filling. Chicken adds strength and warmth, the kind of food that feeds families after a long day. Every time I make Street Corn Chicken Pasta Salad, my kitchen gets a little messy, my heart gets full, and someone always comes back for seconds.

This Street Corn Chicken Pasta Salad is not fancy food. It’s friendly food. It’s the kind of dish you bring to a gathering and everyone asks for the recipe. I make Street Corn Chicken Pasta Salad when I want something fresh but satisfying, something playful but grounding.

Cooking is about more than just food it’s about sharing stories and making memories. And this Street Corn Chicken Pasta Salad holds many of mine.

Why I Love Making This Recipe

I love making Street Corn Chicken Pasta Salad because it feels alive. There are so many textures and colors in one bowl. The pasta gives comfort, the corn gives sweetness, the chicken gives balance, and the dressing ties everything together with creamy brightness.

I also love that Street Corn Chicken Pasta Salad forgives you. If you add a little more lime, it smiles. If you add extra cheese, it hugs you back. It’s perfect for women who cook while thinking about ten other things kids, work, life and still want something delicious on the table.

This is also a recipe I make when friends come over. I can prepare most of it ahead of time, and it only gets better as it sits. Street Corn Chicken Pasta Salad knows how to wait patiently, just like my grandmother taught me.

Ingredients & Little Kitchen Secrets

I always say ingredients matter, but love matters more. Still, good ingredients help.

For the salad:

Pasta (short shapes work best)
Cooked chicken breast
Fresh or grilled corn
Red onion
Fresh cilantro
Crumbled cheese (feta or cotija style)
Optional jalapeño for heat

For the creamy street corn dressing:

Mayonnaise
Greek yogurt
Fresh lime juice
Olive oil
Smoked paprika
Chili powder
Garlic powder
Salt and black pepper

Little kitchen secret:
If you grill or char the corn, even just in a pan, Street Corn Chicken Pasta Salad becomes something special. That smoky flavor changes everything.

How I Make It, Step by Step

I start Street Corn Chicken Pasta Salad by boiling water with plenty of salt. Pasta needs salt like the sea. I cook it until just tender, then drain and let it cool. I never rinse pasta I want it to hold onto flavor.

While the pasta cools, I prepare the corn. If it’s fresh, I grill it or char it in a pan until it smells sweet and smoky. I cut the kernels off carefully, always sneaking a few bites.

Next, I dice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. I use grilled or roasted chicken when I can, because it adds more depth to the Street Corn Chicken Pasta Salad.

I slice the red onion thin and chop the cilantro gently. I keep everything light and fresh.

For the dressing, I mix mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lime juice, olive oil, and spices in a bowl. I taste, adjust, and taste again. Dressing should make you smile before it ever touches the salad.

Finally, I bring everything together in a big bowl. Pasta first, then chicken, corn, onion, and herbs. I pour the dressing slowly, folding gently. I finish with cheese and one last squeeze of lime.

Street Corn Chicken Pasta Salad always looks like summer when it’s done.

How I Serve It at Home

At home, I serve Street Corn Chicken Pasta Salad in a big ceramic bowl, right in the center of the table. I let everyone help themselves. Sometimes I add extra cilantro on top or a little chili powder for those who like heat.

This salad works beautifully as a main dish or a side. I serve it with grilled vegetables, crusty bread, or even just fruit on the side. It’s flexible, like a good friend.

Storage, Reheating & Make-Ahead Tips

Street Corn Chicken Pasta Salad stores very well. I keep it in the refrigerator in a sealed container for up to 3 days.

Before serving leftovers, I stir gently and add a splash of lime juice or yogurt to refresh the dressing.

I never reheat this salad it’s meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. That’s part of its charm.

100-Word Short Version

Street Corn Chicken Pasta Salad is creamy, fresh, and full of summer flavor. Tender pasta, smoky corn, juicy chicken, and a tangy lime dressing come together in one comforting bowl. This salad works perfectly for gatherings, meal prep, or easy family dinners. It’s simple to make, forgiving, and always a crowd-pleaser. Every bite feels bright and satisfying, with just the right balance of richness and freshness. A true feel-good recipe that brings people together.

Recipe Card

⏱️ Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

🛒 Ingredients

300 g short pasta
2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
2 cups corn kernels
½ red onion, thinly sliced
¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
½ cup crumbled feta or cotija-style cheese
½ cup mayonnaise
⅓ cup Greek yogurt
Juice of 2 limes
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and black pepper to taste

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Cook pasta in salted water until tender. Drain and cool.
Char or grill corn, then cut kernels off the cob.
Dice cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Mix mayonnaise, yogurt, lime juice, olive oil, and spices in a bowl.
Combine pasta, chicken, corn, onion, and cilantro.
Gently fold in dressing.
Top with cheese and extra lime if desired.

📝 Notes

Add jalapeño for heat or extra cheese for richness.

🍽️ Nutrition

Comforting, balanced, protein-rich, and perfect for summer 🌽🍗🥗

Conclusion

Every time I make Street Corn Chicken Pasta Salad, I think about how food travels. From markets to kitchens, from hands to hearts. This recipe may not be Greek by tradition, but it carries the same love my grandmother taught me. I hope it brings warmth to your table and smiles to your family.