Corn Pasta Salad
Looking for a refreshing and delicious dish that’s perfect for warm days? This Corn Pasta Salad is not only a colorful and satisfying option but also a fantastic choice for those following a CKD-friendly diet. Packed with nutritious ingredients and a creamy dressing, this salad offers a delightful combination of flavors while being low in sodium and potassium, making it a heart-healthy addition to your meal rotation.
As a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist specializing in chronic kidney disease (CKD), I am dedicated to helping individuals improve their health through informed dietary choices. With a deep understanding of renal nutrition and its impact on overall well-being, I provide practical and accessible recipes that align with CKD-friendly guidelines. My goal is to empower you with knowledge and delicious options, ensuring that healthy eating is both enjoyable and achievable.
This Corn Pasta Salad is crafted with kidney health in mind, featuring ingredients that are low in sodium and potassium, making it ideal for those managing chronic kidney disease (CKD). The use of fresh vegetables like cucumber and bell pepper not only adds essential nutrients but also provides hydration, which is beneficial for kidney function. Additionally, the creamy dressing balances flavor without overwhelming the dish, ensuring a satisfying meal that aligns perfectly with CKD dietary requirements.
We have lots of kidney friendly salads, and they all are great for any group gathering. The zucchini pasta salad is similar to this corn pasta salad, but it is a warm salad. You can make this as an appetizer for the meal with Chicken and Broccoli Pasta bake as well.
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Ingredients
This Corn Pasta Salad features a delightful mix of fresh vegetables, creamy dressing, and perfectly cooked rotini pasta, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. With simple, nutritious ingredients, this recipe not only caters to your taste buds but also supports your kidney health, making it a must-try dish for any occasion!
- Rotini pasta: This spiral-shaped pasta holds the dressing well and adds a fun texture to the salad.
- Frozen corn: Sweet and tender, frozen corn provides a pop of flavor and color while being easy to prepare.
- Black pepper: This adds a mild heat and enhances the overall flavor of the salad.
- Olive oil: Used for sautéing, olive oil contributes a rich, fruity taste and healthy fats.
- Green onion: The white parts of green onions add a sharp, mild onion flavor without overpowering the dish.
- White onion: Fresh white onion adds crunch and a zesty bite to the salad.
- Cucumber: Crisp and refreshing, cucumber balances the salad's richness with its high water content.
- Red bell pepper: This adds sweetness and vibrant color, making the salad visually appealing.
- Fresh cilantro: Fresh cilantro offers a burst of herbal flavor, enhancing the overall taste profile.
- Cheddar cheese: Cheddar cheese provides a creamy texture and a savory, tangy flavor that complements the salad.
Dressing Ingredients
- Fresh cilantro: Fresh cilantro offers a burst of herbal flavor, enhancing the overall taste profile.
- Cheddar cheese: Cheddar cheese provides a creamy texture and a savory, tangy flavor that complements the salad.
- Olive Oil Mayo: A creamy base for the dressing that adds richness while keeping it lighter than traditional mayonnaise.
- Sour cream: Sour cream contributes tanginess and creaminess, enhancing the dressing's flavor.
- Texas twist: This spice blend adds a unique flavor profile, giving the dressing a Southwestern kick.
- Lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens the dressing and adds a refreshing acidity.
- Garlic powder: Garlic powder brings depth and savory notes to the dressing without overwhelming it.
See recipe card for quantities.
How To Make Pasta Salad Corn
Now that you have all the delicious ingredients ready, it’s time to bring this Corn and Pasta Salad to life! Follow these simple steps to prepare a fresh and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any gathering or as a satisfying meal.
Step 1: Make dressing by adding mayo, sour cream, Texas twist, lemon juice and garlic powder together. Whisk until blended, then cover and set aside (or refrigerate if you aren't making the salad immediately).
Step 2: Cook pasta to al dente, according to package instructions. Don't add salt to the water. Drain and immediately rinse with cold water to stop it from cooking.
Step 3: While the pasta is cooking, heat the oil in a large skillet on the stovetop. Add the corn and white onion to the pan. Cook on high for 5-6 minutes while stirring around [ let it sizzle]. The corn should have some brown marks on the corn, helping it to have the grilled flavor.
Step 4: Let the corn and onion cool a little. In a big bowl add the pasta, pepper, green onion, corn and onion mixture, cucumber, red bell pepper, cilantro and cheddar cheese to the bowl. Mix together to blend ingredients.
Step 5: Add the dressing and mix to blend well and allow the mixture to combine. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Hint: Sauté the Corn: Sautéing the corn and onions until they have a slight char will enhance their natural sweetness and add depth to the flavor of the salad.
Substitutions for Sweet Corn Pasta Salad
If you’re looking to modify ingredients based on availability or specific dietary needs, here are some CKD-friendly substitutions that work well in this recipe:
- Pasta Substitute: For a lower-carb option, replace rotini pasta with spiralized zucchini or spaghetti squash.
- Mayo Alternative: Use plain Greek yogurt instead of olive oil mayo for a lighter, protein-rich dressing.
- Dairy-Free Option: If you’re avoiding dairy, consider using a plant-based cheese or omitting the cheese entirely for a refreshing vegan salad.
Feel free to mix and match these hints, tips, variations, and substitutions to make this Pasta Corn Salad truly your own!
Variations for Corn in Pasta Salad
Elevate your Corn Pasta Salad with delicious variations! Add protein like shrimp or grilled chicken for heartiness, spice it up with jalapeños for a kick, or mix in fresh herbs for extra flavor.
- Add Protein: Include cooked shrimp, grilled chicken, or chickpeas for an extra protein boost.
- Spice it Up: Add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the dressing for a spicy kick.
- Herbed Version: Mix in fresh herbs like parsley or dill for added flavor.
Storage
To ensure your Corn Pasta Salad stays fresh and maintains its CKD-friendly qualities, follow these storage recommendations:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will keep the salad fresh for up to three days. Make sure to mix the salad again before serving to redistribute the dressing.
- Freezing: While it’s best to enjoy this salad fresh, if you have a large batch and want to store it longer, consider freezing the components separately. Cooked pasta can be frozen for up to two months, and the sautéed corn and onions can also be stored in the freezer. However, note that the texture of fresh vegetables may change after freezing, so it’s best to add them when you’re ready to serve.
- Serving Suggestions: If you anticipate having leftovers, consider serving the salad in individual portions. This not only makes it easier to grab-and-go but also helps in controlling serving sizes, making it a convenient option for those managing CKD.
By following these storage suggestions, you can enjoy your Corn Pasta Salad over several days while keeping it flavorful and kidney-friendly!
Top Tip
Customize the Cheese: While cheddar is delicious, feel free to try low-sodium feta or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
FAQs about Corn Pasta Salad
Absolutely! While rotini pasta is great for this salad, you can substitute it with whole grain pasta, gluten-free pasta, or even spiralized vegetables like zucchini or cucumber for a lower-carb option.
If onions don’t sit well with you, consider omitting them entirely or substituting them with finely chopped green onions or shallots, which tend to have a milder flavor. You can also use celery for a crunchy texture without the onion taste.
Yes! This salad is perfect for meal prep. You can make it a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving to blend the flavors.
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Pairing with Pasta Salad
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Corn Pasta Salad:
If you tried this Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please please leave a star rating and let me know how it goes in the comments below. I love hearing from you!
PrintCorn Pasta Salad
Enjoy this vibrant Corn Pasta Salad, a delicious blend of fresh vegetables and creamy dressing that’s perfect for any occasion! Easy to prepare and CKD-friendly, it’s a satisfying dish that supports your kidney health while tantalizing your taste buds.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stove Top
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Ingredients
1 cup uncooked rotini pasta
1 cup frozen corn
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
¼ cup green onion, whites only, sliced
¼ cup white onion, diced
½ cup diced cucumber
¼ cup red bell pepper, diced
¼ cup fresh cilantro
¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Dressing
¼ cup Olive Oil Mayo
2 tablespoon sour cream
½ teaspoon texas twist
2 teaspoon lemon juice
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
1. Make dressing by adding mayo, sour cream, Texas twist, lemon juice and garlic powder together. Whisk until blended, then cover and set aside (or refrigerate if you aren't making the salad immediately).
2. Cook pasta to al dente, according to package instructions. Don't add salt to the water. Drain and immediately rinse with cold water to stop it from cooking.
3. While the pasta is cooking, heat the oil in a large skillet on the stovetop. Add the corn and white onion to the pan. Cook on high for 5-6 minutes while stirring around [ let it sizzle]. The corn should have some brown marks on the corn, helping it to have the grilled flavor.
4. Let the corn and onion cool a little. In a big bowl add the pasta, pepper, green onion, corn and onion mixture, cucumber, red bell pepper, cilantro and cheddar cheese to the bowl. Mix together to blend ingredients.
5. Add the dressing and mix to blend well and allow the mixture to combine. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
