Chef Mitchell preparing Grilled Corn Pasta Salad
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary School Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I discovered this Grilled Corn Pasta Salad during a summer barbecue with friends. The combination of grilled corn and fresh vegetables brought a new life to traditional pasta salads. Over the years, I perfected the recipe, adding Mediterranean flavors that make it a staple in my kitchen. It's a dish I love to share at gatherings, and it's always a crowd-pleaser."

As a culinary expert specializing in Mediterranean cuisine, I have spent years experimenting with fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors. I enjoy creating lunch recipes that are not only delicious but also easy to prepare. My passion for cooking shines through in every dish I create, especially salads that showcase seasonal produce.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Delicious Grilled Corn Pasta Salad served on a plate

Why This Grilled Corn Pasta Salad Recipe Works

This Grilled Corn Pasta Salad stands out because of its vibrant flavors and textures. The sweetness of grilled corn pairs perfectly with the crispness of fresh vegetables and the creaminess of feta cheese. Together, they create a refreshing dish that's perfect for warm weather. It's a versatile recipe that can be served as a main dish or a side.

Grilling the corn enhances its natural sweetness and adds a smoky depth to the salad. The contrast of textures from the crunchy vegetables and creamy feta creates a satisfying bite. This dish is not only visually appealing but also packed with nutrients, making it a wholesome choice for any meal.

💡 Professional Tip

When grilling corn, ensure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat to achieve those beautiful char marks. If you're short on time, you can use canned or frozen corn, but nothing beats the flavor of freshly grilled corn. Allow the salad to chill for at least 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely! Grilled Corn Pasta Salad can be made a day in advance. Just prepare the salad and dressing, combine them, and refrigerate. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just give it a good stir before serving.

If you're not a fan of feta, you can substitute it with goat cheese or even mozzarella for a milder flavor. For a vegan option, try using a plant-based feta or omitting cheese altogether and adding more olives or nuts for texture.

The salad is ready when all ingredients are well combined and chilled. The flavors should blend nicely, and the pasta should be tender but not mushy. Taste the salad before serving to ensure the seasoning is to your liking.

It's not recommended to freeze this salad, as the texture of the vegetables and pasta can change when thawed. It's best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for a few days. If you have leftovers, consume them within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.

This salad pairs well with grilled chicken, fish, or as part of a buffet spread. You can also serve it alongside other salads or grilled vegetables for a complete meal. It's a versatile dish that complements many summer foods.

Grilled Corn Pasta Salad can last in the fridge for up to 3-4 days if stored in an airtight container. After that, the quality may decline, and it's best to consume it while it's fresh for the best flavor and texture.

Yes, you can! Making the salad a few hours before serving is ideal, as it allows the flavors to develop. Just be sure to keep it covered in the fridge until you're ready to serve.

If you prefer to serve it warm, gently reheat the salad in a pan over low heat, stirring occasionally. However, this salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so consider giving it a good stir instead of reheating.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: If your salad seems too dry, it may lack adequate dressing.

Solution: Add a splash more of olive oil or a bit of lemon juice to moisten the salad. Toss it well to ensure the dressing coats all ingredients evenly.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: If the vegetables are soggy, the salad may not have been chilled properly.

Solution: Make sure to chill your salad for enough time. You can also add more fresh ingredients right before serving for extra crunch.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: If the pasta is mushy, it's likely overcooked.

Prevention: To prevent this in the future, follow package instructions closely and check the pasta a minute or two before the suggested cooking time.

✅

Undercooked Center

Problem: If the pasta is undercooked, it will be hard in the middle.

Recovery: Make sure your water is boiling before adding the pasta, and taste it a minute before the cooking time is up to check for doneness.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: If the corn is burnt on the outside, it may have been grilled too long.

Prevention: To avoid this, keep an eye on the corn while grilling and rotate it regularly for even cooking. Adjust the heat as necessary.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If the salad is too sweet, add a touch of vinegar or lemon juice to balance the flavors.

Too Salty: If the salad is too salty, adding a bit more cooked pasta or a diced potato can help absorb some of the saltiness.

Bland: If the salad lacks flavor, try increasing the seasoning or adding a pinch of salt or more dressing.

Fresh ingredients for Grilled Corn Pasta Salad

Essential Ingredients for Grilled Corn Pasta Salad

The key to a delicious Grilled Corn Pasta Salad lies in its fresh ingredients. High-quality pasta, ripe tomatoes, and sweet, juicy corn are essential for achieving the best flavor. Don't forget the feta cheese for that creamy texture and the olives for a briny contrast.

Using organic or locally sourced produce can elevate the quality of your salad. Fresh herbs like parsley add a burst of flavor, while a good quality olive oil enhances the overall taste. Always opt for the freshest ingredients available.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Pasta: Choose a pasta shape that holds up well, such as penne or fusilli. They trap the dressing and other ingredients nicely, ensuring every bite is flavorful. Be sure to cook it al dente for the best texture.
  • Corn: Fresh corn on the cob is ideal for this salad. Grilling enhances its sweetness and adds a smoky flavor. If fresh corn isn't available, frozen corn can be used as a substitute, though it won’t have the same charred taste.
  • Feta Cheese: Opt for high-quality feta cheese for the best flavor. Crumbled feta melts slightly when mixed with the warm pasta, creating a creamy consistency. If you're looking for a lower-fat option, look for reduced-fat feta or try a vegan alternative.
Cooking process for Grilled Corn Pasta Salad

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

The cooking process for Grilled Corn Pasta Salad is straightforward and quick. Start by cooking the pasta until al dente, ensuring it has a firm texture. While the pasta cooks, grill the corn until it's beautifully charred, which adds depth to the salad.

Once the ingredients are prepared, toss them all together with the dressing, allowing the flavors to meld. Chilling the salad for a bit enhances its taste, making it a perfect dish for summer gatherings or meal prep.

Key Technique for Perfect Grilled Corn Pasta Salad

Grilling the corn is crucial for developing its flavor. Ensure even grilling by rotating the corn frequently. This not only enhances the sweetness but also adds a lovely smoky char which complements the pasta and vegetables beautifully.

Grilled Corn Pasta Salad

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup olive oil
    Extra virgin preferred
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
    For a tangy kick
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
    Freshly squeezed
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    For added flavor
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
    A classic Mediterranean herb
  • Salt and pepper to taste
    Adjust according to preference

For the Sauce

  • 2 cups pasta (penne or fusilli)
    Your choice of pasta
  • 2 ears of corn, grilled
    Kernels removed
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes
    Halved
  • 1 cucumber
    Diced
  • 1/2 red onion
    Finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley
    Chopped
  • 1/4 cup feta cheese
    Crumbled
  • 1/4 cup olives
    Pitted and sliced

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

  2. Grill Corn

    Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill the corn for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until charred. Remove from grill, cool slightly, and cut off the kernels.

  3. Combine Ingredients

    In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, grilled corn kernels, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, parsley, feta cheese, and olives.

  4. Prepare Dressing

    In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.

  5. Toss Salad

    Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss to combine. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

  6. Chill

    Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

  7. Serve

    Serve chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy!

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

Store any leftover Grilled Corn Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days. If you notice the salad getting dry, feel free to add a drizzle of olive oil before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This salad is perfect on its own but can also be served alongside grilled meats or fish. It complements a variety of dishes and can be part of a larger buffet spread during summer gatherings.

Recipe Variations

Feel free to customize this salad by adding proteins like grilled chicken or chickpeas for a heartier dish. You can also experiment with different vegetables or dressings to suit your taste preferences.