Charred corn, spiced grilled chicken and juicy tomatoes give this main dish pasta salad lots of flavor without a lot of added calories.
Southwest Grilled Chicken and Corn Pasta Salad is ideal for summer entertaining and BBQ’s because it can be made in advance and served cold or at room temp. Chicken can easily be swapped out for pork tenderloin, flank steak or whatever meat you have on hand. Want a vegan version? Skip the meat all together and add black beans instead.
If you need a quick lunch or dinner this dish is a great way to transform leftover grilled meat and veggies into a healthy and delicious meal that your family won’t recognize as leftovers.
Diced avocado or Mexican cotija cheese would be great additions to this salad if you have either on hand. Just don’t forget the pasta. What baby wants, baby gets.
Your fork is waiting.
Are you craving pasta now??
Southwest Grilled Chicken and Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 2 oz boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 6 each)
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 2 ears corn husks removed
- 8 oz dry Dreamfields penne cooked according to package instructions
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes sliced in half
- 1/2 cup scallions minced
- 1/4 cup cilantro minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pre-heat grill to high heat.
- While grill is pre-heating, season chicken breasts with cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt and pepper. Rub chicken well to make sure spices are evenly coated.
- Spray the grill with non-stick grilling spray then add the chicken breasts and corn.
- Cook chicken 3-5 minutes on one side until nicely browned. Flip to other side and cook until browned or internal cooking temperature reaches 160 degrees fahrenheit.
- While chicken is cooking, rotate corn every 2 minutes until all sides have a bit of char an are bright yellow/white.
- Remove chicken and corn from the grill and set aside. Let chicken rest at least 5 minutes before slicing.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked penne with tomatoes, scallions, cilatro, olive oil and red wine vinegar. Dice chicken and add to the bowl. Carefully slice corn kernels off the cob right into the bowl (to avoid a mess!)
- Toss well and check for seasoning. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Chef's Notes
Nutrition
Elle
I like making my pasta salad with mashed avocado and a little greek yogurt instead of mayonaise. ellesjunkmail at gmail dot com
Liz
I would use red wine vinegar and a little olive oil. Love pasta. I subscribe to your emails and lovely recipes and your newsletters. Thank you Liz.
Liz
I receive your emails and newsletters. I really like pasta. I would lighten a salad up with red wine vinegar and olive oil. Thank you for the opportunity.
Karen D
karengdel follows Dreamfields on Pinterest
Karen D
@kdff follows Dreamfields on Twitter
Karen D
Karen Goodwin Delaney likes Dreamfields on Facebook
Karen D
karengdel follows The Lemon Bowl on Pinterest
Karen D
@kdff follows The Lemon Bowl on Twitter
Karen D
Tweeted at https://twitter.com/KDFF/status/359697599986544640
Karen D
I subscribe to The Lemon Bowl’s email
Karen D
I lighten it up by using fresh vegetables, a vinaigrette (or mayo cut down with a little oil and vinegar) and fresh herbs.
Liz
I would lighten up a salad with red wine and olive oil. I subscribe to your emails and newsletters. Thanks for the opportunity.
Liz
I would use red wine and olive oil to lighten up a salad. I subscribe to your nice emails and recipes. Thanks for the opportunity.
Liz
I would lighten up a salad with red wine and vinegar dressing. I subscribe to your newsletters and emails filled with great recipes. Thank you Liz.
Liz
I would lighten up a salad with oil and red wine vinegar. I subscribe to your newsletters and emails. Thanks for the opportunity.
Maureen G
It has been a real challenge to lighten up our pasta meals but we’re doing a lot of vegetables and for our cold pasta salads, we skip dressings and mayo and instead use olive ol, vinegar and fresh herbs.
Liz
I would use light olive oil and red wine vinegar to lighten up a pasta salad. I love pasta.
Liz
I would use wine vinegar dressing with lots of spices. I subscribe to your emails and newsletters. Thank you Liz.
Sally Tews
My fave. salad is greek chicken with feta cheese~but then
I also like the Southwest w/the fresh corn.
Either way any salad made w/ Dreamfiels past is soooooo Good.
Liz
I would use olive oil and red wine vinegar. I subscribe to your newsletters and emails for all these wonderful recipes. Thank you.
Sally Tews
Yum~Dreamfields Pasta.
Would love to win some.
Liz
Italian dressing or oil and red wine vinegar. I subscribe to your newsletters and wonderful recipes on email.
Liz
I love pasta. I would lighten up pasta with oil and vinegar. I get your newsletters and receive your emails with great recipes. Thanks.
Sally Tews
Just made this salad last night~ it was AWESOME!I will be marking again soon.
Dreamfields past is sooooo good.:-)
Liz
I would use vinegar and oil. I subscribe to your newsletter and emails. Thanks
Liz
I love pasta. I would lighten up a dish with light olive oil and red wine vinegar. I subscribe to your newsletter and emails. Thank you.
Janice Kwiat
This looks fabulous … I’m going out today to buy the ingredients to make for my dinner tonight!
Sally Tews
Follow you on FB-also Dreamfields on FB.
Love all the frash pasta salads/
Liz
I would use light olive oil and red wine vinegar. I subscribe to your newsletters and emails and love pasta.
Sally Tews
I follow Dreamfields onFB.
The Lemon Bowl on E=mail~FB~Pintrest.
I just want to win cause I love Dreamfields pasta<3
Estelle S
I lighten up my pasta recipes by using a little olive oil to coat the pasta.
Sara S
I follow Dreamfields on Facebook.
Sara S
I like to use plain yogurt in place of mayo to lighten a pasta salad.
Amy Koorndyk
I tweeted the following: I just entered @TheLemonBowl’s Giveaway from @DreamPasta! http://bit.ly/12InhKj #Pastapalooza
Amy Koorndyk
I have signed up for the weekly newsletter
Amy Koorndyk
I have followed Dreamfields pasta in twitter.
Amy Koorndyk
I have liked this FB page and to lighten up pasta recipes, I like to use a little olive oil instead of mayo. I think it makes a big difference.
Lois R
I started using plain Greek yogurt with red wine vinegar or fresh lemon in place of mayo…I also often use evoo and balsamic and lots of fresh veggies
Debbie
Am dieting and trying to watch my carbs. Sounds delicious!
Robin
I love Dreamfields Pasta. I use it in salads and in hot dishes. My favorite way to lighten up a meat pasta dish such as lasagna or spaghetti is to use ground turkey instead of beef, and add a little beef broth to the sauce. I then cook it down to thicken it up. Delicious!!
marla hoffman
I like using alternate pesto’s instead of mayo, such as garlic scape or kale pesto. Then I load it up with veggies!
cathy gillette
looks like a great recipe!
Kay Street
Cannot wait to try this one! Trying to find a delicious pasta dish ( hot or cold) that incorporates shrimp without the heavy cream sauces?! Thanks for sharing looking forward to my new emails…. Kay
Liz
Lighten up a pasta salad with light oil and red wine vinegar and lots of vegetables. I subscribe to your emails and newsletters.
Sally Tews
I follow Lemon Bowl on FB and Pinterest-Email.
I follow Dreamfields on FB and Pinterest.
I really like to use alot of veggies in salads with Evvo and differant vinagers.
Liz
Lighten up pasta dishes with olive oil and red wine vinegar usually always works. I subscribe to your newsletters and emails, Liz. Thank you.
debikayo
I add lots of vegetables to the recipes and because I am vegetarian, I leave out meat!
Sally Tews
My favorite pasta is dreamfields~my way of lightening salds is to put a lot of fresh veggies into them
Meg M.
Looks awesome… Got the ingredients to make it for dinner tomorrow night. Hubby’s excited too! I always try to find pasta salad recipes that I can make while skipping the mayo.
Sally Tews
Red wine and olive oil. I like to stroll the isles of Trader Joes and look
at all of the differant wines they have~white wine~champagne vinegar.
It’s endless and I get so many ideas.
Nutmeg Nanny
This looks perfect :) the colors in this salad are wonderful!
Meryl
I add chicken broth and/or dry white wine so I don’t need to use as much olive oil/fat.
Liz
Lemon and oil, or wine vinegar.
Sally Tews
Dreamfields Pasta is the best for any pasta.
Greek salad with black olives red onion and many more yum stuff.
Liz
I receive your newsletter, subscribe by email and would lighten up a pasta dish with lots of vegetables and a little chicken with an extra-virgin oil and wine viegar.
Sally Tews
Had a great Fourth with many pasta salads.
When I get done collecting some of the recipes~I will have
to send.
Sally Tews
I really have to make this salad~I love Dreamfields Pasta:-)
I have some fresh shrimp to add.
Liz
Olive oil and red wine vinegar is a good way.
Sally Tews
I love pasta salads.I use alot of veggies and like to use olive oil and differant
vinegars
Teresa
This looks AWESOME, can not wait to try!!
Liz
I would use olive oil and wine vinegar instead of mayo. I love pasta dishes. Thank you and Happy 4th.
Angel S.
I like to overload it with veggies!
Cassie | Bake Your Day
I love a lot of things about this but I think the corn is my favorite. What a great pasta dish!
Liz DellaCroce
The corn is my favorite too!! Also if you have avocado laying around it goes perfectly!! xo
Kara D
I lighten up pasta recipes by bulking them up with extra veggies!
Sally Tews
The easiest way to lighten up a salad it to use olive oil instead of
mayo.Love dreamfields pasta.Follow on pinterest.
Noel
I signed up for the Lemon Bowl newsletter.
Noel
I lighten up pasta salad by making lighter dressings. One dressing that I do is basically hummus thinned out with water and lemon juice. It has great flavor and is healthy.
Sally Tews
Sure would love to win Dreamfields pasta~love it and especially noodle salads.
Southwestern salad sounds soooo good for this Hot weather in S Ca.
Kathy
Following you on Twitter and Pinterest
Kathy
My favorite way to lighten up pasta recipes is to add veggies..especially in the summer. Fresh veggies and pasta are a great combo
EA-The Spicy RD
Love this simple pasta salad! I think my kids would love it too, minus the cilantro (what’s wrong with them???). Adding this to my summer grilling round-up ASAP!
Aggie
Since I love pasta so much and tend to ‘overdo’ it I try to bulk it up with as many veggies as possible! This looks so delicious!! I can’t believe I haven’t tried Dreamfields, picking some up today!
Sally Tews
Nommie~anything pasta~especially Dreamfields.
Mary D
Yum! I want some now!
Cori
I add beans to add protein and fiber and to keep me fuller longer. I buy them dried in bulk at Whole food and make them and freeze them to have some ready at all times. This looks delicious, and refreshing for summer.
Liz
Lighten it up by using a vinaigrette instead of a cream sauce.
Louis
I use dry white wine and chicken broth to add liquid when sauteeing mushrooms, etc., instead of adding lots of olive oil.
Meryl
I add lots of vegetables, and I especially like adding roasted vegetables.
Sally Tews
Follow dreamfields on FB-Pinterest.
I get the Lemon Bowl in my e-mail.
Love a shrimp salad with shell noodles.
Liz
Use few ingredients – olive oil, garlic, parsley, tomatoes and mushrooms.
Bonnie E
I already get your daily blog & look forward to reading it every day!!
I also follow you on Pinterest… lots of yummy recipes to try!!!
Andrei
I am entering the contest ^_^
My favorite way to liven up pasta is just as you described!
Adding veggies and olive oil is the best way to enjoy pasta without the calories of a triple cheeseburger.
I love rice noodles as well (technically not pasta) and they are easy to freshen up with lemon and herbs.
Just found your site and I must say, you have all my dream recipes in one place!
Liz
I get your newsletter and receive recipes via email.
Liz
You can just mix pasta with good olive oil and various spices, garlic, onions, etc.
Shelly
I follow Dreamfields on Twitter and Pinterest. I also like them on FB.
Shelly
I follow you on Twitter and Pinterest.
Shelly
I Tweeted: https://twitter.com/Dinky_Diner/status/350296122473975809
Shelly
I subscribe to your weekly newsletter.
Shelly
I lighten up my pasta dishes by adding lots of veggies!
Lynda M.
I follow Dreamfields on Twitter, Pinterest and Facebook.
Lynda M.
I follow you on Twitter and Pinterest.
Lynda M.
I get your newsletter :)
Lynda M.
I tweeted the giveaway.
https://twitter.com/mypinkmixerblog/status/350276103602061312
Lynda M.
I love to serve roasted garden veggies over whole wheat pasta for a light and healthy dinner. Your dish looks delish!! Definitely pinning!
Martha Franks
Lots of veggies! Cut mayo with yogurt.
Elena
Follow you on Twitter @ElenaIstomina
Follow you on Pinterest
pinterest.com/elena8
Elena
Newsletter subscriber
Elena
I like to add lots of fresh veggies and parsley to my pasta salad
Katie
Follow on Twitter and Pinterest (SheLikesRuffles for both)
Katie
I tweeted – https://twitter.com/SheLikesRuffles/status/350252376868917250
Katie
In the summer, I lighten up my pasta salads by not making any with may – vinaigrettes are popular for me! And I love using Dreamfields pasta…it’s my go to brand for years now!
Andrea M
I am already subscribed to your newsletter :)
Andrea M
I love mixing my pasta recipes with spaghetti squash and zucchinis or using cottage cheese for the sauces to lighten it up. So good!
Mackenzie
I follow Dreamfields on Twitter and Pinterest
Mackenzie
I follow the Lemon Bowl on both Twitter and Pinterest!
Mackenzie
I subscribe via email!
Mackenzie
I tweeted! https://twitter.com/MackAttack8/status/350244909598523393
Mackenzie
I lighten up pasta by mixing in spiralized zucchini or broccoli slaw. Since the veggies are already in noodle shapes, it works great to bulk up pasta so it the serving size doesn’t seem so small. Plus it adds tons of fiber and nutrients!
KathrynK FL
to lighten up I use light sauces
jen
To lighten up pasta I actually do use dream fields!
Edie
I lighten up pasta dishes with lots of seasonal veggies and I cut the cream or oil in the recipe by half using chicken stock. Never fails and adds more flavor.
Julie @ Table for Two
What a great summer meal!! I definitely love the idea of adding avocado!!
Cookin Canuck
This is exactly the sort of pasta salad that I would fall in love with, and then proceed to take to every potluck barbecue that came my way.
Kelly D
tweet
https://twitter.com/kellysaver/status/350032753024176128
Kelly D
I Follow The Lemon Bowl on Twitter(Kellysaver) and Pinterest(Kelly Saver)
Kelly D
I like to lighten up pasta recipes with veggies like fresh tomatoes and spinach.
Sandy Headtke
I already receive your newsletter
Bonnie E
I LOVE any southwest style food !! This salad sounds so yummy & healthy, I cant wait to make it !!
I lighten up my pasta dishes with lots of veggies. I always use low fat greek yogurt for sour cream & reduced fat cheeses whenever possible!!
Sandy Headtke
I add veggies to my pasta dishes and use low fat cheese.
Erin @ Texanerin Baking
Pastapalooza?! Bahahaha. That is *awesome*!
And I’m all for more carbs! :)
ashley - baker by nature
Now this is my kind of meal! I am obsessed with pasta salad lately, and I love how your version is all dolled up with tons of good stuff :) xo
Emily
Best way, tried and true, add TONS of veggies and sub half of the pasta out for spaghetti squash. I can never tell the difference!
Elizabeth
Vegetables! Olive Oil or Coconut Oil! Fresh Herbs and Spices! Lean Ground Turkey or Chicken!
Rena
Following you on facebook and pinterest (dont have twitter)
Rena
I use whole wheat pasta and often sub milk for heavy cream.
Ash- foodfashionparty
I enjoy a good pasta, but not all that goes into it. Thanks for the giveaway.
I grill vegetables and sometime make a puree of that and toss it in my salad. I have a healthy pumpkin pasta on my blog for spring light recipe at http://foodfashionparty.blogspot.com/2013/04/spring-light-pumpkin-pasta.html#more.
Kristen | Pixelated Crumb
I love loading pasta up with grilled meat and veggies!
Lauren @ Climbing Grier Mountain
I am OB-sessed with Dreamfields pasta! And I love that you incorporated corn in this dish. I never buy it as much because honestly, I don’t know what to put it with. Problem solved !
Georgia @ The Comfort of Cooking
What a gorgeous, healthy summer dish, Liz! This looks so delicious and I love that you used Dreamfields pasta – I’ve got to get my hands on that stuff!
Angie
I follow you on Twitter and Pinterest.
Angie
I signed up to receive your newsletter.
Angie
Instead of a cream sauce, I often reduce white wine and chicken stock to lighten up my pasta. Toss in plenty of veggies and a little protien, and you are good to go.
Tina H
I follow TheLemonBowl on Twitter (@thenbest)
Tieghan
This looks so good that I am thinking about making it for dinner for my family tonight. we are on vacation and this is the perfect easy meal!
Tina H
I add more veggies to bulk up the dish without adding fat/calories.
Rachel @ Baked by Rachel
Such a great idea!! I need to whip up more fun salads like this.
Mary B.
Woke up this morning knowing that I had chicken that needed to be cooked TONIGHT and wanting to make it into a salad…spent a few frustrating minutes searching the internet for a yummy-looking salad, before giving up. After getting the hubby off to work and my daughter her breakfast, I sat down with my bowl of oats, opened my Reader, and BOOM!!! The most delicious looking Chicken/Salad recipe! Dinner crisis averted. Thank you!!
Erin | The Law Student's Wife
Following you on Twitter + Pinterest!
Erin | The Law Student's Wife
Tweeted about the giveaway!
Erin | The Law Student's Wife
Fave way to lighten up a pasta salad: Good bye mayo, hello Greek yogurt! This looks fabulous Liz. I love the grilled corn!
Lisa @ Garnish with Lemon
This looks so tasty, Liz! Veggies are the perfect way to lighten pasta dishes up! I love summer!
carrian
That’s exactly what I needed for tonight!
Amy @ The Nifty Foodie
I follow you on Twitter! (@niftyfoodie)
Amy @ The Nifty Foodie
This looks so good! To lighten up pasta recipes, I like to bulk up a dish with lots of vegetables. :-)