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Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe

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★★★★

4 from 75 reviews

This Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad combines tender short pasta with a zesty, creamy dressing, grilled corn, fresh herbs, and a spicy chili butter for an exciting twist on classic pasta salad. Perfect for a quick 25-minute meal, it blends the smoky flavors of street corn with creamy cheeses, fresh avocado, and tangy lime mayo to create vibrant, bold flavors in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Dressing

  • 4 ounces room temperature cream cheese
  • 1/3 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1–2 grated garlic cloves
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 3/4 cup crumbled cotija or feta cheese

Main Salad

  • 1 pound short pasta (e.g., penne, rotini)
  • 1 head romaine lettuce, shredded
  • 2 cups grilled or roasted corn (from 3–4 fresh ears)
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil, torn
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1/2 cup spicy cheddar cheese, diced
  • 1 avocado, diced

Chili Butter

  • 4 tablespoons salted butter
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1/2 to 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper (adjust to preference)
  • Pinch of salt

Lime Mayo Dressing

  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise or yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Make the Dressing: In a large salad bowl, combine 4 ounces of room temperature cream cheese, 1/3 cup sour cream, 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, 1-2 grated garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives, and 3/4 cup crumbled cotija or feta cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This creamy base will flavor the entire salad.
  2. Cook the Pasta and Combine Ingredients: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook 1 pound of short pasta until al dente, following package instructions. Drain the pasta and immediately toss it into the bowl with the dressing. Add shredded romaine lettuce, 2 cups grilled or roasted corn, 1/2 cup torn fresh basil, 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 1/2 cup diced spicy cheddar cheese, and 1 diced avocado. Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
  3. Prepare the Chili Butter: In a skillet over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons salted butter until golden. Stir in 2 teaspoons smoked paprika, 2 tablespoons chili powder, 1/2 to 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper (adjust to heat preference), and a pinch of salt. Cook for about 1 minute to allow spices to bloom, then remove from heat. This spicy butter will add vibrant flavor to the salad.
  4. Make the Lime Mayo Dressing: In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup mayonnaise or yogurt with 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice and a pinch of salt. This tangy, creamy dressing will balance the heat from the chili butter.
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the pasta salad warm or chilled, as preferred. Drizzle with the lime mayo dressing and spoon over the chili butter for a flavorful kick. Letting the salad sit for a few minutes enhances the flavors. Enjoy your colorful, creamy, and spicy street corn pasta salad!

Notes

  • Grilled or roasted corn adds smokiness; if unavailable, sauté fresh corn kernels.
  • Adjust cayenne pepper amount to control spiciness.
  • This salad can be served warm, room temperature, or cold.
  • Mayonnaise or yogurt can be substituted based on dietary preference.
  • Prepare chili butter fresh before serving to maximize flavor.
  • Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Keywords: pasta salad, street corn, creamy pasta, spicy pasta salad, grilled corn salad, summer salad, easy pasta salad recipe

Find it online: https://epicrecipebox.com/creamy-street-corn-pasta-salad-recipe/