Description
Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines the creaminess of a dressing made with cream cheese and sour cream, the smokiness of chili butter, and the freshness of lime mayo. Packed with grilled corn, avocado, fresh herbs, and a mix of cheeses, this pasta salad is a perfect side dish for any occasion.
Ingredients
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
Salad:
- 1 pound of short pasta
- 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
Lime Mayo Dressing:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise or yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
Instructions
- Make the Dressing – In a large salad bowl, combine all the ingredients for the dressing. Season to taste with salt and pepper. This will be the base that flavors the entire salad.
- Cook the Pasta and Combine Ingredients – Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente, then drain and toss with the dressing. Add lettuce, corn, cheddar cheese, basil, cilantro, and avocado. Toss to combine.
- Prepare the Chili Butter – Melt butter in a skillet, stir in spices, and cook briefly. This will add a spicy kick to the salad.
- Make the Lime Mayo Dressing – Mix mayonnaise or yogurt with lime juice and salt in a bowl. This creamy dressing will complement the salad.
- Serve and Enjoy – Serve the salad warm or cold, top with lime mayo and chili butter. Let sit for enhanced flavors.
Notes
- You can adjust the spice level by varying the amount of cayenne pepper in the chili butter.
- Feel free to add other favorite ingredients like cherry tomatoes or black beans to personalize the salad.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
- Method: Mixing, Boiling, Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 40mg