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Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe

Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe
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★★★★★

5.2 from 19 reviews

A vibrant and creamy street corn pasta salad combining the smoky, spicy flavors of chili butter and the fresh, zesty notes of lime mayo dressing. This comforting yet refreshing dish features tender pasta, grilled corn, creamy cheeses, fresh herbs, and avocado, making it perfect as a main course or a hearty side for summer gatherings.

Ingredients

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Creamy Cheese 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 Components

  • 1 pound short pasta (such as penne or 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 fresh lime juice
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Creamy Cheese Dressing: In a large salad bowl, combine room temperature cream cheese, sour cream, extra virgin olive oil, grated garlic, chopped fresh chives, salt, pepper, and crumbled cotija or feta cheese. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
  2. Cook Pasta & Combine Salad: Cook the short pasta in salted boiling water until al dente according to package instructions. Drain immediately, then toss the hot pasta in the prepared creamy cheese dressing within the large salad bowl. Add shredded romaine lettuce, grilled or roasted corn, torn fresh basil, chopped fresh cilantro, diced spicy cheddar cheese, and diced avocado. Toss gently but thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
  3. Make the Chili Butter: In a skillet over medium heat, melt salted butter until golden and fragrant. Stir in smoked paprika, chili powder, cayenne pepper (adjust to taste), and a pinch of salt. Cook for about one minute, allowing the spices to bloom and infuse the butter, then remove from heat.
  4. Make the Lime Mayo Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise (or yogurt) with fresh lime juice and a pinch of salt until smooth and well combined.
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the pasta salad warm or cold, as preferred. Drizzle with the lime mayo dressing and top with a generous spoonful of the chili butter. For best flavor, let the salad sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.

Notes

  • Adjust cayenne pepper according to your preferred spice level.
  • Use fresh grilled corn for the best smoky flavor, but frozen corn can be substituted if out of season.
  • Can be served immediately or chilled for later use, tastes great both ways.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese and sour cream with plant-based alternatives and omit cotija/feta cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: street corn pasta salad, creamy pasta salad, grilled corn pasta, summer salad, spicy pasta salad, avocado pasta salad

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