Name: Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 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; 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); 4 tablespoons salted butter; 2 teaspoons smoked paprika; 2 tablespoons chili powder; 1/2 to 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper (adjust to preference); 1/4 cup mayonnaise or yogurt; 2 tablespoons lime juice

Jump to Recipe

Get ready to crave every bite of this Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad! Imagine all the crave-worthy flavors of Mexican-style street corn wrapped up in a luscious, flavor-packed pasta salad—tangy, creamy, a little spicy, and bursting with vibrant colors and textures. This dish is perfect for summer cookouts, picnics, or those days you want something undeniably delicious but easy to throw together. It’s a crowd-pleaser that always disappears fast, from the first spoonful of silky dressing to the last bite of zesty corn and melty cheese.

Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad truly special is its harmony of simple, punchy ingredients. Every component pulls its weight—bringing crunch, creaminess, or a pop of color—so don’t skip any part! Here’s what you’ll need, plus a quick tip for each.

Cream Cheese: Use at room temperature for easy blending; it forms the creamy backbone of the dressing.
Sour Cream: Adds tang and silkiness; Greek yogurt works in a pinch for a protein boost.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Gives the dressing richness and depth—go for a good-quality bottle!
Garlic Cloves: Grating brings out bold flavor without raw sharpness.
Fresh Chives: These give a subtle oniony zip and gorgeous green flecks.
Salt and Pepper: Always season generously and taste as you go.
Cotija or Feta Cheese: Cotija is classic for street corn, but feta is a great stand-in with its tang.
Short Pasta: Shapes like rotini, penne, or shells trap the creamy dressing in each bite.
Romaine Lettuce: Shredded for the best crunch—don’t skip this for fresh texture!
Grilled or Roasted Corn: Charred kernels give smoky sweetness; fresh off the cob is best.
Fresh Basil: Torn leaves keep their flavor bold and aromatic.
Fresh Cilantro: Adds herbaceous brightness—use the leaves and tender stems.
Spicy Cheddar Cheese: Diced for creamy, melty pops with a hint of heat.
Avocado: Diced just before mixing in to prevent browning; adds a buttery element.
Salted Butter: Key for the chili butter—salted brings out the warm, spicy notes.
Smoked Paprika: Delivers smokiness and an irresistible red color.
Chili Powder: For earthy, bold flavor; use mild or spicy based on your heat preference.
Cayenne Pepper: Adjust for your preferred level of spiciness—start small and taste!
Mayonnaise or Yogurt: Creates a tangy drizzle for the finishing touch; yogurt keeps it lighter.
Lime Juice: Only use fresh, for the zestiest, brightest pop.

How to Make Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Creamy Cheese Dressing

Start this salad off by whipping up its signature dressing. In your biggest salad bowl, combine room temperature cream cheese, sour cream, extra virgin olive oil, grated garlic, chopped fresh chives, salt, pepper, and a generous scoop of crumbled cotija or feta. Take your time to really mix everything until it’s ultra creamy—this will be the foundation that coats every noodle and veggie with luscious flavor.

Step 2: Cook Pasta & Combine Salad

Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil and add your favorite short pasta. Cook until it’s perfectly al dente—remember, a little bite keeps the salad from going mushy. Drain well, then toss the hot pasta right into the bowl with the creamy dressing. Add shredded romaine, grilled or roasted corn, torn basil, chopped cilantro, diced spicy cheddar, and creamy avocado. Toss vigorously so every bite is loaded with creamy, herby, sweet, and crunchy goodness.

Step 3: Make the Chili Butter

Now for the magic touch! Melt salted butter in a skillet until golden, then whisk in smoked paprika, chili powder, a sprinkle of cayenne, and a pinch of salt. Let those spices sizzle for about a minute so their aromas bloom and infuse the butter. Take it off the heat—you’ll be tempted to drizzle on everything, but save some for the pasta salad!

Step 4: Make the Lime Mayo Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise (or yogurt for a lighter option) with fresh lime juice and a pinch of salt. This creamy, tangy drizzle cuts the richness and brings a refreshing zing to every forkful of your Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Spoon the salad onto your serving platter or into a big bowl—you can serve it warm or cold, depending on your mood or the weather! Drizzle the Lime Mayo all over and finish with a generous swirl of spicy Chili Butter. Because the pasta drinks in all those flavors as it sits, every bite gets creamier and more delicious.

How to Serve Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra cotija or feta, fresh chopped cilantro, and a dusting of chili powder on top make Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad absolutely irresistible—not just to eat, but to look at! A few scattered lime wedges on the side let guests squeeze fresh citrus just before digging in.

Side Dishes

While this pasta salad is substantial enough to stand on its own, it absolutely shines next to grilled meats like chicken or steak, a platter of tacos, or even alongside a big bowl of tortilla chips. For a lighter summer spread, pair with a crisp cucumber salad or juicy watermelon slices.

Creative Ways to Present

For a show-stopping party presentation, scoop servings of Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad into lettuce cups, stuff into halved sweet bell peppers, or pile high in small mason jars for portable picnic eats. You can even use it as a vibrant filling in burritos or serve beside your favorite barbecue mains for the ultimate fusion twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, pop them in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld and deepen, making Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad even more enticing with each passing hour. Just give it a gentle toss before serving to redistribute the delicious dressing and toppings.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended for this dish—fresh herbs, lettuce, and avocado can turn watery or lose their beautiful texture. If you need to prep ahead, simply make the pasta and creamy cheese dressing up to 2 days in advance, then add the more delicate ingredients just before serving for maximum freshness.

Reheating

While Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad is just as delicious cold, you can gently warm leftovers if you prefer. A quick zap in the microwave (30-second bursts, stirring in between) helps loosen the dressing, but watch carefully to avoid overcooking the cheese and avocado. Add extra lime juice or a splash of olive oil to refresh the texture.

FAQs

Can I make this salad gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta, and double-check your other ingredients (like canned corn or spices) to be certain they are certified gluten-free. The flavors remain just as bold and creamy.

What’s the best kind of pasta for Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad?

Short shapes like rotini, shells, penne, or bowties are ideal because they trap the creamy sauce and small veggie bits in every curve and hollow. Avoid long noodles, which don’t pick up the toppings as well.

Can I use frozen or canned corn instead of fresh grilled?

Absolutely! Frozen corn can be thawed and quickly charred in a skillet for that signature smokiness. Canned corn works too—just drain well and pat dry before toasting it in a pan for extra flavor.

How spicy is this dish, and can I make it milder?

The heat level is totally adjustable; use less cayenne and opt for a mild chili powder, or skip the spicy cheddar to make it family-friendly. If your crew loves some kick, amp up the cayenne or add diced jalapeños on top!

Will this salad get soggy if made ahead?

Because of the hearty pasta and creamy dressing, Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad holds up beautifully for a picnic or potluck. If making more than a day ahead, wait to add the lettuce, avocado, and fresh herbs until just before serving to preserve their vibrant color and crunch.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like sharing a bowl of Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad with friends or family on a sunny day. With its bold flavors, irresistible texture, and flexibility for any occasion, it’s bound to become your new go-to for potlucks, backyard barbecues, or anytime you’re craving something fresh and fabulous. Give it a try and watch everyone come back for seconds!

Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 19 reviews

Author: Ava
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad combines the flavors of Mexican street corn with a creamy pasta salad for a delicious and satisfying dish.

Instructions

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.
Cook Pasta & Combine Salad: Cook short pasta until al dente. Drain immediately and toss the hot pasta with the prepared dressing in the salad bowl. Add shredded romaine lettuce, grilled or roasted corn, torn fresh basil, chopped fresh cilantro, diced spicy cheddar cheese, and diced avocado. Toss everything thoroughly to combine.
Make the Chili Butter: In a skillet over medium heat, melt salted butter until golden. Stir in smoked paprika, chili powder, cayenne pepper (adjust to preference), and a pinch of salt. Cook for one minute to allow spices to bloom, then remove from heat.
Make the Lime Mayo Dressing: In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise (or yogurt) with fresh lime juice and a pinch of salt until well combined.
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.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Mixing, Boiling, Grilling
Cuisine: Mexican