Description
Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines tender pasta with sweet charred corn, fresh herbs, and a creamy, lime-spiked dressing. Topped with a spicy chili butter and tangy lime mayo, this salad is a perfect meal on its own or as a side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
For the 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
For the 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)
For the chili butter:
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1/2 to 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper (adjust to preference)
For the lime mayo dressing:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise or yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
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. For deeper flavors, let the salad sit for a bit before serving.
- Prep Time: 15-20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Mixing, Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 70g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad, Mexican, Pasta Salad, Corn, Lime Mayo, Chili Butter
