Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad

Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad is a bold and vibrant dish that combines the best of Mexican street corn with the comfort of pasta salad. Packed with grilled or roasted corn, fresh herbs, creamy dressing, and a spicy kick from chili butter, this salad is a flavor explosion that can be served warm or cold. Perfect for summer barbecues, potlucks, or as a side to any meal, it’s a dish that will surely impress with its rich textures and zesty flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad is a fun twist on the classic pasta salad, bringing together the sweetness of corn, the creaminess of cheese and avocado, and the heat from chili and cayenne pepper. The addition of fresh herbs like cilantro and basil gives it a refreshing, bright note, while the combination of tangy lime and creamy mayonnaise adds a cool contrast to the heat. It’s incredibly versatile—serve it as a side, a main dish, or bring it to your next gathering, and it will be the star of the show!

Ingredients

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 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

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Step 1: Make the Dressing

In a large salad bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, olive oil, grated garlic, chopped chives, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well-mixed. This will be the creamy base for the salad, adding rich flavor to every bite.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta and Combine Ingredients

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions until it reaches an al dente texture. Drain the pasta and toss it immediately with the prepared dressing in the large salad bowl. Add the shredded romaine lettuce, grilled or roasted corn, spicy cheddar cheese, fresh basil, cilantro, and diced avocado to the bowl. Toss everything together to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the dressing and all the ingredients are well-mixed.

Step 3: Prepare the Chili Butter

In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter until it turns golden brown. Stir in the smoked paprika, chili powder, cayenne pepper (to your desired spice level), and a pinch of salt. Cook for another minute, allowing the spices to bloom, then remove from heat. Drizzle the chili butter over the pasta salad to infuse it with flavor and a spicy kick.

Step 4: Make the Lime Mayo Dressing

In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise or yogurt with lime juice and a pinch of salt. This creamy, tangy dressing will complement the richness of the chili butter and add a refreshing touch to the salad.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the pasta salad warm or cold, according to your preference. Before serving, top with a drizzle of the lime mayo dressing and a generous spoonful of the chili butter. Let the salad sit for a bit to allow the flavors to develop more fully. The result will be a deliciously creamy and flavorful pasta salad that will leave everyone wanting more!

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields approximately 6 servings. The total preparation time is about 30-40 minutes, including the cooking of pasta and assembling the salad. You can adjust the time if you prefer to serve it chilled by letting it sit in the fridge for a couple of hours before serving.

Variations

• Grilled Veggie Addition: Add grilled vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra texture and flavor.
• Spicy Option: Add chopped jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce for even more heat.
• Meat Lovers: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or bacon to make it a heartier dish.
• Vegan Version: Substitute the sour cream, cream cheese, and mayonnaise with dairy-free alternatives and use vegan cheese.

Storage/Reheating

This salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you prefer to serve it cold, it can be made a few hours in advance and kept chilled. To reheat, you can warm the salad slightly in the microwave, but keep in mind that the creamy texture may change when reheated.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen corn if fresh corn is not available. Just make sure to thaw it and cook it until it’s heated through before adding it to the salad.

2. Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, this salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. Just be sure to add the avocado right before serving to prevent it from browning.

3. How spicy is this salad?

The heat level is adjustable. You can control the amount of cayenne pepper and chili powder to suit your spice tolerance. For a milder version, use less cayenne.

4. Can I substitute the pasta with another type?

Absolutely! You can substitute the pasta with gluten-free pasta or any other pasta shape you prefer, like penne or fusilli.

5. Is there a substitute for cotija cheese?

If cotija cheese is unavailable, feta cheese is a great substitute as it has a similar crumbly texture and salty flavor.

6. Can I use lime zest in place of lime juice for extra flavor?

Yes, lime zest can be used to add an extra burst of lime flavor in addition to or instead of lime juice.

7. Can I make this dish spicier?

Yes! You can increase the cayenne pepper, add some chopped jalapeños, or drizzle extra hot sauce to give it more heat.

8. How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

This recipe is already vegetarian, but if you want a vegan version, just substitute the dairy products with plant-based alternatives.

9. Can I add a different cheese to the salad?

Yes, you can use other types of cheese, such as Parmesan or Monterey Jack, depending on your preference. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture will vary.

10. Can I use a different green for the salad?

If you don’t have romaine lettuce, you can use spinach, arugula, or any other leafy green you prefer.

Conclusion

Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad is a flavorful, vibrant, and crowd-pleasing dish that combines the best of summer’s produce with rich creamy textures and a spicy kick. Whether you enjoy it warm or cold, it’s a versatile salad that works as a main dish or a side. The combination of tangy lime, grilled corn, fresh herbs, and the richness of the chili butter and creamy dressings makes it an unforgettable dish perfect for any occasion.

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