Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad is a delightful and colorful dish that blends the sweetness of corn with creamy flavors and fresh herbs. It’s perfect for summer picnics, family gatherings, or even as a side for your barbecue. This salad is not just delicious but also nutritious, offering a good balance of textures and flavors in every bite.
Why Make This Recipe
There are many reasons to love this pasta salad. First, it’s easy to prepare and can be made in less than an hour. Second, it’s packed with fresh ingredients, meaning you’re getting a healthy side dish. Finally, its creamy and spicy elements make it a hit with guests and family alike. Enjoy it warm or cold, and it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
How to Make Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad
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
Directions
Prepare the Creamy Cheese Dressing: In a large salad bowl, mix together room temperature cream cheese, sour cream, extra virgin olive oil, grated garlic, chopped fresh chives, salt, pepper, and crumbled cotija or feta cheese. Stir well until combined.
Cook Pasta & Combine Salad: Boil water and cook short pasta until it is al dente. Drain the pasta and add it to the salad bowl with the creamy dressing. Then, add shredded romaine lettuce, grilled or roasted corn, fresh basil, fresh cilantro, diced spicy cheddar cheese, and diced avocado. Toss everything well to mix.
Make the Chili Butter: In a skillet over medium heat, melt salted butter until it is golden. Add smoked paprika, chili powder, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt. Cook for one minute and then remove from heat.
Make the Lime Mayo Dressing: In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise (or yogurt) with fresh lime juice and a pinch of salt until smooth.
Serve and Enjoy: Offer the pasta salad warm or cold based on your preference. Drizzle with lime mayo dressing and add a spoonful of chili butter on top. For the best flavor, let the salad sit for a few minutes before serving.
How to Serve Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad
Serve this pasta salad in a large bowl for family-style dining or portion it into individual plates for easy serving. It pairs well with grilled meats and can be enjoyed as a meal on its own.
How to Store Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad
To store leftover pasta salad, place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for 3-4 days. However, be aware that the pasta may absorb some of the dressing, making it a bit less creamy over time. You can always add another drizzle of lime mayo dressing before serving leftover salad.
Tips to Make Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad
- Use fresh ingredients whenever possible for the best flavor.
- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper based on your heat preference.
- Let the pasta salad sit for a while before serving for the flavors to meld together.
- You can roast the corn on the grill for added flavor if you prefer.
Variation
Feel free to personalize this salad! You can add other veggies like bell peppers or cherry tomatoes, or substitute the cheese for your favorite kind. If you want to make it vegetarian, skip the bacon if included.
FAQs
1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator and give it a good toss before serving.
2. Can I freeze Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad?
Not recommended. The texture of the creamy dressing and fresh veggies will not hold up well in the freezer.
3. What pasta works best for this recipe?
Short pasta like rotini, penne, or shells works best. They hold the dressing and ingredients nicely.
Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad
Ingredients
Creamy Dressing
- 4 ounces room temperature cream cheese
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1-2 cloves grated garlic
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives (chopped)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3/4 cup crumbled cotija or feta cheese
Salad Base
- 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)
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
Prepare the Creamy Cheese Dressing
- In a large salad bowl, mix together room temperature cream cheese, sour cream, extra virgin olive oil, grated garlic, chopped fresh chives, salt, pepper, and crumbled cotija or feta cheese. Stir well until combined.
Cook Pasta & Combine Salad
- Boil water and cook short pasta until it is al dente.
- Drain the pasta and add it to the salad bowl with the creamy dressing.
- Then, add shredded romaine lettuce, grilled or roasted corn, fresh basil, fresh cilantro, diced spicy cheddar cheese, and diced avocado. Toss everything well to mix.
Make the Chili Butter
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt salted butter until it is golden.
- Add smoked paprika, chili powder, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt. Cook for one minute and then remove from heat.
Make the Lime Mayo Dressing
- In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise (or yogurt) with fresh lime juice and a pinch of salt until smooth.
Serve and Enjoy
- Offer the pasta salad warm or cold based on your preference.
- Drizzle with lime mayo dressing and add a spoonful of chili butter on top.
- For the best flavor, let the salad sit for a few minutes before serving.