Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad is a delightful dish that brings together the rich flavors of creamy cheese, sweet corn, and fresh herbs. It’s a perfect side for summer barbecues or a light meal any time of the year. This salad is not only hearty but also refreshing, making it a favorite among many.
Why Make This Recipe
You should make Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad because it is easy to prepare, delicious, and packed with flavors. The combination of creamy dressing, grilled corn, and fresh herbs makes it a standout dish. Plus, it can be served warm or cold, which adds to its versatility. It’s perfect for gatherings or a simple family dinner.
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, 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.
How to Serve Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad
Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad can be enjoyed immediately after preparing it or chilled in the fridge for a few hours. Serve it as a side dish with grilled meats, or enjoy it as a light meal on its own. It pairs well with fresh bread or tortilla chips too!
How to Store Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. If the pasta absorbs too much dressing, you may want to add a bit more dressing before serving.
Tips to Make Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad
- Make sure to use room temperature cream cheese for easy mixing.
- Adjust the spices in the chili butter to match your heat preference.
- Feel free to add other ingredients like diced bell peppers or black beans for a twist.
Variation
For a vegetarian option, simply leave out the spicy cheddar cheese or replace it with a milder cheese. You can also add grilled chicken for a heartier meal.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh corn?
Yes, you can use frozen corn. Just make sure to thaw and drain it before adding to the salad.
2. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the salad a few hours ahead and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
3. Is there a gluten-free option for this dish?
Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta instead of regular short pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
Enjoy your Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad! It’s sure to be a hit at your next meal or gathering.
Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad
Ingredients
Creamy Cheese Dressing
- 4 ounces room temperature cream cheese Ensure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
- 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
Pasta and Salad Ingredients
- 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) Can be omitted for a milder salad.
- 1 each 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.
- A pinch of salt
Lime Mayo Dressing
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise or yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
Instructions
Preparation of 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
- 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.