Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad
A delightful and colorful dish that blends the sweetness of corn with creamy flavors and fresh herbs, perfect for summer picnics and gatherings.
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.
Notes
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. The pasta may absorb some of the dressing over time, so add another drizzle of lime mayo dressing before serving leftovers. Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor and feel free to personalize this salad with other veggies or cheese.