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Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe

Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad

Bursting with bold Mexican flavors and creamy goodness, this Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad is the perfect summer side—easy to make, impossible to resist, and sure to be the star of your next BBQ or picnic!
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 380 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the dressing:

  • 4 ounces cream cheese at room temperature
  • 1/3 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1-2 garlic cloves grated
  • 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 fusilli, penne, or rotini recommended
  • 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, mix the room temperature cream cheese, sour cream, olive oil, grated garlic, chives, salt, pepper, and crumbled cotija or feta cheese until well combined.
  • Cook Pasta & Combine Salad: Cook the short pasta until al dente. Drain and toss the hot pasta with the prepared dressing in the salad bowl. Add shredded romaine lettuce, grilled or roasted corn, torn basil, chopped cilantro, diced spicy cheddar cheese, and diced avocado. Toss everything thoroughly.
  • Make the Chili Butter: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the salted butter until golden. Stir in smoked paprika, chili powder, cayenne pepper (to taste), and a pinch of salt. Cook for a minute, then remove from heat.
  • Make the Lime Mayo Dressing: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise (or yogurt) with fresh lime juice and a pinch of salt.
  • Serve and Enjoy: Serve the pasta salad warm or cold. Drizzle with the Lime Mayo Dressing and top with a spoonful of the Chili Butter. For enhanced flavors, let the salad sit for a bit before serving.

Notes

Notes:
For added crunch, consider topping the salad with toasted nuts or seeds.
Keyword Creamy corn salad, Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad, Easy corn pasta recipe, Street corn salad with pasta