Description
This Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad combines smoky charred corn, tender pasta, creamy lime dressing, Cotija cheese, fresh herbs, and spicy chili butter for the ultimate summer side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Dressing & Salad
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup crumbled Cotija cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1–2 cloves garlic, grated
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup diced spicy cheddar cheese
- 2 cups grilled or roasted corn
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, torn
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1 head romaine lettuce, shredded
- 1 lb short pasta (rotini, fusilli, or farfalle)
Chili Butter
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1/2–2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- Pinch of salt
Lime Mayo Drizzle
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise or plain yogurt
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Grill or roast the corn until lightly charred. Cut the kernels from the cobs.
- In a large bowl, mix softened cream cheese, sour cream, olive oil, garlic, chives, and Cotija cheese until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Toss the warm pasta with the dressing until evenly coated.
- Add the grilled corn, romaine lettuce, spicy cheddar, basil, cilantro, and avocado. Toss gently.
- In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat until bubbly. Stir in cayenne, smoked paprika, chili powder, and salt. Cook for 1 minute.
- In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, lime juice, and salt to make the lime mayo drizzle.
- Top each serving with lime mayo and a spoonful of chili butter before serving.
Notes
- Frozen fire-roasted corn works well if fresh corn is unavailable.
- Add avocado just before serving to keep it fresh.
- Adjust cayenne pepper for mild or spicy flavor.
- Chill before serving for even deeper flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Pasta Salad
- Method: Stovetop / Grill
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Fat: 34 g