Description
This Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad is a bold, flavor-packed dish combining smoky corn, creamy dressing, fresh herbs, and pasta for the perfect side or main meal.
Ingredients
- For the Dressing
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 4 oz cream cheese (room temperature)
- 3/4 cup cotija cheese (or feta)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1–2 garlic cloves, grated
- 1 tbsp fresh chives
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Salad
- 1 lb short pasta (rotini, fusilli, or farfalle)
- 2 cups grilled or roasted corn
- 1 head romaine lettuce, shredded
- 1/2 cup spicy cheddar cheese, diced
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, torn
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 avocado, diced
- For the Chili Butter
- 4 tbsp butter
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1/2–2 tsp cayenne pepper
- For the Lime Mayo Dressing
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp lime juice
Instructions
- Mix cream cheese, sour cream, olive oil, garlic, chives, cotija, salt, and pepper in a large bowl to form the dressing.
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and toss with dressing immediately.
- Add corn, lettuce, cheddar, basil, cilantro, and avocado. Toss gently to combine.
- For chili butter, melt butter in a pan and stir in spices. Cook 1 minute until fragrant.
- Mix mayonnaise and lime juice with a pinch of salt to make lime mayo.
- Serve salad warm or cold, topped with chili butter and lime mayo drizzle.
Notes
- Best served fresh but can be chilled for later.
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a full meal.
- Adjust spice level by changing cayenne amount.