If you’re searching for a dish that screams “summer party,” look no further than this Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad. It’s where everyone’s favorite grilled street corn and velvety pasta come together in a bowl bursting with color, flavor, and irresistible creamy dressing. With zesty lime, smoky chili butter, sweet corn, fresh herbs, and two kinds of cheese, this pasta salad packs a joyful punch in every bite. Whether you serve it warm or chilled, it’s sure to steal the show at any gathering and have folks coming back for seconds!

Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Putting together this Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad is delightfully simple thanks to a handful of bold, colorful, and easy-to-find ingredients. Each item brings something special, whether it’s a pop of tang, creaminess, crunch, or that signature street corn kick.

Cream cheese: Softened to blend smoothly, this gives the dressing its irresistible creamy base.
Sour cream: Adds rich tang and a cool balance to the spicy flavors.
Extra virgin olive oil: The backbone of the dressing, bringing silkiness and subtle earthy notes.
Garlic: Freshly grated for a punch of savory depth—don’t skip it!
Chives: For a hint of oniony freshness right in the dressing.
Salt and pepper: To season all the flavors to perfection.
Cotija or feta cheese: Salty and crumbly, this adds classic street corn flair—either works beautifully.
Short pasta: Think shells, rotini, or penne—something with curves to catch all that creamy dressing!
Romaine lettuce: Crisp and shredded, it brings crunch and freshness.
Grilled or roasted corn: Smoky-sweet, and absolutely the star of the show—fresh or frozen corn both work.
Basil: Torn rather than chopped for bursts of summery fragrance in every bite.
Cilantro: For that herbal brightness that makes every forkful pop.
Spicy cheddar cheese: A little heat and creamy richness in every bite.
Avocado: Diced for creamy pockets of goodness and gorgeous color.
Salted butter: The base for our chili butter—so simple but irresistible.
Smoked paprika: Adds a deep, smoky note you won’t want to miss.
Chili powder: For warmth and a bold chili punch.
Cayenne pepper: Adjust according to your spice preference—start small if you’re sensitive!
Mayonnaise or yogurt: The creamy foundation for our tangy lime drizzle.
Lime juice: Brings zesty, citrusy brightness to finish things off.

How to Make Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad

Step 1: Make the Creamy Dressing

Start by combining room temperature cream cheese, sour cream, olive oil, grated garlic, chopped chives, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper in a large salad bowl. Whip everything together until the dressing is silky-smooth, and then crumble in the cotija or feta cheese for that signature salty finish. This will be your irresistible flavor base that clings to every noodle and corn kernel.

Step 2: Cook Pasta and Toss Everything Together

Boil a big pot of salted water and cook your favorite short pasta shape until perfectly al dente, following the package instructions for timing. Drain the pasta and, while it’s still warm, toss it right into your creamy dressing—the warmth helps every bit of sauce soak right in. Next, toss in the shredded romaine, smoky corn, spicy cheddar, torn basil, chopped cilantro, and diced avocado. Give it all a gentle but thorough mix, ensuring each ingredient gets a little creamy coat and herby goodness.

Step 3: Prepare the Smoky Chili Butter

Set a skillet over medium heat and melt the salted butter until it’s golden and aromatic. Sprinkle in smoked paprika, chili powder, plenty of cayenne (start slow and build up!), and a pinch of salt. Let everything bubble away for just a minute—this blooms the spices and gives your kitchen the most incredible aroma. Once done, remove from the heat. This chili butter is pure magic and brings that bold street corn flavor right into the salad.

Step 4: Mix Up the Lime Mayo Dressing

In a small bowl, blend together mayonnaise (or thick Greek yogurt) with fresh lime juice and a pinch of salt. The result is a velvety, zesty drizzle that brightens and balances the bold, spicy notes from the chili butter. Don’t be surprised if you start putting this sauce on just about everything!

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Now for the best part! Serve your Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad either warm or cold, depending on your mood and the occasion. Top each portion with a swirl of the lime mayo and a generous spoonful of chili butter for color and a final pop of flavor. Letting the salad sit for a few minutes allows the flavors to mingle and deepen, creating an even more complex and craveable result. Dig in—every bite is different and totally delicious.

How to Serve Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad

Garnishes

This vibrant dish absolutely loves a little extra flair before it hits the table. Sprinkle on more cotija cheese, a scatter of fresh cilantro or basil leaves, and maybe even an extra squeeze of lime. For an extra pop of color and heat, a sprinkle of chili powder right over the top is both beautiful and flavorful. A few extra cubes of avocado never hurt, either!

Side Dishes

Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad easily holds its own as a main but truly shines alongside simple grilled proteins like steak, chicken, or shrimp. It’s also right at home next to tacos or quesadillas for a fun twist on taco night. Some crusty bread or tortilla chips are perfect for scooping up every last bit, making it a crowd-pleasing combo at any picnic or potluck.

Creative Ways to Present

To really wow your guests, serve this salad in colorful individual cups for easy grab-and-go bites at a party. You can also serve it lettuce-cup style for a handheld option, or even stuff it into grilled bell peppers for a show-stopping centerpiece. And for picnic ease, layer everything into a mason jar for a portable lunch that’s as beautiful as it is tasty!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad (lucky you!), simply scoop it into an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so a day-two helping can be even more delicious. If the dressing thickens, just stir in a splash of milk or lime juice to loosen things up.

Freezing

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you technically can freeze Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad. Place the fully cooled salad into a freezer-safe container and store for up to one month. Textures may soften, especially the avocado and lettuce, but the flavors will remain. Let thaw overnight in the fridge and toss with fresh herbs or a little extra dressing before serving for best results.

Reheating

This salad is delicious both cold and at room temperature, but if you prefer it warm, simply zap it in the microwave for 30-45 seconds, stirring halfway through. Be gentle, especially if you’ve added extra avocado. You can also briefly reheat in a skillet on low, just until warmed through. Right before serving, add a fresh drizzle of lime mayo and a spoonful of chili butter to wake everything up.

FAQs

Can I use frozen or canned corn for this recipe?

Absolutely! While freshly grilled or roasted corn brings the most flavor, frozen or rinsed, drained canned corn works wonderfully in a pinch. You can quickly sauté it in a skillet to bring out a little char and smokiness.

What pasta shapes work best for Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad?

Short, curvy pastas like shells, rotini, fusilli, or penne are perfect because they grab onto the creamy dressing and all those mix-ins. Feel free to use gluten-free or whole wheat pasta if desired!

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, letting the Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad sit for a while only improves the flavor. Just wait to add the avocado and final toppings until right before serving so everything stays fresh and vibrant.

Is there a substitute for cotija cheese?

If you can’t find cotija, feta cheese is a superb substitute and will still give your salad that savory, tangy lift. Parmesan also works in a pinch for a slightly different (but tasty) effect.

How do I adjust the spice level?

The heat really comes from the chili butter, so start with a small amount of cayenne and add more to taste. You can also serve the chili butter on the side so guests can choose their own spice adventure.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad really is a celebration in a bowl—vibrant, creamy, and just a little bit spicy. I hope you give it a try and see just how fun, colorful, and downright delicious your next cookout or dinner can be!