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Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe

Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe

4.9 from 21 reviews

This Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad is a delightful fusion of Mexican street corn flavors with a creamy pasta salad. With a rich cream cheese dressing, grilled corn, fresh herbs, and a spicy chili butter, this dish is bursting with flavor and textures.

Ingredients

Scale

For the dressing:

  • 4 ounces room temperature cream cheese
  • 1/3 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 12 grated garlic cloves
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 3/4 cup crumbled cotija or feta cheese

For the salad:

  • 1 pound of short pasta
  • 1 head romaine lettuce, shredded
  • 2 cups grilled or roasted corn (from 34 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

  1. Make the Dressing

    In a large salad bowl, combine all the ingredients for the dressing. Season to taste with salt and pepper. This will be the base that flavors the entire salad.

  2. Cook the Pasta and Combine Ingredients

    Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente, then drain and toss with the dressing. Add in the lettuce, corn, cheese, basil, cilantro, and avocado. Toss to combine.

  3. Prepare the Chili Butter

    Melt butter in a skillet, add spices, and cook for a minute. This spicy butter adds depth to the salad.

  4. Make the Lime Mayo Dressing

    Mix mayonnaise or yogurt with lime juice and salt. This tangy dressing complements the chili butter.

  5. Serve and Enjoy

    Top the salad with lime mayo and chili butter. Let it sit for more flavor before serving.

Notes

  • You can customize the spice level by adjusting the cayenne pepper in the chili butter.
  • Feel free to add grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.
  • This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated for later consumption.

Nutrition

Keywords: Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad, Mexican Pasta Salad, Corn Salad Recipe, Creamy Pasta Salad