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Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe

Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe
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★★★★★

5.1 from 19 reviews

This Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish combining creamy cheese dressing, grilled corn, fresh herbs, and spicy chili butter, perfect served warm or cold as a refreshing side or a hearty main.

Ingredients

Scale

Dressing

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

Pasta Salad

  • 1 pound short pasta (such as penne or fusilli)
  • 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

Chili Butter

  • 4 tablespoons salted butter
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1/2 to 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper, adjust to preference
  • Pinch of salt

Lime Mayo Dressing

  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise or yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Creamy Cheese Dressing: In a large salad bowl, combine the room temperature cream cheese, sour cream, extra virgin olive oil, grated garlic, chopped fresh chives, salt, pepper, and crumbled cotija or feta cheese. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well incorporated.
  2. Cook Pasta & Combine Salad: Cook the short pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain immediately and while still hot, toss the pasta with the prepared creamy cheese dressing in the salad bowl. Add shredded romaine lettuce, grilled or roasted corn, torn fresh basil, chopped fresh cilantro, diced spicy cheddar cheese, and diced avocado. Toss everything thoroughly to combine and ensure even distribution of ingredients.
  3. Make the Chili Butter: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the salted butter until it turns golden and fragrant. Stir in smoked paprika, chili powder, cayenne pepper (adjust for desired heat level), and a pinch of salt. Cook the mixture for one minute to allow the spices to bloom and the flavors to intensify, then remove from heat to prevent burning.
  4. Make the Lime Mayo Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise or yogurt with fresh lime juice and a pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This dressing adds a zesty, tangy finish to the salad.
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the pasta salad either warm or chilled as preferred. Drizzle the salad with the lime mayo dressing and top with a generous spoonful of the chili butter for a burst of smoky, spicy flavor. For deeper flavor development, allow the salad to sit for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Adjust cayenne pepper amount to control the spiciness according to your preference.
  • Use fresh grilled or roasted corn for the best smokey flavor; canned corn can be used in a pinch but will alter the taste.
  • Short pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or rotini work best to hold the dressing and mix well with the ingredients.
  • For a lighter version, substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt and use light mayonnaise or yogurt.
  • This salad can be made a few hours ahead and refrigerated; add avocado just before serving to prevent browning.

Nutrition

Keywords: street corn pasta salad, creamy pasta salad, grilled corn pasta, spicy pasta salad, vegetarian pasta salad

Find it online: https://freshrecipehub.com/creamy-street-corn-pasta-salad-recipe/