Description
Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that beautifully combines the sweetness of fresh corn with the richness of creamy dressing and savory cheeses. This vibrant salad is perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or as a quick family dinner. Each bite bursts with flavor from spices, herbs, and creamy goodness, making it a crowd favorite. Easy to prepare in just 25 minutes, this pasta salad is not only versatile—serving well as both a main dish or side—but also packed with nutrients from fresh ingredients. Delight your guests with this colorful dish that’s sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 ounces room temperature cream cheese
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1–2 grated garlic cloves
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3/4 cup crumbled cotija or feta cheese
- 1 pound of short pasta
- 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
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1/2 to 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper, adjust to preference
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise or yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
Instructions
- Boil water in a large pot. Add salt once boiling.
- Add the short pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain using a colander and set aside to cool.
- In a mixing bowl, combine room temperature cream cheese, sour cream, olive oil, grated garlic cloves, chives, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- In the same mixing bowl or another large bowl, add cooked pasta and cooled corn. Fold in shredded romaine lettuce, torn basil, chopped cilantro, diced spicy cheddar cheese, and diced avocado.
- Pour in the creamy dressing; mix gently until everything is well coated.
- Sprinkle smoked paprika, chili powder, cayenne pepper (to taste), mayonnaise (or yogurt), and lime juice over the salad mixture. Toss gently to combine all flavors.
- Refrigerate for about 30 minutes before serving if desired. Enjoy your Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad chilled.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg