If you’re craving a refreshing yet hearty dish, this creamy street corn pasta salad is the perfect blend of smoky, tangy, and creamy flavors. Combining charred sweet corn, tender pasta, and a flavorful lime dressing, this dish brings the classic Mexican street corn experience into a creamy pasta salad form. Ideal for potlucks, barbecues, or a quick meal at home, this dish will surely disappear from the table in no time.
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Why You’ll Love This Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad
This creamy street corn pasta salad offers a variety of benefits that make it a must-try. It’s quick and easy to prepare, taking only about 30 minutes from start to finish. The dish is also incredibly versatile, allowing you to adjust the heat level with spices like cayenne and chili powder. Whether you prefer it mild or spicy, it’s perfect for all taste preferences. The combination of cream cheese, cotija cheese, fresh corn, and avocado creates a satisfying balance of creaminess, crunch, and smoky flavor.
Ingredients for Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious creamy street corn pasta salad:
• Cream Cheese: Provides a creamy, rich base for the dressing.
• Sour Cream: Adds a tangy note and enhances the creaminess.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Gives the dressing a silky texture.
• Garlic: Brings depth and flavor to the dressing.
• Fresh Chives: Adds a mild onion flavor and freshness.
• Cotija or Feta Cheese: Crumbled for a salty, crumbly texture.
• Short Pasta: A hearty base for the salad—try rotini, shells, or orzo.
• Romaine Lettuce: Adds a fresh, crunchy element to the salad.
• Grilled or Roasted Corn: Sweet corn with charred, caramelized edges for authentic flavor.
• Fresh Basil: Brings a fragrant, fresh note to the salad.
• Cilantro: Adds a pop of brightness and freshness.
• Spicy Cheddar Cheese: Diced for a flavorful, spicy kick.
• Avocado: Diced for creaminess and a rich texture.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
If you’re missing any ingredients or need to accommodate dietary preferences, here are some alternatives:
• Greek Yogurt: Swap for sour cream or cream cheese for a lighter version.
• Cotija Substitute: Feta or queso fresco can work if you can’t find Cotija cheese.
• Dairy-Free Options: Use dairy-free cream cheese and coconut yogurt for a vegan version.
• Frozen Corn: If fresh corn isn’t available, you can use frozen corn, charred in a hot skillet for a similar smoky flavor.
• Spicy Cheddar: For a milder option, try regular cheddar or pepper jack cheese.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad
Follow these simple steps to make your creamy street corn pasta salad:
- Make the Dressing: In a large salad bowl, combine room temperature cream cheese, sour cream, olive oil, grated garlic, fresh chives, salt, pepper, and crumbled Cotija or feta cheese. Stir until smooth and well mixed.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the short pasta according to the package instructions, until al dente. Drain the pasta and immediately toss it with the dressing while still warm.
- Combine the Salad: Add shredded romaine lettuce, grilled or roasted corn, fresh basil, chopped cilantro, diced cheddar cheese, and diced avocado to the pasta. Toss everything together, making sure each piece is evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
- Prepare the Chili Butter: In a skillet, melt the salted butter over medium heat. Add smoked paprika, chili powder, cayenne pepper (adjust for desired heat), and a pinch of salt. Stir and cook for a minute to bloom the spices, then remove from heat.
- Make the Lime Mayo Dressing: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise or yogurt with lime juice and a pinch of salt. Stir until smooth.
- Serve and Enjoy: Drizzle the pasta salad with the lime mayo dressing and top with a generous spoonful of the chili butter. Serve immediately or refrigerate for later enjoyment.
Tips & Tricks for Perfecting Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad
• Pasta Tips: Don’t overcook the pasta—ensure it’s al dente. Toss it with olive oil immediately after draining to prevent sticking.
• Avocado: Add the diced avocado right before serving to prevent it from turning brown. A squeeze of lime juice can help keep it fresh.
• Chili Butter: If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of cayenne and chili powder in the butter.
• Flavor Adjustment: The flavors in this salad develop as it sits. For best results, let the salad chill for 15-20 minutes before serving, allowing the ingredients to meld.
Pairing Ideas and Variations
This creamy street corn pasta salad pairs perfectly with grilled meats like carne asada, chicken fajitas, or blackened shrimp. For a lighter option, serve it alongside grilled chicken skewers or tortilla chips with guacamole for a satisfying snack.
For a twist, add a dash of chipotle mayo to the dressing for extra smoky heat, or substitute the avocado with roasted sweet potatoes for a seasonal touch. You can also add a squeeze of fresh lime just before serving to bring an extra burst of citrus.
Seasonal & Health Benefits of Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad
This dish is perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or barbecues. The use of fresh, seasonal ingredients like sweet corn, avocado, and cilantro makes it a great way to enjoy the flavors of the season. Additionally, the combination of healthy fats from avocado and olive oil, along with the protein in the cheddar and Cotija cheeses, makes it a satisfying dish for any meal.
Conclusion
Creamy street corn pasta salad is the ultimate side dish for any occasion, combining the bold flavors of Mexican street corn with the comforting texture of pasta. This dish brings together smoky charred corn, creamy cheese, fresh cilantro, and tangy lime dressing to create a vibrant and satisfying salad. Whether you serve it warm or cold, it’s sure to be a hit at your next barbecue, picnic, or family dinner. Quick to prepare and easily customizable, this pasta salad offers a perfect blend of spice and freshness in every bite. Make it ahead of time and enjoy the delightful mix of flavors at your convenience!
FAQs About Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad
1. Can I make creamy street corn pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad is perfect for making in advance. You can prepare all the components the day before, including cooking the pasta, grilling the corn, and making the dressing. Just store everything separately and mix it together with the fresh ingredients like avocado right before serving. The flavors actually improve as they meld together overnight!
2. Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh?
While fresh corn provides the best flavor and texture, frozen corn can be used as a substitute. To replicate the charred flavor, simply sauté the frozen corn in a hot skillet with a bit of oil to caramelize the kernels before adding it to the salad.
3. What are some good variations of creamy street corn pasta salad?
There are plenty of ways to customize this recipe! You can swap the Cotija cheese for feta or queso fresco, add grilled shrimp or chicken for extra protein, or experiment with different herbs like basil or parsley. For a spicy kick, try adding jalapeños or swapping the regular cheddar with pepper jack cheese
More Relevant Recipes
PrintCreamy Street Corn Pasta Salad
Creamy street corn pasta salad is a vibrant and delicious Mexican-inspired dish. It combines smoky charred corn, creamy cheese, fresh cilantro, and tangy lime dressing, all mixed into tender pasta. This dish is perfect for summer barbecues, potlucks, or a quick family meal. It’s easy to make, customizable to your spice preference, and a great way to enjoy the flavors of Mexican street corn in a pasta salad format.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stir-fry, Roast
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature: Provides a rich, creamy base for the dressing.
- 1/3 cup sour cream: Adds tang and creaminess to the dressing.
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: Adds a smooth texture to the dressing.
- 1–2 garlic cloves, grated: Enhances the flavor profile with a subtle savory note.
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped: Adds a mild onion flavor and a fresh element to the dressing.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Enhances the overall flavor of the dressing.
- 3/4 cup crumbled Cotija or feta cheese: Adds a salty, crumbly texture that is typical in Mexican street corn.
- 1 pound short pasta (rotini, bowties, shells, or orzo): Serves as the base of the salad, providing a hearty texture.
- 1 head romaine lettuce, shredded: Adds crispness and freshness to the salad.
- 2 cups grilled or roasted corn (from 3–4 fresh ears): Provides the smoky, sweet flavor that makes this salad unique.
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, torn: Adds a fragrant, fresh note to the dish.
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped: Brings a bright, herbal flavor that complements the other ingredients.
- 1/2 cup spicy cheddar cheese, diced: Adds a spicy kick and extra richness to the salad.
- 1 avocado, diced: Brings creaminess and a smooth texture to balance the other ingredients.
- 4 tablespoons salted butter: Forms the base for the chili butter mixture.
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika: Adds depth and smokiness to the chili butter.
- 2 tablespoons chili powder: Enhances the spicy flavor of the butter.
- 1/2 to 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper, adjust to preference: Provides heat for those who enjoy a spicier kick.
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise or yogurt: Adds creaminess to the lime mayo dressing.
- 2 tablespoons lime juice: Brings a tangy brightness to balance the creaminess of the dressing.
Instructions
- Make the dressing: In a large salad bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, olive oil, grated garlic, fresh chives, salt, pepper, and crumbled Cotija or feta cheese. Stir until smooth and well mixed.
- Cook the pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the short pasta according to the package instructions, until al dente. Drain and immediately toss the pasta with the dressing while it is still warm.
- Combine the salad ingredients: Add shredded romaine lettuce, grilled or roasted corn, fresh basil, chopped cilantro, diced spicy cheddar cheese, and diced avocado to the pasta. Toss everything together to ensure an even coating of the creamy dressing.
- Prepare the chili butter: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the salted butter. Stir in smoked paprika, chili powder, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt. Let the spices bloom for one minute before removing from heat.
- Make the lime mayo dressing: In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise (or yogurt) with lime juice and a pinch of salt. Stir until smooth.
- Serve and enjoy: Drizzle the pasta salad with the lime mayo dressing and top with a generous spoonful of the chili butter. Serve immediately or refrigerate for later enjoyment.
Notes
- If you prefer a milder version, reduce the amount of cayenne and chili powder in the chili butter.
- Fresh corn is recommended for the best flavor, but frozen corn can be used if necessary. Char it in a hot skillet for a similar smoky taste.
- To keep avocado fresh, add it right before serving and squeeze some lime juice on it to prevent browning.
- The pasta salad can be made in advance, but it’s best to add the fresh ingredients like avocado right before serving for optimal freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 2600 kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 1500mg
- Fat: 170g
- Saturated Fat: 45g
- Unsaturated Fat: 45g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 240g
- Fiber: 25g
- Protein: 70g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
