Description
Get ready to wow your guests with our Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad! This vibrant dish combines tender short pasta with a luscious creamy cheese dressing, sweet grilled corn, and fresh herbs. Perfect for summer barbecues, potlucks, or casual dinners, this salad is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile—enjoy it warm or cold! The addition of zesty lime juice and a dash of chili powder gives it an exciting kick that will keep everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- 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 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
- In a large bowl, blend together cream cheese, sour cream, olive oil, garlic, chives, salt, pepper, and crumbled cheese until smooth.
- Cook the short pasta according to package instructions; drain and mix into the dressing while hot.
- Add shredded romaine lettuce, grilled corn, basil, cilantro, spicy cheddar, and avocado; toss to combine.
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and stir in smoked paprika and chili powder; drizzle over the salad.
- Serve warm or cold with lime mayo dressing on the side.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing & Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 366
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 45mg