Description
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad, a delightful dish that brings together fresh ingredients and a creamy dressing. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or weeknight dinners, this pasta salad features sweet corn, creamy avocado, and aromatic herbs all tossed in a luscious cheese sauce. Topped with a warm chili butter for a spicy kick and drizzled with zesty lime dressing, each bite promises a burst of flavor. Quick to prepare in just 25 minutes, this versatile dish can be served as a hearty main course or a refreshing side. Gather your friends and family to enjoy this deliciously creamy salad that’s sure to impress!
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 torn fresh basil
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 cup diced spicy cheddar cheese
- 1 diced avocado
- 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 salad bowl, mix room temperature cream cheese, sour cream, olive oil, grated garlic, chives, salt, pepper, and crumbled cotija until smooth.
- Cook short pasta according to package instructions until al dente; drain immediately.
- Combine hot pasta with the creamy dressing in the salad bowl. Add shredded romaine lettuce, grilled corn, fresh basil, cilantro, spicy cheddar cheese, and diced avocado; toss well.
- For the chili butter topping: melt salted butter in a skillet over medium heat; stir in smoked paprika, chili powder, cayenne pepper (to taste), and salt; cook for one minute.
- Prepare lime mayo by mixing mayonnaise (or yogurt) with lime juice and salt until smooth.
- Serve salad warm or chilled with lime mayo drizzle and topped with chili butter.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Mixing/Cooking
- Cuisine: American/Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 35mg