Description
This Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad is a flavorful mix of soft pasta, grilled corn, fresh herbs, avocado, and a spicy chili butter with a tangy lime mayo dressing. A fun, Mexican-inspired side dish!
Ingredients
- For the Dressing:
- 4 ounces room temperature cream cheese
- ⅓ cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1–2 grated garlic cloves
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¾ cup crumbled cotija or feta cheese
- For the Salad:
- 1 pound short pasta
- 1 head romaine lettuce, shredded
- 2 cups grilled or roasted corn (from 3–4 fresh ears)
- ½ cup fresh basil, torn
- ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- ½ cup spicy cheddar cheese, diced
- 1 avocado, diced
- For the Chili Butter:
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- ½ to 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper (adjust to preference)
- For the Lime Mayo Dressing:
- ¼ cup mayonnaise or yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
Instructions
- In a large salad bowl, combine room temperature cream cheese, sour cream, extra virgin olive oil, grated garlic, chopped fresh chives, salt, pepper, and crumbled cotija or feta cheese. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
- Cook the short pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and immediately toss the hot pasta with the prepared creamy dressing. Add shredded romaine lettuce, grilled or roasted corn, torn basil, chopped cilantro, diced spicy cheddar cheese, and diced avocado. Toss everything thoroughly to combine.
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt salted butter until golden. Stir in smoked paprika, chili powder, cayenne pepper (adjust to preference), and a pinch of salt. Cook for about 1 minute to allow the spices to bloom, then remove from heat.
- In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise (or yogurt) with fresh lime juice and a pinch of salt until well combined.
- Serve the pasta salad warm or cold, as preferred. Drizzle with the lime mayo dressing and top with a generous spoonful of the chili butter. For deeper flavors, let the salad sit for a bit before serving.
Notes
- For a creamier texture, you can add more cream cheese or sour cream.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of cayenne pepper in the chili butter to suit your spice preference.
- This dish can be served warm or chilled, depending on your preference.
- If you prefer a more tangy flavor, you can increase the lime juice in the lime mayo dressing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
