Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad (Printable Version)
# What You'll Need:
→ Dressing
01 -
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
02 -
80 milliliters sour cream
03 -
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
04 -
1–2 garlic cloves, grated
05 -
1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped
06 -
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
07 -
90 grams cotija or feta cheese, crumbled
→ Salad
08 -
450 grams short pasta (such as rotini, penne, or fusilli)
09 -
1 head romaine lettuce, shredded
10 -
2 cups grilled or roasted corn kernels (from 3–4 fresh ears)
11 -
1/2 cup fresh basil, roughly torn
12 -
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
13 -
60 grams spicy cheddar cheese, diced
14 -
1 ripe avocado, diced
→ Chili Butter
15 -
4 tablespoons salted butter
16 -
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
17 -
2 tablespoons chili powder
18 -
0.5–2 teaspoons cayenne pepper, to taste
→ Lime Mayo Sauce
19 -
60 milliliters mayonnaise or plain yogurt
20 -
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
# How to Make It:
01 -
In a large salad bowl, blend softened cream cheese, sour cream, extra virgin olive oil, grated garlic, chopped chives, salt, pepper, and crumbled cotija or feta cheese until smooth and well combined.
02 -
Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente according to package instructions. Drain immediately and, while hot, toss with the prepared cheese dressing. Add shredded romaine lettuce, grilled or roasted corn, torn basil, chopped cilantro, diced spicy cheddar cheese, and avocado. Gently toss until evenly coated.
03 -
In a small skillet over medium heat, melt the salted butter until golden. Stir in smoked paprika, chili powder, cayenne pepper (adjust amount to desired heat), and a pinch of salt. Cook for about 1 minute to bloom spices, then remove from heat.
04 -
In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise (or yogurt) with lime juice and a pinch of salt until fully integrated.
05 -
Serve the salad warm or at room temperature. Just before serving, drizzle generously with lime mayo sauce and top each portion with a spoonful of chili butter. For optimal flavor, allow the salad to rest briefly to let the flavors meld.
# Additional Tips:
01 -
Allowing the pasta salad to sit for several minutes after assembly deepens the flavors.
02 -
Use freshly grilled corn for the most vibrant, smoky-sweet dimension.