Creamy Street Corn Pasta Mix

This creamy street corn pasta salad is a perfect choice for anyone looking to combine fresh vegetables with a rich, flavorful dressing for a satisfying meal. It balances the sweetness of roasted corn with creamy cheese and a spicy buttery kick, making it a versatile dish that works as a side or a main. Whether you want a quick weeknight dinner or something to impress at a casual get-together this salad fits the bill.

I put this together on a whim one summer evening when I had fresh corn on hand, and it quickly became one of our favorite summer pasta salads.

Ingredients

• Cream cheese: in the dressing adds a velvety texture choose full-fat for the best creaminess
• Sour cream: balances richness and adds slight tang opt for fresh and thick
• Extra virgin olive oil: contributes a smooth mouthfeel and richness use a good quality one for depth
• Fresh garlic: gives a punch of aroma and flavor grate it finely to avoid chunks
• Chives: bring a mild onion-like note fresh and vibrant chives work better than dried versions
• Cotija or feta cheese: crumbled on top adds saltiness and tang pick a firm, flavorful cheese
• Short pasta like penne or rotini: holds dressing well choose high-quality pasta for texture
• Romaine lettuce: offers crunch and freshness avoid limp leaves for best bite
• Grilled or roasted corn: provides sweetness and smokiness select fresh ears or good frozen corn when out of season
• Fresh basil and cilantro: chopped add herbaceous brightness aim for vibrant green leaves without spots
• Spicy cheddar cheese: diced brings sharpness and heat balance the amounts to your taste
• Avocado: diced offers creaminess and richness select firm yet ripe avocados
• Salted butter: forms the base of chili butter for richness pick unsalted if you want to control salt
• Smoked paprika: adds warmth and depth buy fresh spices and toast lightly for best aroma
• Chili powder: layered spicy flavor select one without added salt or sugar
• Cayenne pepper: tailors heat level adjust carefully for your tolerance
• Mayonnaise or yogurt: in lime mayo dressing adds creaminess choose plain Greek yogurt for tangy option
• Lime juice: adds fresh acidity buy fresh and not bottled for best brightness

Instructions

Make The Dressing:

In a large salad bowl combine cream cheese sour cream olive oil grated garlic chopped fresh chives crumbled cotija or feta cheese and salt and pepper to taste. Stir vigorously until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. This dressing ties all the salad ingredients together and imparts a rich tangy flavor that balances the sweetness of the corn.

Cook Pasta And Combine Ingredients:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your short pasta according to the package instructions until al dente which usually means a slight bite remains. Drain well then immediately toss the hot pasta with the creamy dressing in the salad bowl to coat every piece. Add shredded romaine lettuce grilled or roasted corn diced spicy cheddar torn basil chopped cilantro and diced avocado. Gently fold everything to combine without mashing the avocado or crushing the herbs. This ensures every bite has a blend of freshness and creaminess.

Prepare The Chili Butter:

Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt salted butter until it turns golden and fragrant. Sprinkle in smoked paprika chili powder cayenne pepper adjusting cayenne to your preference and season with a pinch of salt. Stir for about one minute allowing the spices to toast and release their aroma but watch closely to avoid burning the butter. Remove from heat and set aside. This chili butter will add a complex smoky spice when drizzled over the salad.

Make Lime Mayo Dressing:

Whisk together mayonnaise or yogurt with fresh lime juice and a pinch of salt in a small bowl until smooth. This light tangy dressing adds a fresh brightness that cuts through the richness of the creamy dressing and chili butter.

Serve And Enjoy:

Serve the pasta salad either warm so the flavors meld more completely or chilled if you prefer a refreshing cool dish. Drizzle each portion with a generous spoonful of the lime mayo dressing and swirl some chili butter on top. Let the salad sit for a few minutes to allow the buttery spices to infuse the whole salad before serving.

I am particularly fond of the chili butter because it brings such a deep smoky and spicy warmth that contrasts beautifully with the creamy dressing. This pasta salad reminds me of summer cookouts with family where everyone ended up going back for seconds

Storage Tips

Keep leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Because of the avocado and dressing it is best eaten within two days to keep freshness. If you have leftovers separate chili butter and lime dressing and drizzle just before serving to maintain their flavors.

Ingredient Swaps

If you want to skip the cotija or feta use a crumbled panela or a fresh farmer cheese for mild tang. Instead of romaine you can try baby spinach or tender kale but shred it finely to help it soften in the dressing. Use a non-dairy cream cheese and vegan mayo to make this dish completely plant-based.

Serving Ideas

Pair this pasta salad with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. It also works well as a potluck dish or picnic favorite because it travels nicely and delivers bold flavors. Add toasted pepitas or sunflower seeds on top for extra crunch.

Seasonal Twists

In fall roast the corn and add diced roasted poblano peppers for smoky heat. In spring swap the herbs for fresh mint and parsley to brighten flavors. Summer is the perfect time to use fresh basil, cilantro, and sweet corn just off the grill.

This dish combines freshness and richness perfectly for a crowd-pleasing salad anyone can enjoy anytime.

Frequently Asked Recipe Questions

→ What pasta works best for this salad?

Short pasta shapes like penne or rotini hold the dressing and mix-ins well, providing a balanced texture throughout.

→ How can I prepare the corn for optimal flavor?

Grill or roast the corn until slightly charred to enhance its natural sweetness and add a smoky depth to the salad.

→ Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Yes, the creamy dressing can be prepared in advance and refrigerated to deepen the flavors before mixing into the salad.

→ What is the role of chili butter in this dish?

Chili butter adds a warm, smoky heat that contrasts with the cool creaminess, giving the salad a lively and layered flavor profile.

→ Is it better to serve the salad warm or cold?

Both options work well; serving it warm slightly melts the chili butter for a comforting dish, while chilled highlights fresh, crisp textures.

→ How does the lime mayo dressing enhance the salad?

The lime mayo dressing adds a bright, tangy finish that balances rich and spicy elements, refreshing the palate.