Introduction

This Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines tender pasta with smoky grilled corn, fresh herbs, and a rich, tangy dressing. Perfect for summer gatherings or a quick lunch, it’s a satisfying blend of creamy, spicy, and fresh elements that will delight your taste buds.

A white speckled bowl holds a pasta dish with three main layers visible: at the bottom, pale cream-colored ridged pasta spirals fill the bowl; next, scattered over the pasta, bright yellow grilled corn kernels with dark brown char marks add a smoky look; on top, white crumbled cheese is sprinkled unevenly, mixed with fresh green basil leaves and a few slices of light green avocado. A light dusting of reddish seasoning is spread over the cheese and vegetables, adding contrast. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, with some basil leaves and lime slices around it. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

For the dressing:

1/3 cup sour cream
4 oz cream cheese (room temperature)
3/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta)
2 tbsp olive oil
1-2 grated garlic cloves
1 tbsp chopped fresh chives
Salt and pepper to taste

For the salad:

1/2 cup diced spicy cheddar cheese
2 cups grilled or roasted corn
1/2 cup torn fresh basil
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 diced avocado
1 head shredded romaine lettuce
1 lb short pasta (rotini, fusilli, or farfalle)

For the chili butter:

4 tbsp salted butter
1/2-2 tsp cayenne pepper
2 tsp smoked paprika
2 tbsp chili powder

For the lime mayo dressing:

1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp lime juice

Instructions

Step 1: In a large salad bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, olive oil, grated garlic, chopped chives, cotija cheese, salt, and pepper. Stir well to create the dressing, which will flavor the entire salad.
Step 2: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and immediately toss it with the dressing in the salad bowl. Add shredded romaine, grilled corn, diced cheddar, basil, cilantro, and diced avocado. Toss gently to combine everything evenly.
Step 3: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter until golden. Stir in the chili powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper to taste, and a pinch of salt. Cook for one more minute until fragrant, then remove from heat. This chili butter will add a spicy kick to the salad.
Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise and lime juice with a pinch of salt to make the lime mayo dressing. This will provide a fresh, tangy contrast to the spice.
Step 5: Serve the pasta salad warm or chilled. Drizzle with the lime mayo and spoon the chili butter over the top. For best flavor, let the salad sit for a short while before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh corn if possible for the best flavor, but fire-roasted frozen corn works well in a pinch.
Substitute feta for cotija cheese for a milder, creamier taste.
Adjust the cayenne pepper to control the heat level of the chili butter.
For a lighter version, swap sour cream and cream cheese for Greek yogurt.
Add diced tomatoes or red bell peppers for extra crunch and color.

Storage

Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the chili butter and lime mayo dressing separate until ready to serve to maintain the best texture. Reheat gently if serving warm, or enjoy chilled straight from the fridge.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with spiral pasta as the base layer, a light cream color with a smooth texture, topped with scattered charred yellow corn kernels that have a slightly blackened surface adding a smoky look. On top of that, there are small white crumbles of soft cheese spread unevenly, with green fresh basil leaves scattered, some whole and some torn, adding bright green color. There are a few slices of green avocado with a smooth texture placed on one side. The dish is sprinkled with a reddish spice powder giving a dash of red contrast, all placed on a white marbled surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, short pasta shapes like rotini, fusilli, or farfalle work best as they hold the dressing well, but you can use any pasta you prefer.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely. Prepare the dressing and chili butter in advance and mix with fresh ingredients just before serving to keep textures and flavors vibrant.