Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad (Print)
Pasta tossed in creamy cheese sauce, corn, herbs, avocado, and finished with lime and chili butter.
# What You'll Need:
→ For the dressing
01 -
4 ounces room temperature cream cheese
02 -
1/3 cup sour cream
03 -
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
04 -
1-2 grated garlic cloves
05 -
1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
06 -
Salt and pepper to taste
07 -
3/4 cup crumbled cotija or feta cheese
→ For the salad
08 -
1 pound short pasta
09 -
1 head romaine lettuce, shredded
10 -
2 cups grilled or roasted corn (from 3-4 fresh ears)
11 -
1/2 cup fresh basil, torn
12 -
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
13 -
1/2 cup spicy cheddar cheese, diced
14 -
1 avocado, diced
→ For the chili butter
15 -
4 tablespoons salted butter
16 -
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
17 -
2 tablespoons chili powder
18 -
1/2 to 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper (adjust to preference)
→ For the lime mayo dressing
19 -
1/4 cup mayonnaise or yogurt
20 -
2 tablespoons lime juice
# How to Make It:
01 -
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.
02 -
Cook short pasta until al dente. Drain immediately and toss the hot pasta with the prepared dressing in the salad bowl. Add shredded romaine lettuce, grilled or roasted corn, torn fresh basil, chopped fresh cilantro, diced spicy cheddar cheese, and diced avocado. Toss everything thoroughly to combine.
03 -
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 one minute to allow spices to bloom, then remove from heat.
04 -
In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise (or yogurt) with fresh lime juice and a pinch of salt until well combined.
05 -
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.