This creamy street corn pasta salad is a perfect fusion of fresh ingredients, vibrant flavors, and a spicy kick. It brings together the richness of cream cheese and sour cream with the smokiness of chili butter, complemented by tangy lime mayo. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, a BBQ, or a potluck, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This pasta salad stands out for its creamy, tangy dressing and hearty combination of flavors. The smoky chili butter gives it a warm, spicy kick, while the avocado, cilantro, and basil add freshness. The sweet corn balances the heat perfectly, creating a satisfying dish that can be served warm or cold. It’s also highly customizable—add more veggies, proteins, or even a bit more spice if you want to adjust it to your taste.

Ingredients

For the dressing:

4 ounces room temperature cream cheese
1/3 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1-2 grated garlic cloves
1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
3/4 cup crumbled cotija or feta cheese

For the salad:

1 pound of short pasta
1 head romaine lettuce, shredded
2 cups grilled or roasted corn (from 3-4 fresh ears)
1/2 cup fresh basil, torn
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1/2 cup spicy cheddar cheese, diced
1 avocado, diced

For the chili butter:

4 tablespoons salted butter
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
2 tablespoons chili powder
1/2 to 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper, adjust to preference

For the lime mayo dressing:

1/4 cup mayonnaise or yogurt
2 tablespoons lime juice

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Step 1: Make the Dressing
In a large salad bowl, combine the room temperature cream cheese, sour cream, olive oil, grated garlic cloves, chopped chives, and crumbled cotija or feta cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This dressing will form the base that will flavor the entire salad.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta and Combine Ingredients
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and immediately toss it with the prepared dressing in the salad bowl. Add the shredded romaine lettuce, grilled or roasted corn, torn basil, chopped cilantro, diced spicy cheddar cheese, and diced avocado. Toss everything together to ensure an even coating of the dressing and a balanced flavor distribution.

Step 3: Prepare the Chili Butter
In a skillet over medium heat, melt the salted butter until it turns golden. Stir in the smoked paprika, chili powder, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt. Cook the mixture for another minute, allowing the spices to bloom, then remove it from the heat. This chili butter will bring a flavorful, spicy kick to the salad.

Step 4: Make the Lime Mayo Dressing
In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise or yogurt with fresh lime juice and a pinch of salt. This creamy dressing will complement the spices from the chili butter and provide a refreshing contrast.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the salad either warm or cold, based on your preference. Drizzle the lime mayo dressing over the salad and top with a generous spoonful of chili butter. Let the salad sit for a bit to develop deeper flavors before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6-8 people
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Protein Additions: For a more filling meal, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even bacon bits.
More Veggies: You can add extra veggies like diced tomatoes, bell peppers, or even red onions for more crunch and flavor.
Cheese Substitutes: If you prefer a milder cheese, swap the spicy cheddar for mozzarella or provolone. Feta can also be replaced with ricotta or goat cheese if you want a different flavor profile.
Vegan Version: Swap out the cream cheese, sour cream, and butter with plant-based alternatives, and use a vegan mayonnaise for the lime mayo dressing.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: This pasta salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen over time, making it even more delicious the next day!
Reheating: If you prefer to eat the salad warm, you can gently reheat it in a skillet on low heat. However, the salad is equally tasty when served cold, so you can skip reheating if desired.

FAQs

Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen corn. Just make sure to thaw and drain it before adding it to the salad.

Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the dressing and salad components in advance and refrigerate them separately. When you’re ready to serve, simply combine everything and drizzle the chili butter and lime mayo on top.

Can I make the dressing without cream cheese?

Yes, you can replace the cream cheese with Greek yogurt or more sour cream for a lighter, tangy version of the dressing.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use any short pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, rotini, or bowties.

Is this recipe spicy?

It has a mild to moderate spice level due to the chili powder and cayenne pepper. You can adjust the spice level to your liking by adding more or less cayenne pepper.

Can I serve this pasta salad warm or cold?

You can serve it either way! It’s delicious warm with the chili butter or cold after chilling in the fridge.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

To make the recipe spicier, you can increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the chili butter or add some hot sauce to the dressing.

Can I use a different cheese for the dressing?

Yes, you can use feta or goat cheese as a substitute for cotija if you prefer a different flavor.

How do I prevent the pasta from becoming too soggy?

Make sure to toss the pasta with the dressing immediately after draining, and avoid overcooking the pasta. If you’re making the salad in advance, store the pasta and dressing separately and combine them just before serving.

Can I make a vegan version of this recipe?

Yes, replace the cream cheese, sour cream, and butter with plant-based alternatives, and use a vegan cheese and mayonnaise substitute.

Conclusion

This creamy street corn pasta salad offers the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, spicy, and fresh flavors. It’s versatile, easy to make, and sure to impress everyone at your next gathering. Whether served warm or cold, it’s the ideal dish for any occasion, and with plenty of variations, you can customize it to fit any taste. Enjoy!