Description

This Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful fusion of creamy, tangy, and spicy ingredients. Featuring roasted corn, avocado, fresh herbs, and a smoky chili butter, this dish is perfect for family dinners, BBQs, and potlucks. Customize it to your taste with protein additions and extra veggies. Serve warm or cold for a satisfying and crowd-pleasing meal!This Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful fusion of creamy, tangy, and spicy ingredients. Featuring roasted corn, avocado, fresh herbs, and a smoky chili butter, this dish is perfect for family dinners, BBQs, and potlucks. Customize it to your taste with protein additions and extra veggies. Serve warm or cold for a satisfying and crowd-pleasing meal!

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

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Instructions

Make the Dressing: In a large salad bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, olive oil, grated garlic, chopped chives, and crumbled cotija or feta cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cook the Pasta and Combine Ingredients: Bring salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Drain and immediately toss with the prepared dressing in the salad bowl. Add the shredded romaine lettuce, grilled corn, torn basil, chopped cilantro, diced spicy cheddar cheese, and diced avocado. Toss everything together.
Prepare the Chili Butter: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the salted butter. Stir in the smoked paprika, chili powder, cayenne pepper, and salt. Cook for a minute, then remove from heat.
Make the Lime Mayo Dressing: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise (or yogurt) with lime juice and a pinch of salt.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve the salad warm or cold. Drizzle with the lime mayo dressing and top with a spoonful of chili butter. Allow the flavors to meld before serving.

Notes

For a protein boost, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or bacon bits.
Add more veggies like bell peppers, tomatoes, or red onions for extra crunch and flavor.
To make it vegan, swap dairy ingredients for plant-based alternatives and use vegan mayo.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Mixing & Cooking
Cuisine: American, Fusion