Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe

If you’re searching for a recipe that’s equal parts creamy, zesty, and packed with bold summer flavor, this Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad is about to make your taste buds do a happy dance! Imagine sweet, charred corn and al dente pasta tossed in a tangy, herby cheese dressing, all finished with a drizzle of chili butter and lime—this is sunshine in a bowl, and it works for cozy dinners or backyard gatherings alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad comes together with a medley of fresh, vibrant, and easy-to-find ingredients—each one adding a punch of flavor, a hit of creaminess, or a pop of color. Don’t be afraid to grab that extra ear of corn or handful of herbs; these elements are what make the dish sing!

• Cream cheese (room temperature): Forms the rich, velvety base of the dressing—let it come to room temp so it blends smoothly.
• Sour cream: Adds a tangy creaminess that ties together the cheese and herbs beautifully.
• Extra virgin olive oil: Lends silkiness to the dressing while rounding out the flavors.
• Grated garlic cloves: For a subtle, punchy kick that infuses every bite.
• Fresh chives: Adds gentle onion flavor and vibrant green flecks.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for coaxing out maximum flavor—season to taste!
• Cotija or feta cheese (crumbled): Cotija brings that iconic street corn tang, while feta is a great salty backup.
• Short pasta (1 pound): Think rotini, penne, or shells—perfect for holding onto all that creamy goodness.
• Romaine lettuce (shredded): Adds freshness and a crunchy bite that won’t wilt in the mix.
• Grilled or roasted corn (about 2 cups): Sweet, smoky, and bursting with summer—use fresh ears if you can!
• Fresh basil (torn): Brings sweet, peppery aroma and summery vibes.
• Fresh cilantro (chopped): For that zesty green pop and classic street corn flair.
• Spicy cheddar cheese (diced): Adds heat and pockets of melty, gooey goodness.
• Avocado (diced): Creamy, dreamy richness and beautiful color.
• Salted butter (for chili butter): The base of the melted, spiced drizzle.
• Smoked paprika: Gives the chili butter its smoky, deep flavor.
• Chili powder: Adds a classic, earthy chili flavor.
• Cayenne pepper: Controls the spice level—use as much or as little as you please.
• Mayonnaise or yogurt (for lime mayo): Either works—this tangy drizzle brightens the dish.
• Lime juice: Cuts the richness, adds zing, and makes everything taste like summer.

Variations

This pasta salad is basically your blank flavor canvas! With a few quick swaps, you can morph this dish into a vegetarian main, a spicy fiesta, or even a lighter lunch. Here are a few variations to spark your imagination and please every palate around your table.

• Make it vegetarian-friendly: Leave out the spicy cheddar or substitute with your favorite vegetarian cheese for a meatless hit.
• Go gluten-free: Just use your favorite gluten-free pasta—the texture holds up just as well as regular!
• Add grilled chicken or shrimp: Amp up the protein and make it a hearty main course by tossing in your favorite grilled meat or seafood.
• Pile on extra veggies: Roasted red peppers, cherry tomatoes, or sautéed zucchini all taste amazing here.
• Try spicy crema: Add a spoonful of chipotle or adobo sauce to the lime mayo for smoky, irresistible heat.

How to Make Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad

Step 1: Whip Up the Creamy Cheese Dressing

In a large salad bowl, combine the room temperature cream cheese, sour cream, olive oil, grated garlic, chives, a generous pinch of salt and pepper, and the crumbled cotija or feta. Don’t rush—take a few minutes to whip until smooth, creamy, and fluffy. This is the flavor backbone of your salad, so taste and add a little more salt if needed.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta and Assemble the Salad

Boil your favorite short pasta until just al dente—think toothsome, not mushy! Immediately drain and while still warm, toss it straight into the bowl with the dressing. Add the shredded romaine, grilled or roasted corn, torn basil, chopped cilantro, diced spicy cheddar, and creamy avocado. Toss gently to coat every twist and turn of pasta in that dreamy dressing.

Step 3: Sizzle the Chili Butter

Melt the salted butter in a skillet over medium heat, then stir in the smoked paprika, chili powder, cayenne (tune the spice to your liking!), and a pinch of salt. Let the spices gently bloom for about a minute to deepen the aroma—your kitchen will smell wild! Remove from the heat and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Lime Mayo Dressing

Simply whisk together the mayo (or Greek yogurt) with fresh lime juice and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. This quick sauce adds tangy, bright notes that balance out all the creamy richness and corn sweetness.

Step 5: Drizzle, Toss, and Enjoy

When ready to serve, pile the Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad onto a big platter or straight from the bowl. Drizzle generously with lime mayo and finish with a spoonful (or two!) of that smoky chili butter. If you have the patience, let the salad sit for 20 minutes—those flavors get even more incredible together.

How to Serve Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad

Garnishes

For the prettiest presentation (and even more flavor), shower your Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad with extra crumbled cotija or feta, lots of fresh cilantro, extra chili powder, and a few lime wedges on the side. A sprinkle of chopped chives or sliced jalapeños adds a touch of color and zing that will have everyone swooning.

Side Dishes

This pasta salad brings bold flavor, so serve it with milder mains like grilled chicken, steak, or even simple roasted veggies. It’s absolutely at home next to burgers or alongside tacos during a backyard fiesta. For a lighter lunch, pair it with a cold cucumber salad or juicy watermelon slices—refreshing and satisfying!

Creative Ways to Present

Turn Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad into a showstopper by serving in a big, shallow platter with colorful layers of toppings, or fill small mason jars for adorable individual picnic portions. You can even scoop it into lettuce cups for a fresh, crowd-pleasing party snack—don’t forget a little extra lime mayo for dipping!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors mingle and deepen as it sits—if anything, it becomes even more craveable on day two! Just give it a quick stir before serving and freshen with a squeeze of lime or extra herbs.

Freezing

It’s best to skip freezing Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad, since the creamy dressing and fresh herbs can lose their lovely texture and flavor after thawing. Enjoy it fresh or within a few days of making for peak deliciousness!

Reheating

This salad is meant to be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, but if you like it slightly warm, gently reheat a portion in the microwave for 30 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, so the avocado and fresh greens stay vibrant and the dressing remains creamy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something that will really wow the crowd—or just brighten up an ordinary weeknight—Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad is the way to go. Loaded with flavor, fun to make, and endlessly adaptable, it’s a dish you’ll come back to again and again. I hope it becomes a new favorite in your kitchen—don’t forget the extra drizzle of chili butter and a big squeeze of lime for that final, unforgettable bite!

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