Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad (Print Version)
Pasta, creamy cheese, corn, and avocado unite with chili butter and tangy lime for bold, vibrant flavor.
# Ingredients:
→ Dressing
01 -
115 g cream cheese, at room temperature
02 -
80 ml sour cream
03 -
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
04 -
1–2 garlic cloves, grated
05 -
1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped
06 -
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
07 -
90 g cotija or feta cheese, crumbled
→ Salad
08 -
450 g short pasta (such as fusilli or penne)
09 -
1 head romaine lettuce, shredded
10 -
2 cups (300 g) grilled or roasted corn kernels (from 3–4 fresh ears)
11 -
15 g fresh basil leaves, torn
12 -
15 g fresh cilantro, chopped
13 -
60 g spicy cheddar cheese, diced
14 -
1 ripe avocado, diced
→ Chili Butter
15 -
60 g salted butter
16 -
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
17 -
2 tablespoons chili powder
18 -
0.5–2 teaspoons cayenne pepper, to taste
19 -
Pinch of salt
→ Lime Mayo Dressing
20 -
60 ml mayonnaise or plain yogurt
21 -
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
22 -
Pinch of salt
# Steps:
01 -
In a large salad bowl, blend the room temperature cream cheese, sour cream, extra virgin olive oil, grated garlic, chopped chives, salt, black pepper, and crumbled cotija or feta cheese until smooth and well combined.
02 -
Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain thoroughly and immediately add the hot pasta to the dressing in the salad bowl. Toss to coat evenly, then fold in the shredded romaine lettuce, grilled or roasted corn, torn basil, chopped cilantro, diced spicy cheddar cheese, and diced avocado. Gently mix until uniformly combined.
03 -
In a skillet over medium heat, melt the salted butter until golden. Stir in smoked paprika, chili powder, and cayenne pepper to desired heat level along with a pinch of salt. Sauté for one minute, allowing the spices to bloom, then remove from heat.
04 -
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise or yogurt with the fresh lime juice and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy.
05 -
Serve the pasta salad warm or chilled, as preferred. Drizzle with lime mayo dressing and finish with a generous spoonful of warm chili butter. For enhanced flavor, allow the salad to rest briefly before serving.
# Notes:
01 -
For optimal flavor infusion, allow the salad to stand for 10 minutes before serving.
02 -
Corn may be charred on a grill or roasted in the oven for deeper smokiness.