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Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad


  • Author: Alicia Cruz
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Description

A vibrant, smoky, and unbelievably delicious pasta salad that brings the irresistible flavors of Mexican street corn to your table.


Ingredients

Scale
  • For the dressing:
    • 4 ounces room temperature cream cheese
    • 1/3 cup sour cream
    • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
    • 12 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 34 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 teaspoons 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

Instructions

  • Grill or roast the corn. Once cool, cut the kernels from the cob.
  • Cook the pasta to al dente according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water. Let cool completely.
  • In a small bowl, mix the chili butter ingredients. Set aside.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the cream cheese, sour cream, and olive oil until smooth. Stir in the grated garlic, chives, salt, and pepper.
  • Add the cooled pasta to the dressing and toss to combine. Add the corn, lettuce, basil, cilantro, and diced cheese. Gently toss to coat.
  • In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lime mayo dressing ingredients.
  • Add the avocado and lime mayo dressing to the salad and toss gently to combine. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • For the best results, use fresh corn and grill it yourself.
  • Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature to prevent a lumpy dressing.
  • Add the avocado just before serving to keep it from browning.
  • This salad is perfect for a barbecue or a potluck.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish, Salad
  • Method: Mixing, Grilling
  • Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 400mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad