Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. This recipe combines the flavors of street corn with creamy pasta salad, creating a unique and flavorful dish that will impress your guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

The combination of creamy dressing and grilled corn creates a burst of flavors in every bite.
This recipe is quick and easy to make, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.

The versatility of this dish allows you to customize it with your favorite ingredients.

Ingredient Notes:

For the dressing:

Cream cheese adds creaminess and richness to the dressing.

Sour cream provides tanginess and helps to balance the flavors.

Extra virgin olive oil adds a subtle fruity flavor.
Garlic cloves bring a savory kick to the dressing.

Fresh chives add a mild onion flavor.

Cotija or feta cheese adds a salty and tangy element.

For the salad:

Short pasta serves as the base of the dish.

Romaine lettuce adds freshness and crunch.
Grilled or roasted corn brings a smoky and sweet flavor.

Fresh basil and cilantro add herbaceous notes.

Spicy cheddar cheese adds a kick of heat.
Avocado adds creaminess and richness.

For the chili butter:

Salted butter adds richness and flavor.
Smoked paprika adds a smoky flavor.

Chili powder provides heat and depth of flavor.

Cayenne pepper can be adjusted to your preferred level of spiciness.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

In a bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, olive oil, garlic, chives, salt, pepper, and cheese for the dressing.

Cook pasta according to package instructions, then drain and rinse with cold water.

In a large bowl, combine pasta, lettuce, corn, basil, cilantro, cheese, and avocado.
In a small saucepan, melt butter and stir in smoked paprika, chili powder, and cayenne pepper.

Pour dressing over salad and toss to coat.

Drizzle chili butter over the salad before serving.

Helpful Tips:

To enhance the flavors, let the salad sit in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving.

For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream in the dressing.

Substitute different cheeses or add grilled chicken for extra protein.

Expert Tips for the Best Results:

Use fresh herbs for the best flavor.

Adjust the spiciness of the chili butter to suit your taste.

Don’t overcook the pasta to ensure it stays firm in the salad.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad with grilled chicken or shrimp for a complete meal. Pair with a refreshing cucumber mint cooler or a crisp white wine.

Storage and Reheating Tips:

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave briefly or enjoy cold as a pasta salad.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, this salad is great for meal prep and can be made ahead of time.
Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh? Yes, frozen corn can be used if fresh is not available.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian? Simply omit the chili butter or use a plant-based alternative.

Can I add extra vegetables to this salad? Feel free to customize with your favorite veggies like bell peppers or cherry tomatoes.

Conclusion:

Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad is a delightful dish that combines the flavors of street corn with a creamy pasta salad. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a dish to impress at a gathering, this recipe is sure to please. Try it out and let us know how you liked it!