Name: Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 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; 1 pound 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; 4 tablespoons salted butter; 2 teaspoons smoked paprika; 2 tablespoons chili powder; 1/2 to 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper, adjust to preference; 1/4 cup mayonnaise or yogurt; 2 tablespoons lime juice

Brace yourself for the ultimate summer salad experience: Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad is a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that brings together the best of two worlds. Imagine smoky roasted corn, al dente pasta, creamy dressings, and a kick of zesty heat, all tossed together in one irresistible bowl. Every bite is a little taste of fiesta, bursting with fresh herbs, savory cheeses, and just enough spice to keep you coming back for more. Whether you’re hosting a backyard gathering or just craving something new for dinner, this is the pasta salad you’ll want to make on repeat.

Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t be daunted by the ingredient list—each one plays an essential role in creating the Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad’s unforgettable taste and texture. From the creamy cheeses to the fresh herbs and smoky chili butter, everything comes together in pure harmony.

Cream cheese (4 ounces, room temperature): Gives the dressing its signature smooth, tangy base.
Sour cream (1/3 cup): Adds a cooling, velvety richness that balances all the flavors.
Extra virgin olive oil (2 tablespoons): Brings silkiness to the dressing and a subtle peppery note.
Garlic cloves (1-2, grated): Adds a low-key heat and big aroma—grate for more intensity.
Fresh chives (1 tablespoon, chopped): Give the salad a burst of color and a mild onion flavor.
Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning each component to perfection.
Cotija or feta cheese (3/4 cup, crumbled): Savory, salty, and just crumbly enough for extra texture.
Short pasta (1 pound): Use fusilli, penne, or shells to soak up every bit of dressing.
Romaine lettuce (1 head, shredded): Adds crunch and freshness—don’t skip it!
Grilled or roasted corn (2 cups, from 3-4 fresh ears): The star of the dish, lending sweetness and a subtle char.
Fresh basil (1/2 cup, torn): Brings a peppery, aromatic lift that keeps things bright.
Fresh cilantro (1/2 cup, chopped): Adds a burst of herby flavor that shouts summer.
Spicy cheddar cheese (1/2 cup, diced): For an unexpected hint of heat and gooey texture.
Avocado (1, diced): Creamy and luxurious—dice just before serving for best color.
Salted butter (4 tablespoons): The base for the chili butter, making every bite luscious.
Smoked paprika (2 teaspoons): Infuses a smoky undertone reminiscent of street corn stands.
Chili powder (2 tablespoons): Adds savory depth and subtle heat.
Cayenne pepper (1/2 to 2 teaspoons): Use more or less to suit your spice tolerance.
Mayonnaise or yogurt (1/4 cup): For extra creaminess and a little tang in the final drizzle.
Lime juice (2 tablespoons): Freshens everything up and balances the richness.

How to Make Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Creamy Cheese Dressing

Start by combining the room temperature cream cheese, sour cream, olive oil, grated garlic, chopped chives, salt, pepper, and crumbled cotija or feta cheese in a large salad bowl. Mix everything until smooth and creamy. This luxurious dressing will coat the pasta and veggies, ensuring every forkful is packed with flavor.

Step 2: Cook Pasta & Combine Salad

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your chosen short pasta until just al dente. Drain immediately and, while still warm, toss the pasta straight into the bowl with the creamy dressing. Add shredded romaine lettuce, grilled or roasted corn, torn basil, chopped cilantro, spicy cheddar, and avocado. Toss thoroughly to combine, letting the heat of the pasta help melt and blend everything together beautifully.

Step 3: Make the Chili Butter

In a skillet over medium heat, melt the salted butter until it begins to brown and smell nutty. Stir in the smoked paprika, chili powder, cayenne pepper (adjusting to your personal heat tolerance), and a pinch of salt. Cook the spices for one minute to release their full flavor, then remove from heat. This step infuses the dish with authentic street corn flavor you’ll crave.

Step 4: Make the Lime Mayo Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise (or yogurt), fresh lime juice, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy. This bright, tangy dressing brings everything together and balances the richness of the cheese and chili butter.

Step 5: Assemble, Serve, and Enjoy

Serve the Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad warm or cold—both ways are delicious! Drizzle generously with the Lime Mayo Dressing and spoon over the zesty Chili Butter. For a deeper meld of flavors, let the salad sit for a few minutes before serving. Dive in and watch it disappear!

How to Serve Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad

Garnishes

Adding the right garnishes takes Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad from great to utterly show-stopping. I love to scatter extra crumbled cotija or feta over the top, finish with a few fresh basil and cilantro leaves, and a sprinkle of chili powder for color. Thinly sliced radishes or a drizzle of Mexican crema make it even more festive and inviting.

Side Dishes

This salad is a star all on its own but also makes the perfect partner for grilled proteins like chicken, steak, or shrimp. Serve alongside a platter of sliced watermelon, crunchy tortilla chips with salsa, or even a refreshing cucumber salad for a well-rounded meal that tastes like summer on a plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For picnics or parties, serve Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad in individual mason jars for a portable, mess-free option. If you’re feeding a crowd, pile it high on a big platter and let everyone dig in. You can also hollow out bell peppers and use them as edible bowls—the colors are irresistible, and it becomes an instant conversation piece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors deepen and mingle as it sits, making each bite even more crave-worthy the next day. Just give the salad a good toss before serving to redistribute the dressings and corn.

Freezing

Because of the creamy cheeses and fresh herbs, freezing isn’t recommended for this salad. The texture of the dressing can become grainy and the veggies watery after thawing. For best results, enjoy it fresh or within a few days of making.

Reheating

This salad is delicious both warm and cold. If you want to serve it warm after refrigeration, gently reheat the portion you need in the microwave for 20-30 seconds—just enough to take the chill off without melting the cheeses completely. Add a splash of lime juice or a spoonful of dressing to refresh flavors and texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen or canned corn instead of fresh?

Absolutely! While fresh, grilled corn gives the best sweetness and char, you can easily substitute frozen or well-drained canned corn in Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad. Just give it a quick sauté in a skillet to develop some color for that street corn vibe.

What if I don’t have cotija cheese?

No worries—feta cheese is a fantastic alternative! It brings similar salty, creamy notes. You could also try queso fresco if you can find it, or even a mild goat cheese for a tangier twist.

Can I make this salad dairy-free?

Definitely! Use dairy-free versions of the cream cheese, sour cream, and cheddar. For the cotija, try a vegan feta or simply leave it out. Plant-based mayonnaise or yogurt works perfectly in the lime dressing.

What pasta shape works best?

Short, sturdy shapes are your friend here. Think rotini, fusilli, penne, or shells—they all hold the creamy dressing and nubbins of corn deliciously. If you only have spaghetti or another long pasta on hand, just break it into pieces before cooking.

How spicy is the chili butter?

The heat level is totally up to you! Start with the lower amount of cayenne and taste as you go—you can always add more spice, but you can’t take it out. For those who love a fiery kick, the full amount will make this Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad truly unforgettable.

Final Thoughts

There’s just nothing like sharing a huge bowl of Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad with friends and family. Every bite is a mix of creamy, smoky, tangy, and fresh flavors—truly what summer memories are made of! Don’t be surprised if this becomes your go-to recipe for gatherings, potlucks, or just because you’re craving something utterly delicious. Give it a try and let your taste buds celebrate!