This irresistible pasta salad brings together a mix of smoky, creamy, and tangy flavors for a truly memorable dish that’s as hearty as it is vibrant. With crisp romaine, charred corn, spicy cheddar, fresh herbs, and a creamy dressing, every bite is bursting with color and richness. One of the best parts? The Estimated Nutrition for the whole recipe means you can eat well and feel good about it too, whether you’re serving this salad for a family meal, packing it up for a picnic, or setting it out at a summer potluck.

Estimated Nutrition Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients for this cheerful salad are easy to find and each plays an essential role, bringing something unique to the table. From creamy cheeses to fresh herbs and smoky spices, these components combine in ways that make every forkful sing.

Cream cheese: Room temperature cream cheese creates a rich, velvety base for the salad dressing.
Sour cream: Adds tangy creaminess, perfectly joining with the cheese for wallet-melting texture.
Extra virgin olive oil: Lends a fruity, peppery depth to the dressing and ties everything together.
Garlic cloves: Grated for punchy, aromatic heat in the salad base.
Fresh chives: Delicate oniony flavor adds freshness and color.
Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning is crucial for balance and bringing out the other flavors.
Cotija or feta cheese: Crumbled cheese offers saltiness, tang, and a little crumbled creaminess.
Short pasta: Use any shape you love—this is the backbone of the salad’s heartiness.
Romaine lettuce: Shredded romaine provides crunch and brightness that keep the salad lively.
Grilled or roasted corn: Brings sweet, smoky character—the more char, the better!
Fresh basil: Torn leaves lend herbal, peppery notes and a pop of green.
Fresh cilantro: Chopped cilantro layers in citrusy, herbal goodness.
Spicy cheddar cheese: Diced cheddar turns little pockets of spicy, melty magic throughout.
Avocado: Diced for creamy richness that cools the heat and rounds out textures.
Salted butter: Used to make a decadent chili butter that drapes the salad in flavor.
Smoked paprika: Deep smoky aroma with vivid color—it’s essential for complexity.
Chili powder: Warm spice brings depth and those “Mexican street corn” vibes.
Cayenne pepper: Adjust to your preferred level—the kick is totally up to you.
Mayonnaise or yogurt: Whisked with lime for a cool, creamy drizzle to finish.
Lime juice: Essential brightness to wake up the whole dish and tie all the spices together.

How to Make Estimated Nutrition

Step 1: Make the Dressing

Start by bringing all your dressing ingredients together in a large salad bowl. Cream cheese, sour cream, olive oil, garlic, chives, salt, pepper, and those flavorful crumbles of cotija or feta blend into a lusciously creamy base. Whisk or beat until everything is smooth and well-combined—you want a dressing that will cling lovingly to every noodle and veggie. Don’t forget to taste and adjust with salt and pepper; this base is key to building your salad’s signature flavor and sets the tone for all those Estimated Nutrition numbers to shine.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta and Combine Ingredients

Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil and cook your chosen short pasta until just al dente, following the package directions. As soon as it’s done, drain the pasta and toss it immediately with your creamy dressing—the warmth will help the flavors meld. Layer in shredded romaine, grilled or roasted corn, spicy cheddar, basil, cilantro, and creamy avocado. Give everything a thorough toss so the vegetables, cheeses, and herbs are distributed beautifully. This step is where your Estimated Nutrition starts to become a wholesome, colorful meal.

Step 3: Prepare the Chili Butter

In a skillet over medium heat, melt the salted butter until it just begins to go golden. Sprinkle in smoked paprika, chili powder, cayenne (go to taste!), and a little extra salt. Give it a good stir and let the spices bloom for a minute, turning your kitchen fragrant and smoky. Once ready, take it off the heat—this hot, spicy butter will be the secret weapon that wakes up your Estimated Nutrition with gorgeous flavor.

Step 4: Make the Lime Mayo Dressing

Grab a small bowl and combine the mayonnaise (or yogurt if you prefer a lighter touch) with fresh lime juice and a pinch of salt. This citrusy, creamy drizzle will balance the spicy chili butter and add a refreshing final zing. It pulls double duty—taming the heat while adding a lovely sheen and flavor punch to those Estimated Nutrition stats.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Spoon your finished salad onto plates or pile it into a serving bowl. Drizzle generously with lime mayo and top with a hearty spoonful of the chili butter for added drama and aroma. You can serve Estimated Nutrition warm for ultimate comfort, or enjoy it cold for lunchtime refreshment—the flavors get more complex and satisfying as they mingle. Take a moment to admire the vivid colors, then dig in!

How to Serve Estimated Nutrition

Garnishes

Sprinkle on extra cotija or feta, a handful of torn cilantro, and a pinch of smoked paprika to make each serving pop. Thinly sliced scallions or a dusting of chili powder also add a little more personality. The herbaceous and spicy notes on top will liven up the Estimated Nutrition experience with every bite.

Side Dishes

This salad is hearty enough to stand alone, but it’s a dream alongside grilled meats like chicken or steak, especially when served at summer gatherings. Pair Estimated Nutrition with crisp tortilla chips, a bowl of black bean soup, or even roasted sweet potatoes to make the meal more filling and fun.

Creative Ways to Present

Spoon servings into mason jars for easy pack-and-go lunches, or pile the salad into butter lettuce cups for a playful, hand-held twist. For parties, layer it in a trifle bowl to show off those colorful ingredients. However you serve it, let the vibrant flavors and textures of the Estimated Nutrition shine through!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. The salad will keep well for up to 3 days; just give it a good toss before serving to redistribute any dressing that may have settled. This means you can enjoy Estimated Nutrition as a make-ahead meal or a tasty desk lunch the next day.

Freezing

Because of the creamy dairy and fresh herbs, this salad is not ideal for freezing—some flavors and textures may become muted or watery when thawed. For the best Estimated Nutrition, enjoy it fresh or simply refrigerate for short-term storage.

Reheating

If you prefer your salad warm, you can microwave individual portions for 20-30 seconds, just until it’s gently heated and not piping hot. Add the lime mayo and chili butter afterward for maximum flavor. But honestly, Estimated Nutrition is fantastic cold, too—you get all the creamy, spicy contrast without losing texture.

FAQs

Can I make Estimated Nutrition ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare all the components ahead—just store the lime mayo and chili butter separately and toss everything together just before serving for the freshest taste and best texture.

What pasta shapes work best?

Short pasta shapes like rotini, penne, farfalle, or shells are all excellent. They catch the creamy dressing and little bits of cheese, corn, and herbs, making each forkful extra satisfying in Estimated Nutrition.

How spicy is this pasta salad?

The heat level is totally adjustable. Start with less cayenne and add more to taste. The avocado and creamy dressings mellow things out, so even with a generous amount, the spice is fun rather than overwhelming in the Estimated Nutrition.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes, this Estimated Nutrition recipe is already vegetarian! Just double-check your cheeses if you’re strict about rennet, and consider yogurt instead of mayo if you want to avoid eggs.

What can I substitute for cotija or feta?

If you can’t find cotija or feta, crumbly goat cheese or queso fresco work beautifully. Even a sharp, aged cheddar will do the trick, adding a bit more richness and depth to your Estimated Nutrition.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a show-stopping, feel-good meal that wows every time, Estimated Nutrition delivers with flavor, color, and so much character. There’s something about the combination of creamy cheese, grilled corn, zesty herbs, and bold spice that makes this salad truly memorable. Give it a try—you’ll be hooked from the very first bite!