Name: Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 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 of 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

Jump to Recipe

If you love lively flavors and bright, colorful dishes, then this Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad is about to become your new go-to recipe! It’s everything you adore about classic Mexican street corn—smoky, tangy, cheesy—blended into a satisfying pasta salad that’s as perfect for potlucks as it is for fuss-free weeknight dinners. Every bite is loaded with grilled corn, creamy dressing, pops of fresh herbs, and a little heat, making this salad an absolute star on any table.

Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad comes together with a lineup of simple, vibrant ingredients that each bring their own magic—whether it’s the creaminess of cheese, the freshness of herbs, or a glorious, smoky kick from the spices. Here’s everything you need, plus a few tips for getting the most flavor out of each element.

Cream Cheese (4 ounces, room temperature): Acts as the rich, velvety backbone for the dressing, making everything irresistibly creamy.
Sour Cream (1/3 cup): Adds a signature tang and helps balance the richness of the cheese.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Gives silkiness to the dressing and marries all the other flavors together.
Grated Garlic (1-2 cloves): Fresh garlic wakes up the salad with a punch of aromatic depth.
Fresh Chives (1 tablespoon, chopped): Sprinkle in for a pop of color and gentle onion flavor.
Salt and Pepper (to taste): Essential for elevating every component; taste as you go!
Cotija or Feta Cheese (3/4 cup, crumbled): Choose your favorite; both add creaminess and salty zing.
Short Pasta (1 pound): Use rotini, penne, or shells—shapes that catch all the good bits in every forkful.
Romaine Lettuce (1 head, shredded): Fresh crunch that keeps things light and lively.
Grilled or Roasted Corn (2 cups, from 3-4 fresh ears): The star ingredient; grilling draws out its natural sweetness!
Fresh Basil (1/2 cup, torn): Bright and herbaceous, basil keeps the salad summery and aromatic.
Fresh Cilantro (1/2 cup, chopped): Adds zingy, fresh notes; if you’re not a fan, parsley works in a pinch.
Spicy Cheddar Cheese (1/2 cup, diced): For a subtle, melty kick and extra flavor dimension.
Avocado (1, diced): Gives a creamy, buttery contrast to all those bold, tangy elements.
Salted Butter (4 tablespoons): Melted and infused with spices to create the dreamy chili butter.
Smoked Paprika (2 teaspoons): Infuses the salad with a smoky, sultry flavor foundation.
Chili Powder (2 tablespoons): For warmth and color; choose a mild or hot variety depending on your preference.
Cayenne Pepper (1/2 to 2 teaspoons, adjust to taste): This brings heat—add more or less to suit your spice threshold!
Mayonnaise or Greek Yogurt (1/4 cup): Use whichever you prefer for a creamy, tangy finishing touch.
Lime Juice (2 tablespoons): Fresh lime wakes up and ties together all the flavors with a zesty punch.

How to Make Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad

Step 1: Make the Dressing

In your biggest salad bowl, start by combining the cream cheese, sour cream, olive oil, grated garlic, chopped chives, salt, and pepper. This creamy mixture is the base layer that gives the Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad its signature flavor. Stir everything together until it’s silky-smooth, then fold in the crumbled cotija or feta cheese for that salty, tangy depth. Having your dressing ready before the pasta is crucial so you can toss everything together while the pasta is still warm, letting it soak up every bit of deliciousness.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta and Combine Ingredients

Boil your pasta in a big pot of salted water until it’s just al dente—this helps the salad hold its texture after tossing. Once it’s perfectly cooked, drain well and add directly to the dressing in your bowl while still warm. Now, pile in your lettuce, grilled or roasted corn, spicy cheddar, torn basil, chopped cilantro, and diced avocado. Toss everything together thoroughly so every swirl of pasta gets coated in that gloriously creamy dressing and all the add-ins are evenly mingling in the mix. It’s already looking and smelling fantastic!

Step 3: Prepare the Chili Butter

Heat a skillet over medium and melt the salted butter until it’s foaming and golden. Sprinkle in the chili powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt. Let the spices bloom in the butter for another minute, stirring gently—this step releases a toasty, smoky aroma that takes your Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad to the next level. Once fragrant, remove from heat; you’ll spoon this over your pasta for irresistible flavor.

Step 4: Make the Lime Mayo Dressing

Whisk together the mayonnaise or Greek yogurt with fresh lime juice and just a touch of salt in a small bowl. This quick sauce is bright, creamy, and adds a cooling counterpoint to the spiced butter. Drizzling it over the finished pasta salad just before serving brings everything together with citrusy creaminess.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Your Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad is ready to be devoured! You can serve it warm or at room temperature—both are fantastic, depending on your mood or the season. Top each serving with a generous drizzle of lime mayo and a heaping spoonful of chili butter. If you let the salad sit for a while before serving, the flavors will meld and deepen, making it even better. Dive in and enjoy every lively, creamy, crunchy bite!

How to Serve Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad

Garnishes

Garnish is where the fun really starts! Sprinkle extra chopped cilantro, fresh chives, or crumbled cotija right before serving for a look that pops. A squeeze of lime, a dash of chili powder, or a few slices of fresh jalapeño add color and extra flavor. You can even dollop a bit more lime mayo or chili butter over the top if you love it saucy—there’s no such thing as too much when it comes to this salad.

Side Dishes

This Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad plays so well with others. Pair it with simply grilled meats or fish for a satisfying meal, or make it the vibrant centerpiece of a summer potluck and let everyone bring chips, fresh salsa, or even a big bowl of guacamole. It’s also awesome with toasty garlic bread or a crunchy slaw on the side. Basically, anything that needs a bright, creamy, satisfying partner!

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to make your Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad really party-ready, try serving it in lettuce cups for a fun handheld appetizer. Present it atop a bed of extra shredded romaine on a big platter for a picnic vibe, or layer it in jars for a grab-and-go lunch. A sprinkle of edible flowers or colorful microgreens makes the whole dish look like a fiesta on a plate!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This pasta salad stores beautifully. Scoop any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors actually intensify as they mingle, making tomorrow’s lunch even more delicious. Just give it a good toss and a fresh squeeze of lime before digging in again!

Freezing

While you can technically freeze this Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad, it’s not the best if you want to preserve the fresh herbs and creamy texture. The dressing can get a little grainy, and the veggies may lose their vibrance. If you do freeze, stick to the pasta and corn mixture and add cheese, herbs, and avocado fresh each time you serve.

Reheating

This salad is wonderful cold or at room temperature, but if you prefer it warm, reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave just until the chill is gone. If it seems a little thick, stir in a splash of milk or extra lime juice to revive the creamy goodness!

FAQs

Can I use frozen or canned corn instead of fresh?

Absolutely! While grilled fresh corn brings the most flavor, you can make Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad year-round by using frozen or drained canned corn. Just give it a quick sauté in a hot skillet to char it a bit for that signature smoky vibe.

Is there a dairy-free version of the recipe?

You bet: substitute your favorite plant-based cream cheese, sour cream, and cheeses, plus vegan mayo or yogurt for the dressing. The salad is just as creamy, zippy, and delicious!

What pasta shapes work best?

Short pasta shapes like rotini, penne, fusilli, or shells are perfect—they trap the creamy dressing and little bits of corn. Try to avoid long noodles, as they won’t capture the chunky veggies and cheese as well.

How spicy is the salad?

That’s totally up to you! Start with less cayenne and chili powder if you’re spice-sensitive, then build up to your perfect heat level. The creamy dressing helps mellow any burn, so feel free to taste and tweak as you go.

Can I make Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad ahead of time?

Yes! This salad is fantastic when made a few hours ahead or even the day before. Just wait to add the avocado and some fresh herbs until right before serving for maximum freshness and color.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something joyful about a big, shareable bowl of Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad—the flavors dance, the colors pop, and everyone comes back for seconds. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and make it your own, whether for a sunny picnic, a family gathering, or just a weeknight when you want a burst of flavor and comfort. Happy cooking, and enjoy every creamy, zesty bite!

Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 20 reviews

Author: lina
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: Serves 6
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines the essence of Mexican street corn with creamy pasta goodness. Bursting with fresh ingredients and zesty flavors, this salad is a perfect addition to any gathering or as a satisfying meal on its own.

Instructions

Make the Dressing
In a large salad bowl, combine all the ingredients for the dressing. Season to taste with salt and pepper. This will be the base that flavors the entire salad.
Cook the Pasta and Combine Ingredients
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until it reaches an al dente texture, following the package directions for timing. Once cooked, drain the pasta and immediately toss it with the prepared dressing in the salad bowl. Add the lettuce, corn, cheddar cheese, basil, cilantro, and avocado to the bowl. Toss everything together to ensure even coating and flavor distribution.
Prepare the Chili Butter
In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter until it turns golden. Stir in the chili powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt. Cook the mixture for another minute, allowing the spices to bloom, then remove from the heat. This will add a flavorful, spicy kick to the salad.
Make the Lime Mayo Dressing
In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise or yogurt with fresh lime juice and a pinch of salt. This creamy dressing will complement the spices from the chili butter and add a refreshing tang.
Serve and Enjoy
Serve the salad warm or cold according to your preference. Top with a drizzle of lime mayo and a generous spoonful of the chili butter. Letting the salad sit for a bit will develop more complex flavors, enhancing the taste. Enjoy your vibrant and flavorful pasta salad!

Notes

This salad can be customized with additional veggies or proteins to suit your taste.
Adjust the spice levels to your preference by increasing or decreasing the amount of cayenne pepper.
For a vegetarian option, omit the cotija or feta cheese and use a plant-based alternative.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Mixing, Boiling, Grilling
Cuisine: Mexican