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

Jump to Recipe

If you love vibrant flavors and creamy textures with a playful kick, you’re in for an unforgettable treat with this Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad. Marrying the zesty, charred flavors of classic Mexican street corn with tender pasta and silky creaminess, this dish is as lively as it is comforting. Every forkful offers a burst of grilled corn, decadent cheese, and fresh herbs—making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and festive gatherings. Whether you serve it warm or chilled, this pasta salad is about to become your go-to for potlucks, picnics, or simply when you crave something extraordinary and easy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad lies in its dazzling variety of simple ingredients, each of which brings its own burst of flavor, texture, or color to the party. Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand to make this dish shine.

Cream Cheese (room temperature): Creates the luscious base for the dressing, giving every bite rich creaminess.
Sour Cream: Balances the dressing with a mild tang that enhances the fresh corn and herbs.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Adds silkiness and a subtle fruity note to the creamy dressing.
Grated Garlic Cloves: Offers savory depth that anchors all those bright, herby flavors.
Fresh Chives: Lend a gentle oniony bite and a pop of fresh green color.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning to wake up all the other flavors.
Cotija or Feta Cheese (crumbled): Delivers that beloved salty, crumbly texture reminiscent of classic street corn.
Short Pasta (such as rotini, shells, or penne): Perfectly catches all that wonderful dressing and bits of corn.
Romaine Lettuce (shredded): Adds freshness, crunch, and a subtle sweetness.
Grilled or Roasted Corn: The star of the show—smoky, sweet, and juicy kernels make this salad impossible to resist.
Fresh Basil (torn): Aromatic and earthy, basil gives the salad an unexpected herbal lift.
Fresh Cilantro (chopped): Classic with corn, cilantro packs in signature leafy brightness.
Spicy Cheddar Cheese (diced): For creamy pops of heat and extra flavor.
Avocado (diced): Buttery smoothness and vibrant green color round things out.
Salted Butter: Forms the base of the smoky Chili Butter that gives this salad its addictive finish.
Smoked Paprika: Brings a warm, smoky undertone that pairs perfectly with the corn.
Chili Powder: Layers in classic street corn spice and color.
Cayenne Pepper (adjust to preference): Controls the punch of heat—go easy or bold!
Mayonnaise or Yogurt: For the velvety Lime Mayo Dressing that crowns the salad.
Fresh Lime Juice: Brightens the mayo dressing with citrusy zing.

How to Make Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Creamy Cheese Dressing

Start by making the velvety base that ties this whole dish together. In a spacious salad bowl (you’ll use this same bowl for tossing everything later), beat together the room temperature cream cheese, sour cream, olive oil, grated garlic, and chives. Season generously with salt and pepper, then fold in the crumbled cotija or feta cheese. This luxurious mixture will cling to every noodle and veggie, coating them in irresistible flavor.

Step 2: Cook Pasta & Combine Salad

Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil and cook your favorite short pasta shape until it’s just al dente. Drain immediately—don’t rinse! The heat from the pasta helps melt the cheese and cream base when you toss it together. In the same salad bowl, toss the hot pasta with your creamy dressing, then pile on the shredded romaine, grilled or roasted corn, basil, cilantro, spicy cheddar, and diced avocado. Give everything a generous but gentle mix to ensure every bite has a little of everything.

Step 3: Make the Chili Butter

In a small skillet over medium heat, melt the salted butter until it smells toasty and deliciously nutty. Add smoked paprika, chili powder, cayenne (adjust to your spice comfort), and a pinch of salt. Let the spices sizzle for about a minute until they bloom, releasing all their fragrance, then take off the heat. The resulting Chili Butter is your flavor-packed finishing touch.

Step 4: Make the Lime Mayo Dressing

In a separate small bowl, blend mayonnaise or Greek yogurt with a good squeeze of fresh lime juice and a dash of salt. This zippy, tangy drizzle adds an uplifting contrast to the smoky, creamy base of the Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

You can enjoy this Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad warm straight from the bowl, or let it chill in the fridge for an hour for a refreshingly cool meal. To serve, dish up generous portions, drizzle with the Lime Mayo Dressing, and spoon over a luscious swirl of Chili Butter. For even deeper flavors, let the dressed salad rest and mingle for a bit before bringing to the table—trust me, the wait is worth it!

How to Serve Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad

Garnishes

The right garnishes make your salad eye-catching and even tastier. Top your Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad with extra crumbled cotija, fresh cilantro leaves, a sprinkle of diced avocado, and some lime wedges on the side. A pinch of chili powder or smoked paprika right before serving brings the color and a whisper of smoky heat you won’t want to skip!

Side Dishes

This salad holds its own as a main, but it shines even brighter alongside grilled chicken, smoky barbecue ribs, or veggie kebabs. For a lighter spread, pair it with a simple tomato-cucumber salad or warm crusty bread to scoop up every last bit of creamy dressing. It’s also a perfect addition to potlucks or as a centerpiece for a backyard picnic.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful with your presentation! Serve Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad in mason jars for colorful, portable picnics or layer it in a trifle bowl to showcase all those vibrant ingredients. For parties, spoon individual portions onto romaine leaves for handheld salad boats, or pile it high on a platter with all the garnishes arranged artistically down the middle.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors deepen and meld as it sits, often making the next-day Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad even more irresistible. Plan to eat it within 3 days for peak freshness.

Freezing

While this pasta salad is at its best fresh or just out of the fridge, it doesn’t freeze well because the creamy base and fresh veggies can lose their texture and separate after freezing and thawing. For best results, make only what you can enjoy within a few days.

Reheating

If you prefer the salad a bit warm, gently reheat leftovers in short bursts in the microwave—just until it’s barely warm, not piping hot, to preserve the avocado and herbs. You can also let it stand at room temperature for about 20 minutes when pulling from the fridge for a softer, luscious texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen or canned corn instead of fresh?

Absolutely! While freshly grilled or roasted corn gives the best flavor, you can substitute with frozen or canned corn in a pinch. Just make sure to drain well and, if you can, toss it in a hot skillet to get a bit of char before adding it to your salad.

Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?

Definitely! Swap the regular short pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety—corn, rice, or chickpea pasta all work beautifully. Just remember to cook it according to package directions for best texture.

What can I use instead of cotija or feta cheese?

Queso fresco or even ricotta salata are wonderful substitutes if you can’t find cotija or feta. Even a sprinkle of grated Parmesan will give that salty richness if you’re in a bind.

Can I make this Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad dairy-free?

Yes! There are plenty of great dairy-free cream cheese, sour cream, and cheddar alternatives on the market; always choose plain/unsweetened varieties. For mayo, opt for a vegan option and skip the cotija, or try a dairy-free parmesan to mimic the salty cheese notes.

How spicy does this salad turn out?

The heat is totally up to you! With cayenne and spicy cheddar as options, you’re in control. For a mild dish, go easy on the cayenne and use a milder cheddar. If you love heat, add more spice or serve with hot sauce on the side for your boldest guests.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something seriously special about Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad. This is comfort food meets summer celebration—with all the punchy flavors, creamy textures, and playful spice in every bite. Give it a try, share it with friends, and let this irresistible salad become the dish everyone requests at your next gathering!

Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 16 reviews

Author: Chloe
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad is a delightful fusion of Mexican street corn flavors and creamy pasta salad. This dish combines tender pasta with a rich cream cheese dressing, grilled corn, fresh herbs, and a touch of spice, creating a unique and flavorful side dish.

Instructions

Prepare the Creamy Cheese Dressing: In a large salad bowl, combine room temperature cream cheese, sour cream, extra virgin olive oil, grated garlic, chopped fresh chives, salt, pepper, and crumbled cotija or feta cheese. Mix well.
Cook Pasta & Combine Salad: Cook short pasta until al dente. Drain immediately and toss the hot pasta with the prepared dressing in the salad bowl. Add shredded romaine lettuce, grilled or roasted corn, torn fresh basil, chopped fresh cilantro, diced spicy cheddar cheese, and diced avocado. Toss everything thoroughly to combine.
Make the Chili Butter: In a skillet over medium heat, melt salted butter until golden. Stir in smoked paprika, chili powder, cayenne pepper (adjust to preference), and a pinch of salt. Cook for one minute to allow spices to bloom, then remove from heat.
Make the Lime Mayo Dressing: In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise (or yogurt) with fresh lime juice and a pinch of salt until well combined.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve the pasta salad warm or cold, as preferred. Drizzle with the Lime Mayo Dressing and top with a generous spoonful of the Chili Butter. For deeper flavors, let the salad sit for a bit before serving.

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