Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad (Print Version)
Creamy cotija-dressed pasta, grilled corn, fresh herbs, and chili butter unite for flavorful summer dining.
# Ingredients:
→ Dressing
01 -
4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
02 -
1/3 cup sour cream
03 -
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
04 -
1 to 2 cloves garlic, grated
05 -
1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped
06 -
Salt, to taste
07 -
Black pepper, to taste
08 -
3/4 cup cotija cheese or feta cheese, crumbled
→ Salad
09 -
1 pound short pasta (such as rotini, penne, or fusilli)
10 -
1 head romaine lettuce, shredded
11 -
2 cups grilled or roasted corn kernels (from 3 to 4 fresh ears)
12 -
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
13 -
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
14 -
1/2 cup spicy cheddar cheese, diced
15 -
1 avocado, diced
→ Chili Butter
16 -
4 tablespoons salted butter
17 -
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
18 -
2 tablespoons chili powder
19 -
1/2 to 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper, to taste
→ Lime Mayo Dressing
20 -
1/4 cup mayonnaise or plain yogurt
21 -
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
# Steps:
01 -
In a large salad bowl, combine room temperature cream cheese, sour cream, extra virgin olive oil, grated garlic, chopped chives, salt, pepper, and crumbled cotija or feta cheese. Mix until smooth and uniform.
02 -
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook short pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain immediately and transfer the hot pasta to the bowl with the dressing. Toss thoroughly to coat. Fold in shredded romaine lettuce, grilled or roasted corn, torn basil, chopped cilantro, diced spicy cheddar, and diced avocado. Mix gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
03 -
In a skillet over medium heat, melt salted butter until golden. Stir in smoked paprika, chili powder, and cayenne pepper to desired heat level, along with a pinch of salt. Cook for 1 minute, allowing the spices to bloom. Remove from heat.
04 -
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise or yogurt with fresh lime juice and a pinch of salt until smooth and combined.
05 -
Serve the pasta salad either warm or chilled. Drizzle generously with lime mayo dressing, and top with a spoonful of chili butter. For optimal flavor, let the salad rest for several minutes before serving.
# Notes:
01 -
For smoky depth, char the corn on a grill or under a broiler before cutting from the cob.
02 -
Allowing the salad to rest after assembly enhances the infusion of flavors.