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Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad

Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad

This Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad is bursting with smoky, citrusy flavor, combining the charm of Mexican elote with the heartiness of a pasta salad. Perfect for potlucks, cookouts, or weekday dinners, it's creamy, spicy, tangy, and irresistibly fresh.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Rest Time 15 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main, Salad, Side
Cuisine American, Mexican-Inspired
Servings 6 servings
Calories 540 kcal

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Mixing Bowls
  • Skillet
  • Whisk
  • Spatula or Tongs

Ingredients
  

For the Creamy Dressing

  • 1/3 cup sour cream
  • 4 oz cream cheese room temperature
  • 3/4 cup Cotija cheese or feta, crumbled
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1-2 cloves garlic grated
  • 1 tbsp fresh chives chopped
  • salt and pepper to taste

For the Salad

  • 1 lb short pasta rotini, fusilli, or farfalle
  • 1 head romaine lettuce shredded
  • 2 cups grilled corn or roasted
  • 1/2 cup spicy cheddar cheese diced
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil torn
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro chopped
  • 1 avocado diced

For the Chili Butter

  • 4 tbsp salted butter
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 0.5-2 tsp cayenne pepper to taste

For the Lime Mayo Dressing

  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp lime juice fresh

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl, whisk together cream cheese, sour cream, olive oil, garlic, chives, and Cotija cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix until smooth.
  • Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and toss with creamy dressing while still warm.
  • Fold in lettuce, grilled corn, spicy cheddar, basil, cilantro, and diced avocado. Gently mix until evenly coated.
  • In a skillet, melt butter and stir in chili powder, smoked paprika, cayenne, and salt. Cook 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Whisk together mayonnaise and lime juice in a small bowl with a pinch of salt.
  • Drizzle chili butter over salad and top with lime mayo dressing. Toss lightly and serve warm or chilled.

Notes

Let pasta cool slightly before combining with fresh herbs and avocado. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving. For best presentation, garnish with extra Cotija and a lime wedge.

Nutrition

Calories: 540kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 12gFat: 34gSaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 55mgSodium: 490mgPotassium: 480mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 950IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 180mgIron: 2.2mg
Keyword creamy, Elote, Pasta Salad, street corn, Summer, Vegetarian
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