Go Back
–+ servings
Healthy Street Corn Pasta Salad recipe

Healthy Street Corn Pasta Salad

This easy, creamy, and smoky pasta salad blends grilled corn, chili butter, and zesty lime mayo in a fresh, energizing dish inspired by Mexican street corn. Perfect hot or cold, for lunches or BBQs!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Lunch, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine Mexican-Inspired
Servings 6 servings
Calories 550 kcal

Equipment

  • Salad Bowl
  • Skillet
  • Pot

Ingredients
  

For the Dressing

  • 1/3 cup sour cream creamy base with cool tang
  • 4 oz cream cheese adds richness and body
  • 3/4 cup cotija cheese crumbled
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1–2 garlic cloves grated
  • 1 tbsp chopped chives mild oniony freshness
  • salt and pepper to taste

For the Salad

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

For the Chili Butter

  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 1/2–2 tsp cayenne pepper adjust to taste
  • 2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 2 tbsp chili powder

For the Lime Mayo Dressing

  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp lime juice

Instructions
 

  • Add the cream cheese, sour cream, olive oil, grated garlic, chives, and cotija cheese to a large bowl. Stir until smooth, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Boil the short pasta until al dente. Drain, then toss warm pasta with the dressing to absorb flavor. Fold in romaine, corn, spicy cheddar, basil, cilantro, and avocado.
  • Melt butter in a skillet, add cayenne, paprika, and chili powder. Let spices sizzle briefly, then remove from heat.
  • Whisk together mayonnaise and lime juice in a small bowl until smooth.
  • Drizzle chili butter and lime mayo over the salad. Serve warm or chilled. Let rest 10 minutes for flavors to blend.

Notes

Letting the salad rest helps the dressing soak in. Add avocado last for best texture. Char the corn well for extra flavor. Perfect for meal prep!

Nutrition

Calories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 14gFat: 36gSaturated Fat: 18gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 780mgPotassium: 410mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 950IUVitamin C: 22mgCalcium: 180mgIron: 3.2mg
Keyword Cold Salad, Pasta Salad, street corn, Vegetarian Option
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!