Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe

My obsession with street corn meets my love for a fresh, craveable pasta salad in this vibrant Street Corn Pasta Salad! Imagine tender pasta swirled with charred, buttery corn, creamy cotija, herbs, spices, and tangy lime dressing—each bite is a celebration of summer in a bowl.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how these everyday ingredients come together to create a Street Corn Pasta Salad that’s bursting with texture and flavor! Every element adds its own magic—from the creamy cheeses to the charred sweet corn and that wildly addictive chili butter.

• Cream cheese: The base of our dreamy dressing—softened for easy blending and extra creaminess.
• Sour cream: Adds tang and silkiness to coat every noodle.
• Extra virgin olive oil: Provides lush body and helps meld all the flavors.
• Grated garlic: Fresh garlic gives the dressing zest and zip—don’t skip it!
• Chopped fresh chives: Adds a mild, oniony pop that pairs beautifully with the other herbs.
• Kosher salt and black pepper: Seasoning essentials for bright, balanced flavor.
• Cotija or feta cheese: Crumbly, salty, and just a little tangy—either is delish.
• Short-cut pasta: Any bite-sized shape works; rotini, penne, or shells are perfect for catching dressing and corn kernels.
• Romaine lettuce: Shredded for a fresh, crunch-laden contrast to the creamy elements.
• Grilled or roasted corn: Charred for sweetness and that signature street corn flavor—use fresh or frozen.
• Fresh basil leaves: Torn just before adding for bursts of herbaceousness.
• Fresh cilantro: The iconic herb that completes the street corn vibe; save some extra for garnish!
• Spicy cheddar cheese: Cubed for hearty bites and a spicy, melty kick.
• Avocado: Adds creamy, buttery richness plus an irresistible pop of green.
• Salted butter: The key to luscious, flavor-packed chili butter.
• Smoked paprika: Brings gentle heat and that deep, smoky note.
• Chili powder: Packs the savory punch you expect from street corn.
• Cayenne pepper: Go as spicy (or as mild) as you wish!
• Mayo or yogurt: For a bright, creamy lime drizzle—Greek yogurt or classic mayo both work beautifully.
• Lime juice: The finishing touch for citrusy freshness.

Variations

One of the best things about Street Corn Pasta Salad is just how flexible it can be! Whether you’re craving more heat, going vegetarian, or making it dairy-free, it’s a breeze to tweak this salad to suit your table (and tastebuds).

• Dairy-Free Delight: Swap the cream cheese, sour cream, and cheeses for your favorite plant-based alternatives—the flavors still shine!
• Protein Boost: Toss in some grilled chicken, black beans, or even cooked shrimp for a heartier main course salad.
• Different Pasta Shapes: Try bowties or orecchiette for a unique texture—anything that traps the creamy dressing is a winner.
• Mild & Kid-Friendly: Cut back or skip the cayenne, and use regular cheddar in place of spicy for a gentle, family-friendly version.

How to Make Street Corn Pasta Salad

Step 1: Whip Up the Creamy Dressing

Grab your largest salad bowl and mix together the cream cheese, sour cream, olive oil, grated garlic, and chives until smooth and silky. Season generously with kosher salt and cracked black pepper. Stir in the crumbled cotija or feta—this is your ultra-creamy flavor blanket, and it will meld beautifully with the pasta.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta & Toss It While Warm

Bring a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the short pasta and cook until just al dente. Once drained, immediately add the hot pasta to your bowl of dressing. Tossing the pasta while it’s warm lets it soak up every creamy, cheesy drop for maximum flavor in every bite!

Step 3: Load Up with Veggies & Herbs

Now the fun part: toss in the shredded romaine, charred corn kernels, cubed spicy cheddar, basil leaves, cilantro, and diced avocado. Stir gently so you don’t smush the avocado or lettuce. Each addition brings crunch, creaminess, or brightness—together, it’s a total flavor party.

Step 4: Sizzle That Chili Butter

Set a small skillet over medium heat, melt the salted butter, then sprinkle in the smoked paprika, chili powder, cayenne, and a pinch of salt. Stir for about a minute until the butter is fragrant and lightly tinged with spice—your kitchen will smell irresistible!

Step 5: Whisk the Lime Mayo (or Yogurt)

In a small bowl, mix together the mayo or Greek yogurt with lime juice and a pinch of salt. This zippy drizzle ties the whole salad together, adding a fresh, citrusy pop that balances all the richness.

Step 6: Dress, Drizzle, and Serve

To finish, serve your Street Corn Pasta Salad warm or let it chill in the fridge—either way, top with generous swoops of lime mayo and a quick spoonful of that sizzling chili butter. Watch as everyone gathers around (and comes back for seconds)!

How to Serve Street Corn Pasta Salad

Garnishes

Street Corn Pasta Salad loves a finishing flourish! Sprinkle on extra cotija or feta, thinly sliced scallions, a dash of Tajín, or even a handful of microgreens. A final squeeze of lime and a few fresh cilantro leaves make the colors pop and flavors sing.

Side Dishes

Pair it with grilled chicken, steak, burgers, or simply serve alongside crispy tortilla chips for a summery spread. It’s incredible with fajitas, barbecue mains, sheet pan shrimp, or as the star of your next picnic.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party: spoon Street Corn Pasta Salad into small mason jars or clear cups for cute, individual servings. On a buffet, try layering it over a bed of extra greens. Or turn it into a loaded taco filling with more herbs, cheese, and lime crema—hello, taco night upgrade!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any extra Street Corn Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 3 days, and the flavors actually intensify as it sits—just give it a good toss before serving again.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended for this recipe, since the creamy elements and avocado can lose their lovely texture once thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or from the fridge within a few days!

Reheating

You don’t really need to reheat Street Corn Pasta Salad—it’s delicious cold or at room temp! If you do crave it slightly warm, microwave individual portions gently in 10–15 second bursts, but avoid overheating to keep the lettuce crisp and the avocado from softening too much.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s truly nothing like the big, bright flavor of Street Corn Pasta Salad—it’s summer on your fork! Whether you serve it as a main or side, this recipe is always a celebration. Make it once, and it’ll quickly earn a spot on your favorites list. I hope you’ll try this irresistible spin and share the joy with friends and family soon!

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