Name: Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican
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; 2 tablespoons lime juice

Get ready to fall head over heels for Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad, a dish that brings together everything you adore about Mexican street corn and tosses it with tender pasta, zesty herbs, and a luscious cheese sauce. Each bite is a delightfully creamy, tangy, slightly spicy experience, balanced by the sweet crunch of corn and the cool, smooth richness of avocado. The finishing touch—a drizzle of warm, spiced chili butter and a zingy lime-packed mayo—makes this a flavor-packed salad that’s always the star of the table.

Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is all about simple, crave-worthy ingredients coming together for maximum flavor. Each component—whether it’s the creamy cheese, charred corn, or fragrant herbs—serves a special purpose in building layers of taste, texture, and color that make every forkful irresistible.

Cream Cheese: Brings richness and smoothness to the dressing—let it come to room temperature for effortless blending.
Sour Cream: Adds that signature tangy creaminess for a perfectly luscious base.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Gives a velvety mouthfeel and ties the dressing together.
Grated Garlic: A punch of savory depth—adjust to your garlicky preference.
Chopped Fresh Chives: Brightens the flavors and adds a gentle oniony zip.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing out all the vibrant flavors.
Cotija or Feta Cheese: Brings the signature salty, crumbly magic of street corn.
Short Pasta: Choose any fun shape like penne, rotini, or shells—they hold the creamy dressing beautifully.
Romaine Lettuce: Shredded for crisp freshness and plenty of crunch.
Grilled or Roasted Corn: Perfectly sweet and smoky—use fresh ears for maximum flavor or frozen in a pinch.
Fresh Basil: Torn leaves bring an unexpected herbal note that totally elevates the dish.
Fresh Cilantro: Classic for that street corn flavor and vibrant green color.
Spicy Cheddar Cheese: Diced for little pockets of melty, peppery goodness.
Avocado: Diced and creamy, it makes every bite extra dreamy.
Salted Butter: The base for your spicy chili butter drizzle—don’t skimp!
Smoked Paprika: Deep, smoky warmth that’ll make the whole salad sing.
Chili Powder: Lends essential earthy heat and a vibrant red hue.
Cayenne Pepper: Adjust to your preferred spice level—start mild, or bring the heat!
Mayonnaise or Yogurt: For the zippy lime dressing; yogurt lightens things up if you prefer.
Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed for the brightest, tangiest finish.

How to Make Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad

Step 1: Make the Creamy Cheese Dressing

Grab your biggest salad bowl and blend together the room-temperature cream cheese, sour cream, olive oil, grated garlic, fresh chives, salt, pepper, and crumbled cotija or feta. This creamy concoction will coat every twist and turn of your pasta, bringing that signature richness and just enough tanginess to complement the corn and spicy drizzle later on.

Step 2: Cook Pasta and Combine the Salad

Boil your short pasta until it’s perfectly al dente, then drain right away to keep those noodles snappy. While the pasta’s still hot, toss it straight into your bowl with the creamy dressing. Now it’s time for the confetti of flavor: add in shredded romaine, grilled or roasted corn, torn basil, chopped cilantro, spicy cheddar, and avocado. Give everything a thorough toss, evenly distributing those glorious ingredients so each bite bursts with flavor.

Step 3: Make the Chili Butter

In a small skillet over medium heat, melt the salted butter until it just starts to turn golden and nutty. Add smoked paprika, chili powder, your preferred amount of cayenne, and a happy pinch of salt. Let the spices bloom for about a minute, releasing deep aromas that promise some serious flavor magic in every drizzle.

Step 4: Prepare the Lime Mayo Dressing

Mix together mayonnaise (or yogurt, for a tangier, lighter option) and plenty of fresh lime juice. Season with a pinch of salt and stir until smooth and silky. This easy dressing adds a sharp, creamy contrast to the smokiness of the chili butter, bringing balance and brightness to your Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad.

Step 5: Assemble, Top, and Serve

When you’re ready to serve, decide if you want your Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad warm or chilled—either way is divine! Finish each bowl with zesty lime mayo and a sizzling spoonful of chili butter. Let it sit for a few minutes if you have the patience—this gives the flavors a chance to mingle and get even better.

How to Serve Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad

Garnishes

Dress up your Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad with a sprinkle of extra cotija or feta, a handful of fresh cilantro leaves, and maybe some diced jalapeño for a pop of heat. Lime wedges and a scattering of basil leaves bring great color and fresh fragrance, making the salad really pop on the plate.

Side Dishes

This salad shines as a side at any barbecue, potluck, or casual gathering. Pair it with grilled chicken, tacos, or even burgers for a crowd-pleasing spread. For a lighter meal, serve alongside a big fruit platter or a simple black bean salad—it’s incredibly versatile and loves to share the table.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn the Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad into mini party cups for an easy, shareable starter, or pile into crisp lettuce leaves for a playful, hands-on taco-style serve. For elegant entertaining, try plating it alongside grilled shrimp or fish, topped with extra herbs and a dusting of smoked chili powder for wow-factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Have leftovers? Store your Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors will deepen and meld, making it even more delicious the next day. Just keep any extra garnishes or dressings on the side and add before serving for the freshest texture.

Freezing

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, with all the creamy, vibrant goodness intact. Freezing isn’t recommended, since the dairy-based dressing and fresh herbs can separate or wilt once thawed, losing that crave-worthy texture and taste.

Reheating

If you prefer your pasta salad warm, gently reheat individual portions in a microwave-safe bowl for 20–30 seconds—just enough to take the chill off without melting the avocado. Add a fresh drizzle of lime mayo and a bit more chili butter if you stored them separately, to revive all those fabulous flavors.

FAQs

Can I use canned or frozen corn instead of fresh?

Absolutely! While fresh, charred corn has unbeatable flavor, canned or thawed frozen corn makes a quick and tasty alternative. For extra flavor, try sautéing it in a dry pan until lightly browned before adding to your salad.

How spicy is the chili butter?

That’s totally up to you! Start with a small amount of cayenne and taste as you go. The good thing about Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad is you can always add more spice to individual servings if everyone likes a different level of heat.

Is it okay to make the salad ahead of time?

Definitely! Assemble everything except the avocado, which is best added right before serving to keep it fresh and green. The flavors meld beautifully as the salad sits, making it perfect for prepping ahead for gatherings or lunches.

What’s the best pasta shape for this salad?

Short, ridged shapes like rotini, penne, fusilli, or farfalle are ideal because they hold onto the dressing and chunky mix-ins. Feel free to use your favorite—or whatever you’ve got on hand in the pantry!

Can I make a vegetarian or gluten-free version?

You can easily keep Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad vegetarian as written. For gluten-free, simply swap in your favorite gluten-free short pasta. The flavors still shine, and nobody will miss out!

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been craving something vibrant and full of flavor, this Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad is the answer. With its perfect blend of creamy, crunchy, spicy, and tangy, it always wows a crowd and satisfies every craving. Give it a try—you’ll fall in love after just one bite!