How to Make Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad in 30 Minutes

Hey there, fellow food lovers! Today, I’m super excited to share with you a recipe that’s about to become your new summer obsession: Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad. This dish is a perfect blend of creamy, spicy, and fresh, all in one bowl. Whether you’re looking for a quick family dinner, a side for your next BBQ, or just a delicious meal to beat the heat, this recipe checks all the boxes. Plus, it’s ready in just 30 minutes—talk about a weeknight dinner idea!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to make, perfect for busy days
• Creamy, flavorful, and packed with fresh herbs
• Can be served warm or chilled, making it versatile for any occasion
• Vegetarian-friendly and easily customizable
• Combines the best of street corn flavors with a creamy pasta twist
• Great as a side for burgers or as a standalone meal

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad. Don’t worry—it’s easier than you think, and most of these ingredients are probably already in your pantry!

Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.

How to Make the Recipe

Let’s dive into how to make this Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad. It’s a breeze, and I’ve broken it down into simple steps so you can follow along easily.

Prepare the Creamy Cheese Dressing

In a large salad bowl, combine room temperature cream cheese, sour cream, extra virgin olive oil, grated garlic, chopped fresh chives, salt, pepper, and crumbled cotija or feta cheese. Mix well until smooth and creamy. This dressing is the heart of the recipe, so make sure to mix it until it’s perfectly combined.

Cook Pasta & Combine Salad

Cook short pasta until al dente. Drain immediately and toss the hot pasta with the prepared dressing in the salad bowl. Add shredded romaine lettuce, grilled or roasted corn, torn fresh basil, chopped fresh cilantro, diced spicy cheddar cheese, and diced avocado. Toss everything thoroughly to combine. The combination of textures and flavors here is absolute perfection!

Make the Chili Butter

In a skillet over medium heat, melt salted butter until golden. Stir in smoked paprika, chili powder, cayenne pepper (adjust to your preference), and a pinch of salt. Cook for one minute to allow the spices to bloom, then remove from heat. This chili butter adds a smoky, spicy kick that takes the salad to the next level.

Make the Lime Mayo Dressing

In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise (or yogurt) with fresh lime juice and a pinch of salt until well combined. This tangy dressing adds a bright, refreshing touch to the salad.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve the pasta salad warm or cold, as you prefer. Drizzle with the Lime Mayo Dressing and top with a generous spoonful of the Chili Butter. For even deeper flavors, let the salad sit for a bit before serving. Trust me, the waiting game is worth it!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Here are a few tips to make this recipe even better:

• Use high-quality ingredients, especially the fresh herbs and real butter, for the best flavor.
• Adjust the level of heat in the chili butter to your liking. If you’re serving this to a crowd with varying spice preferences, you can serve the chili butter on the side.
• Let the salad sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
• For a lighter version, you can substitute the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt in the Lime Mayo Dressing.

How to Serve

This Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ways to serve it:

• As a side dish for your next summer BBQ or picnic
• As a light and refreshing main dish for a hot summer evening
• As a potluck contribution that’s sure to be a hit
• Paired with grilled meats or fish for a complete meal

If you’re looking for more refreshing salad ideas, be sure to check out my Creamy Cucumber Salad, Cucumber Tomato Salad, and Fresh Cucumber Caprese Salad recipes. They’re perfect for hot weather and are sure to become favorites!

Make Ahead and Storage

One of the best things about this recipe is that it can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining. Here’s how to store it:

• Prepare the salad up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• The Chili Butter can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat it gently before serving.

And there you have it, folks! A delicious, easy, and quick Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick family dinner, an easy pasta recipe, or just a tasty way to beat the heat, this salad delivers. So go ahead, give it a try, and let me know what you think in the comments below. Happy cooking!