Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad (Recipe for Printing)
Pasta meets street corn in a creamy, flavorful dish with cotija, avocado, and smoky spices.
# What You Need:
→ Dairy
01 -
4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
02 -
1/3 cup sour cream
03 -
3/4 cup cotija cheese, crumbled, or feta cheese
04 -
1/2 cup spicy cheddar cheese, diced
05 -
4 tablespoons salted butter
→ Produce
06 -
1 to 2 cloves garlic, grated
07 -
1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped
08 -
1 head romaine lettuce, shredded
09 -
2 cups cooked corn, grilled or roasted (from 3 to 4 ears)
10 -
1/2 cup fresh basil, torn
11 -
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
12 -
1 avocado, diced
13 -
2 tablespoons lime juice
→ Pantry
14 -
1 pound short pasta
15 -
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
16 -
Salt, to taste
17 -
Black pepper, to taste
18 -
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
19 -
2 tablespoons chili powder
20 -
0.5 to 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper, according to taste
21 -
1/4 cup mayonnaise or plain yogurt
# How to Make It:
01 -
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool.
02 -
While the pasta cooks, grill or roast the corn until slightly charred. Cool, then slice kernels from the cob to yield 2 cups.
03 -
In a large mixing bowl, blend cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise or yogurt, lime juice, extra virgin olive oil, grated garlic, smoked paprika, chili powder, cayenne, and season generously with salt and black pepper. Whisk until smooth.
04 -
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add sweetcorn and sauté for 2-3 minutes. Allow to cool slightly, then stir into dressing.
05 -
Add drained pasta, shredded romaine lettuce, diced avocado, chives, chopped cilantro, and torn basil to the bowl with the dressing and corn mixture. Toss gently to evenly coat.
06 -
Fold in cotija or feta crumbles and diced cheddar cheese. Mix until ingredients are evenly distributed.
07 -
Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with extra herbs and cheese if desired. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
# Extra Tips:
01 -
For enhanced flavor, char corn directly over an open flame or grill before cutting from the cob.