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

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 24 reviews

Dive into a bowl of pure delight with this Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad, where tender pasta is tossed in a luscious cheese dressing and layered with a medley of colorful, fresh ingredients like grilled corn, herbs, and creamy avocado. A final flourish of spicy chili butter and a tangy lime topping brings every bite to life! Whether you’re sharing it at a summer gathering or sneaking forkfuls from the fridge, this salad transforms any meal into a festive occasion full of warmth and flavor.

Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad is in its balance: each ingredient is easy to find yet plays a starring role in taste, texture, or color. Every bite brings you something special, from silky cheese to bright herbs and smoky, spicy notes.

Cream cheese (4 ounces, room temperature): This is your velvety base, making the dressing ultra creamy.
Sour cream (1/3 cup): Adds subtle tang and keeps the dressing light but decadent.
Extra virgin olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps unify the creamy dressing and adds a lush finish.
Grated garlic (1-2 cloves): Infuses a gentle punch of savory depth—grate for best distribution.
Fresh chives, chopped (1 tablespoon): Lends fresh, oniony brightness right in the dressing.
Salt and pepper: Customize to absolute perfection—taste as you go!
Cotija or feta cheese, crumbled (3/4 cup): Brings salty, crumbly pockets of deliciousness throughout.
Short pasta (1 pound): Use your favorite shape—fusilli, rotini, or shells all hug the sauce beautifully.
Romaine lettuce, shredded (1 head): Adds cool crunch and freshness against creamy elements.
Grilled or roasted corn (2 cups, from 3-4 ears): The star: sweet, smoky, and bursting with summer vibes.
Fresh basil, torn (1/2 cup): Injects verdant, peppery flavor that’s never overpowering.
Fresh cilantro, chopped (1/2 cup): Offers earthy, citrusy flair for true street corn spirit.
Spicy cheddar cheese, diced (1/2 cup): Give each bite a little heat and satisfying chew.
Avocado, diced (1): Creamy, buttery cubes make the salad extra luxurious.
Salted butter (4 tablespoons): Melts into the chili butter, adding richness.
Smoked paprika (2 teaspoons): For a warm, smoky flavor that feels like a sunny day.
Chili powder (2 tablespoons): Turn up the flavor—Mexican-style is best, but use your favorite.
Cayenne pepper (1/2 to 2 teaspoons): Adjust for your preferred spice level.
Mayonnaise or yogurt (1/4 cup): Lime mayo dressing gives a creamy, tangy drizzle at the end.
Lime juice (2 tablespoons): Fresh-squeezed brightens all the flavors.

How to Make Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Creamy Cheese Dressing

Start in a big salad bowl with room temperature cream cheese; this ensures it blends easily. Add sour cream, olive oil, grated garlic, chopped fresh chives, a good pinch of salt and pepper, and crumbled cotija or feta. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is smooth and dreamy—this is the flavor-packed foundation that will coat the pasta and veggies, transforming everything into one harmonious bite.

Step 2: Cook Pasta & Combine Salad

Set a pot of salted water to boil, then cook your chosen short pasta until just al dente—it’ll keep a lovely texture once dressed. Drain immediately and, while the pasta is still warm, toss it into the bowl with your creamy dressing. Add shredded romaine lettuce, grilled or roasted corn (cut fresh from the cob is best!), torn basil, chopped cilantro, diced spicy cheddar cheese, and those irresistible avocado chunks. Gently toss until every piece is beautifully coated and all the vibrant colors are shining through.

Step 3: Make the Chili Butter

In a skillet over medium heat, melt your salted butter until it’s bubbly and turns a touch golden. Stir in smoked paprika, chili powder, and your chosen amount of cayenne for a perfect smoky, spicy kick. Let the spices bloom for a full minute—just until your kitchen smells incredible! Remove from heat and set aside; this rich, fragrant butter will become the salad’s crave-worthy crown.

Step 4: Make the Lime Mayo Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise (or yogurt, if you like it a bit lighter), fresh-squeezed lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Give it a taste—a little tang and creaminess goes a long way. This drizzle is the secret to that classic elote-inspired finish, bright and zesty over the richness.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

You can enjoy your Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad either warm right away, or chilled for a few hours—both have their charms! Just before serving, top generously with the lime mayo dressing and warm chili butter, letting the sauces mingle with all the salad’s textures. For best flavor, allow everything to sit for about 15 minutes so the flavors can truly cozy up together.

How to Serve Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad

Garnishes

A handful of extra cilantro, basil, or more cotija scattered on top will make your Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad pop, both visually and in taste. Lime wedges on the side are perfect for anyone who likes a little tart burst, and a light sprinkle of chili powder makes everything look instantly celebratory.

Side Dishes

This salad is a superstar all on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, try it alongside grilled chicken, shrimp skewers, or even simple black bean tacos. A chilled agua fresca or sparkling lemonade on the side makes it a true summer feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad into the main event by serving it in individual cups or mason jars for picnics and parties. You can also pile it into a hollowed-out bell pepper or avocado half for a showstopping twist—or bring it to a potluck in a big, colorful platter and watch it disappear.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to 2 days. Store it in a tightly sealed container, and keep the dressing and chili butter separate until just before serving for the freshest taste and best texture.

Freezing

Because it has fresh herbs, avocado, and a creamy dressing, this pasta salad is best enjoyed fresh and doesn’t freeze well. Freezing tends to change the texture of both avocado and the dairy-based sauces, so make only what you plan to eat within a couple days.

Reheating

This salad is designed to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, but if you want it slightly warm, you can quickly zap individual servings in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. Add the chili butter after reheating for the best results.

FAQs

Can I use canned or frozen corn if fresh isn’t available?

Absolutely! Fresh grilled corn gives the most authentic flavor and texture, but canned or frozen corn (well-drained and even lightly charred in a skillet) works great, especially when corn’s out of season.

How spicy is the Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad?

The spice is totally customizable. Add more or less cayenne in the chili butter, and choose a milder or spicier cheddar based on your preference. Taste as you go, and remember you can always sprinkle extra chili powder on top!

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad a few hours in advance, or even overnight. Just keep the avocado and garnishes separate until serving to keep everything fresh and vibrant.

Is there a good substitute for cotija cheese?

If cotija cheese isn’t handy, feta is an excellent substitute with a similar salty, crumbly quality. Queso fresco or even grated Parmesan can work in a pinch, each lending a unique twist to the flavor.

Can I make this salad dairy free?

Definitely! Use your favorite dairy-free cream cheese and yogurt, and swap out the cheeses for a plant-based alternative. Be sure to use olive oil in the chili butter instead of regular butter for a completely dairy-free version.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad is everything you want in a crowd-pleasing dish—creamy, spicy, fresh, and utterly satisfying. Give it a try next time you want something special to share; I have no doubt it’ll earn a spot in your regular recipe rotation!