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Street Corn Pasta Salad

Street Corn Pasta Salad: A Creamy Summer Must-Try

Enjoy vibrant flavors with this Street Corn Pasta Salad—a delightful summer dish featuring smoky grilled corn and a creamy dressing.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 1 pound Short Pasta Opt for rotini or penne for the best texture.
  • 2 cups Grilled or Roasted Corn Kernels Fresh or leftover corn works beautifully.
  • 1 head Romaine Lettuce Shredded.
  • 1/2 cup Fresh Basil Torn.
  • 1/2 cup Fresh Cilantro Chopped, can omit if preferred.
  • 1/2 cup Spicy Cheddar Cheese Diced.
  • 1 Avocado Diced.
For the Dressing
  • 4 ounces Cream Cheese Room temperature.
  • 1/3 cup Sour Cream Can use Greek yogurt as a substitute.
  • 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil Can substitute with avocado oil.
  • 1-2 cloves Grated Garlic Can use garlic powder if necessary.
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh Chives Chopped.
  • 3/4 cup Cotija or Feta Cheese Crumpled.
  • Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper To taste.

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • medium saucepan
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Sharp Knife
  • Grill

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 pound of your chosen short pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain, reserving 1/4 cup of the pasta water, and rinse under cool water if not using immediately.
  2. Grill or roast 2 cups of corn on the cob until charred and tender, about 8-10 minutes on the grill or 20-25 minutes in the oven. Let cool slightly before cutting the kernels off.
  3. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and 1-2 cloves of grated garlic. Sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Reduce heat and add 4 ounces of room temperature cream cheese. Stir until melted. Mix in 1/3 cup of sour cream, then season with salt and pepper.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, charred corn, shredded romaine, torn basil, chopped cilantro, and diced spicy cheddar. Toss gently.
  6. Drizzle warm dressing over the pasta mixture and add 1 diced avocado. Toss until coated, adding reserved pasta water as needed.
  7. Top with 3/4 cup of crumbled cotija cheese and 1 tablespoon of chopped chives. Serve immediately or chill for a couple of hours.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 8gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 450mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 450IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Letting the salad sit in the refrigerator enhances the flavors. Use room temperature cream cheese for a smoother dressing.

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