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Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad

Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad to Brighten Your Summer Feasts

This Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad is a vibrant dish that combines creamy textures and fresh vegetables, perfect for summer feasts.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Chilling Time 10 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Dressing
  • 4 oz Cream Cheese Adds a rich, creamy base; consider Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
  • 1/2 cup Sour Cream Enhances creaminess and tang; yogurt works well as a substitute.
  • 1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil Provides healthy fats and helps emulsify; avocado oil is a great alternative.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Introduces aromatic flavor; adjust amounts based on your preference.
  • 2 tbsp Chives Adds a mild onion taste; green onions can be used instead.
  • Salt Essential for seasoning; adjust to taste.
  • Pepper Essential for seasoning; adjust to taste.
  • 1 cup Cotija Cheese Gives a salty, crumbly touch; feta can be a good substitute.
For the Salad
  • 1 lb Short Pasta Forms the base of the salad; use any short pasta like fusili or penne.
  • 2 cups Romaine Lettuce Provides freshness and crunch; can be substituted with spinach or mixed greens.
  • 2 cups Grilled or Roasted Corn The key flavor component; fresh is preferred, but frozen works too.
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Basil Offers a herby note; parsley can serve as a substitute.
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Cilantro Essential for authenticity; feel free to omit if you dislike it.
  • 1 cup Spicy Cheddar Cheese Adds a kick and creaminess; regular cheddar is a viable option.
  • 1 medium Avocado Brings creaminess; add just before serving to avoid browning.
For the Chili Butter
  • 4 tbsp Salted Butter Creates the base for the spicy chili butter sauce.
  • 1 tsp Smoked Paprika Provides a smoky and slightly sweet flavor.
  • 1 tsp Chili Powder Adds warmth and spiciness; adjust according to your taste.
  • 1 pinch Cayenne Pepper For an extra touch of heat; modify based on your spice preference.
For the Lime Mayo
  • 1/4 cup Mayonnaise or Yogurt Acts as the base for the lime mayo dressing; yogurt is healthier.
  • 2 tbsp Lime Juice Adds bright acidity, balancing the creaminess.

Equipment

  • large mixing bowl
  • Pot
  • Colander
  • skillet
  • small bowl

Method
 

Dressing Preparation
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped chives, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until creamy and smooth.
Pasta Cooking
  1. Fill a pot with water, add salt, and bring to a boil. Add short pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and toss with the dressing.
Combining Ingredients
  1. Incorporate corn, chopped romaine, fresh basil, cilantro, spicy cheddar, and avocado into the pasta mixture. Gently fold to ensure even distribution.
Making Chili Butter
  1. In a skillet, melt salted butter. Stir in smoked paprika, chili powder, and cayenne pepper, cooking for about 1 minute.
Preparing Lime Mayo
  1. In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise and lime juice with a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy.
Serving
  1. Drizzle lime mayo over the salad and pour on chili butter. Let sit for 5-10 minutes before serving warm or chilled.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 8gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 350mgFiber: 5gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 900IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 120mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. It's best not to freeze as the salad's texture may suffer.

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