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Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad

Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad

Get ready for a super tasty pasta salad! It has soft pasta with a creamy cheese sauce. We add fresh stuff like herbs, corn, and avocado. The best part? You top it with a warm, spicy butter and a fresh, tangy lime sauce. It's a fun and yummy meal!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4
Calories 2600 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the dressing:

  • 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

For the salad:

  • 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

For the chili butter:

  • 4 tablespoons salted butter
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1/2 to 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper adjust to preference

For the lime mayo dressing:

  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise or yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice

Instructions
 

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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 preference), and a pinch of salt. Cook for one minute to allow spices to bloom, then remove from heat.
  • 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.
  • Serve and Enjoy: Serve the pasta salad warm or cold, as preferred. Drizzle with the Lime Mayo Dressing and top with a generous spoonful of the Chili Butter. For deeper flavors, let the salad sit for a bit before serving.