Description
A vibrant and flavorful street corn–inspired pasta salad tossed in a creamy cotija dressing, topped with smoky chili butter and zesty lime mayo for the perfect balance of heat and freshness.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 4 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- 3/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1–2 garlic cloves, grated
- 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 lb short pasta (rotini, fusilli, or farfalle)
- 1 head romaine lettuce, shredded
- 2 cups grilled or roasted corn
- 1/2 cup spicy cheddar cheese, diced
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, torn
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 avocado, diced
- 4 tbsp salted butter
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1/2–2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise (or yogurt)
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
Instructions
1. In a large salad bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, olive oil, grated garlic, chopped chives, cotija cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well blended.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
3. While the pasta is still warm, toss it directly with the prepared dressing to evenly coat.
4. Add the shredded romaine, corn, diced cheddar, basil, cilantro, and avocado to the bowl. Toss gently to combine.
5. In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter until golden. Stir in smoked paprika, chili powder, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, then remove from heat.
6. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and fresh lime juice with a pinch of salt.
7. Serve the pasta salad warm or chilled. Drizzle with lime mayo and spoon chili butter over the top before serving.
Notes
Adjust cayenne pepper to control the heat level.
For extra charred flavor, grill fresh corn on the cob before cutting off the kernels.
The salad can be made ahead and chilled; add avocado just before serving to prevent browning.
Feta cheese can be substituted for cotija for a milder flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg