Description
Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful side dish combining smoky roasted corn, tender pasta, and a luscious creamy dressing. Balanced with a hint of spice, fresh herbs, and tangy lime, this salad is easy to prepare, versatile, and perfect for summer gatherings or potlucks.
Ingredients
Scale
Roasted Corn
- 2 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
Pasta
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni or small shell pasta
Creamy Dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Cheese
- ½ cup crumbled cotija or feta cheese
Fresh Herbs and Vegetables
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (plus extra for garnish)
- ½ cup diced red bell pepper
- 3 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Roast the Corn: Roast fresh or frozen corn kernels in a hot skillet or under the broiler until lightly charred and smoky, about 5-7 minutes. This step builds the base flavor that sets this salad apart.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil your preferred pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta for the salad.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. This creamy dressing ties all ingredients together.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently mix the cooled pasta, roasted corn, diced red bell pepper, green onions, and crumbled cotija cheese. Pour the dressing over the top and toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Chill and Garnish: Cover the salad and chill for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld. Before serving, sprinkle with fresh chopped cilantro for a vibrant finishing touch.
Notes
- Roast for flavor: Don’t skip roasting the corn—it’s the secret to that authentic street corn taste.
- Choose the right pasta: Smaller shapes and sturdy pastas hold the dressing well without getting mushy.
- Balance the creaminess: Adjust the mayo and sour cream ratio to get your preferred richness.
- Chill thoroughly: Allow the salad to rest refrigerated so flavors blend and pasta firms up.
- Fresh herbs last: Add the cilantro right before serving to keep its bright flavor and color.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Roasting and boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg