Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad

why make this recipe

Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad is a delightful twist on traditional pasta salads. It brings together the sweetness of corn with creamy ingredients and a zesty kick from lime and chili powder. This dish is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a simple family dinner. It’s easy to make, can be prepared in advance, and is sure to please a crowd!

how to make Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

  • 8 oz pasta (your choice)
  • 2 cups corn (fresh or canned)
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1 lime (juiced)
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • 1/4 cup cilantro (chopped)
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup cotija cheese (crumbled)

Directions:

  1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and cool.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, corn, mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, cilantro, salt, and pepper.
  3. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
  4. Top with cotija cheese before serving.
  5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

how to serve Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad

Serve the Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad cold as a side dish with grilled meats, or enjoy it as a light lunch on its own. You can also garnish with additional cilantro or a squeeze of lime for extra flavor.

how to store Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This salad will stay fresh for up to 3 days, but keep in mind that the pasta may absorb some of the dressing over time. If you find it getting too dry, just add a bit more mayonnaise or sour cream before serving.

tips to make Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad

  • For a richer flavor, you can use roasted corn instead of fresh or canned corn.
  • Make sure to cool the pasta completely before mixing it with the other ingredients to prevent a warm salad.
  • Adjust the spice level by adding more chili powder or including diced jalapeños if you like it hotter.

variation

You can add other ingredients like diced bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or avocado for added color and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use frozen corn in this recipe? Yes, frozen corn works well! Just make sure to thaw and drain it before adding it to the salad.

Can I make this salad ahead of time? Absolutely! This pasta salad tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Is there a substitute for cotija cheese? Yes, you can use feta cheese or Parmesan cheese as a substitute if you can’t find cotija.

Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad

A delightful twist on traditional pasta salads, blending the sweetness of corn with creamy ingredients and a zesty kick from lime and chili powder. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or family dinners.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Dressing Ingredients
  • 8 oz pasta (your choice)
  • 2 cups corn (fresh or canned)
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1 lime (juiced)
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • 1/4 cup cilantro (chopped)
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup cotija cheese (crumbled)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and cool.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, corn, mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, cilantro, salt, and pepper.
  3. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
  4. Top with cotija cheese before serving.
  5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve cold as a side dish with grilled meats or as a light lunch. Garnish with additional cilantro or a squeeze of lime for extra flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If dry, add more mayonnaise or sour cream before serving. Consider using roasted corn for a richer flavor and adjust spice with more chili powder or jalapeños.