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Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad

Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad: A Flavorful Twist on Elote

This Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad brings the delicious flavors of street corn to your kitchen, perfect for potlucks and gatherings.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Resting Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Dressing
  • 8 oz Cream Cheese at room temperature
  • 1 cup Sour Cream or Greek yogurt
  • 2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil high-quality
  • 2 cloves Garlic (grated) adjust to taste
  • 1 tbsp Chives (fresh, chopped) or green onions
  • 1 cup Cotija or Feta Cheese (crumbled) goat cheese can be substituted
For the Salad Base
  • 8 oz Short Pasta (e.g., fusilli or penne) use your favorite shape
  • 4 cups Romaine Lettuce (shredded) other leafy greens can work
  • 2 cups Fresh Corn (grilled or roasted) use fresh when possible
  • 1 cup Fresh Basil & Cilantro (torn/chopped) parsley is a good swap for basil
  • 1 cup Spicy Cheddar Cheese (diced) or regular cheddar for milder
  • 1 medium Avocado (diced) add just before serving
For the Chili Butter
  • 4 tbsp Salted Butter can use unsalted and adjust salt
  • 1 tsp Smoked Paprika adjust to taste
  • 1 tsp Chili Powder adjust to taste
  • 1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper omit for milder
For the Lime Mayo Dressing
  • 1/2 cup Mayonnaise/Yogurt based on preference
  • 2 tbsp Lime Juice freshly squeezed

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Pot
  • Skillet
  • Small bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine room temperature cream cheese, sour cream, and extra virgin olive oil. Add grated garlic, chopped chives, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk together until smooth.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add short pasta and cook until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain, reserving a little pasta water, and toss with a splash of olive oil.
  3. Once the pasta is slightly cooled, add it to the dressing. Stir in shredded romaine lettuce, grilled corn, fresh basil, cilantro, and diced spicy cheddar cheese.
  4. In a medium skillet, melt salted butter over medium heat. Stir in smoked paprika, chili powder, and cayenne pepper. Cook for about one minute until fragrant.
  5. In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise or yogurt with lime juice and a pinch of salt until well combined. Set aside.
  6. To serve, plate the creamy pasta salad, drizzle lime mayo dressing over the top, and spoon the warm chili butter mixture across the salad.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 8gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

This pasta salad can be customized with various veggies and proteins. It's delightful either warm or chilled.

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