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Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad

Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad
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Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavor-packed summer side dish combining the sweetness of fresh corn, tender pasta, colorful bell peppers, and a rich creamy dressing with a hint of smoky spice. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or casual gatherings, this easy-to-make salad delivers a perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and zesty flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 8 ounces small pasta shapes like rotini or shells

Corn

  • 3 ears fresh corn (grilled or boiled), kernels cut off the cob

Creamy Dressing

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt to taste

Vegetables and Herbs

  • 1 cup diced bell peppers (red or multicolored)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Cheese

  • 1/2 cup crumbled cotija or feta cheese

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add your chosen pasta. Cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside to cool completely—this stops cooking and prevents sticking.
  2. Prepare the Corn: While pasta cooks, grill fresh corn on the cob until charred in spots (about 8-10 minutes) or boil if preferred. Once cooled, cut kernels off the cob and transfer them to a large mixing bowl.
  3. Make the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, freshly squeezed lime juice, smoked paprika, chili powder, and salt. Adjust seasoning to taste to balance creaminess and spice perfectly.
  4. Mix Ingredients: Combine cooled pasta, corn kernels, diced bell peppers, and chopped cilantro with the dressing. Toss well to coat every bite in that flavorful mixture.
  5. Add Cheese and Chill: Fold in crumbled cotija or feta cheese gently. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld together beautifully before serving.

Notes

  • Use Fresh Corn: Fresh grilled or boiled corn elevates the flavor far beyond canned alternatives.
  • Don’t Overcook Pasta: Al dente pasta maintains texture, preventing a mushy salad.
  • Chill Before Serving: Rest in the fridge to marry all the ingredients and enhance taste.
  • Customize Spices: Adjust chili powder and smoked paprika levels based on your preferred heat intensity.
  • Use Quality Cheese: Authentic cotija cheese adds authenticity and that subtle salty tang.

Nutrition

Keywords: summer salad, pasta salad, street corn, creamy salad, BBQ side dish, picnic recipe, easy pasta salad, Mexican inspired

Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/creamy-street-corn-pasta-salad/