Name: Easy Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 4 ounces room temperature cream cheese; 1/3 cup sour cream; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 1-2 grated garlic cloves; 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped; Salt and pepper to taste; 3/4 cup crumbled cotija or feta cheese; 1 pound short pasta; 1 head romaine lettuce, shredded; 2 cups grilled or roasted corn from 3-4 fresh ears; 1/2 cup fresh basil, torn; 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; 1/2 cup spicy cheddar cheese, diced; 1 avocado, diced; 4 tablespoons salted butter; 2 teaspoons smoked paprika; 2 tablespoons chili powder; 1/2 to 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper (adjust to preference); 1/4 cup mayonnaise or yogurt; 2 tablespoons lime juice

Jump to Recipe·5 from 18 reviews

If there’s one dish that screams summer in a bowl, it’s this Easy Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad! Imagine the bold street corn flavors—think creamy, spicy, zesty, and fresh—all hugging every piece of pasta. This salad brings together juicy grilled corn, chewy pasta, creamy cheese, buttery chili sauce, and vibrant herbs for the ultimate fiesta. Whether you serve it warm or chilled, it’s a showstopper at picnics, BBQs, or lazy family dinners.

Easy Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Easy Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad lies in its simplicity. Every ingredient brings just what you need: smoky spice, tangy creaminess, bright herbs, and satisfying crunch. Don’t skip anything—each one has a purpose you can taste in every forkful!

Cream cheese: Gives the dressing that signature creamy, luscious texture with a hint of tang.
Sour cream: Adds extra richness and a gentle tang, making the sauce even more craveable.
Extra virgin olive oil: Helps everything blend together and contributes a fruity, peppery finish.
Grated garlic: Always grate it fresh—garlic wakes up the dressing with aromatic heat.
Fresh chives: Brings a mild oniony bite and beautiful flecks of green.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.
Cotija or feta cheese: Salty, crumbly, and tangy—either cheese works for that classic street corn vibe.
Short pasta (like fusilli or rotini): The grooves catch all that creamy sauce and juicy corn bits perfectly.
Romaine lettuce: Shredded, for a fresh crunch that lightens the salad.
Grilled or roasted corn: Sweet, smoky kernels from fresh ears are the star—don’t use canned unless you must!
Fresh basil: Torn leaves give brightness and a touch of sweetness.
Fresh cilantro: For that herby, citrusy lift, essential in Mexican-style salads.
Spicy cheddar cheese: Diced sharp cheddar (pepper jack also works!) adds color and spice.
Avocado: Creamy chunks that make every bite a little dreamier.
Salted butter: The base for chili butter; salted enhances the spices.
Smoked paprika: Delivers a deep smokiness that ties everything together.
Chili powder: Adds warmth and earthy spice—don’t be shy!
Cayenne pepper: For those who love an extra kick—adjust to your liking.
Mayonnaise or yogurt: For the finishing lime sauce; use yogurt if you want it lighter.
Fresh lime juice: Brings a blast of brightness and tang that wakes up the whole dish.

How to Make Easy Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Creamy Cheese Dressing

Start by grabbing your biggest salad bowl—it’s about to get a whole lot of action! Combine the room temperature cream cheese, sour cream, a drizzle of olive oil, freshly grated garlic, bright chives, a hearty sprinkle of salt and pepper, and plenty of crumbled cotija or feta. Stir or whisk until totally creamy and smooth—this will be the foundation that brings everything together with irresistible silkiness.

Step 2: Cook Pasta and Combine Salad

Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil and cook your short pasta until just al dente. Don’t let it go mushy! Immediately drain and, while still warm, toss it right into your bowl of dressing. The heat will help meld the flavors. Then add shredded romaine, sweet grilled corn, torn basil and cilantro, spicy diced cheddar, and creamy avocado. Toss it all gently—the goal is to coat every bite while keeping those chunks of avocado and cheese intact.

Step 3: Make the Chili Butter

In a small skillet over medium heat, melt the salted butter until it’s sizzling and golden. Stir in smoked paprika, chili powder, and as much cayenne as you dare—don’t forget a pinch of salt. Let the spices bloom for about a minute—your kitchen will smell amazing! Remove from the heat and set it aside; the chili butter is what sets this salad apart.

Step 4: Make the Lime Mayo Dressing

In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise (or yogurt if you prefer it tangy and light) with freshly squeezed lime juice and a smidge of salt. This creamy, zesty dressing is the final layer of street-corn authenticity that will make everyone go back for seconds.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Spoon the Easy Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad into a big serving bowl or individual dishes. Drizzle with lime mayo dressing, then spoon over generous amounts of warm chili butter. Let the salad mingle for a few minutes if you have time—the flavors deepen and become even more craveable. Enjoy warm or cold for maximum bliss!

How to Serve Easy Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad

Garnishes

The best finishing touch? A scattering of extra cotija or feta, a handful of chopped cilantro, basil leaves, and a few thinly sliced jalapeños if you like the heat. For a gorgeous pop, squeeze a little extra lime over the top just before serving—you’ll love how zingy and bright it tastes!

Side Dishes

This Easy Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad pairs beautifully with all your summer favorites. Think grilled chicken, steak, or smoky barbecue ribs. It’s also fantastic alongside a platter of crunchy tortilla chips with salsa or guacamole. And if you’re going vegetarian, pair it with grilled portobello mushrooms or a juicy tomato salad.

Creative Ways to Present

Go playful and serve it in mini mason jars or colorful cups for grab-and-go picnics. Heap it into lettuce cups for a fun, hands-on twist. Or make a pretty layered trifle-style salad in a glass bowl—each layer pops with color. However you serve it, Easy Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad won’t last long!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you luck out with leftovers, just transfer your pasta salad into an airtight container. It keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days, and the flavors only get more vibrant as it sits. A quick toss before serving brings everything back together.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing this one—avocado and fresh herbs don’t come back well from the freezer, and the creamy dressing can separate. It’s best to enjoy Easy Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad fresh or within a couple of days from the fridge.

Reheating

This salad tastes delicious cold, room temperature, or just barely warm. If you want to serve it warm, microwave portions for 30-second bursts, stirring to prevent the cheese from melting unevenly. Add a splash of lime juice or a spoonful of dressing if it needs refreshing.

FAQs

Can I use frozen or canned corn instead of fresh?

Absolutely! While fresh corn brings the most sweetness and crunch, frozen or even well-drained canned corn works in a pinch. For more flavor, try pan-roasting it until lightly charred before adding to the salad.

Is there a substitute for cotija cheese?

Yes! Feta cheese is a fantastic substitute with similar salty tang. You could also try queso fresco or even shredded Parmesan if that’s what you have on hand.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Definitely. Just swap in your favorite gluten-free short pasta and double-check that your other ingredients are safe. Pasta salad with all the easy, creamy street corn flavor—no gluten needed!

Can I add protein to make this a main dish?

Of course! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even crispy tofu make delicious additions. Just toss them in with the rest of your salad ingredients and enjoy a satisfying, easy meal.

How spicy is this salad?

You control the heat! The cayenne in the chili butter is the main source of spice—add a little for mild warmth or go bold if you crave a good kick. Use spicy cheddar for another gentle boost, or leave it out for a mild version.

Final Thoughts

There’s truly nothing like sharing a giant bowl of Easy Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad with friends—it’s colorful, satisfying, and totally party-worthy. Next time you need a fun side or an easy wow-factor meal, give it a try and watch everyone come back for seconds!