Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad – Quick & Flavorful Favorite

Summer hits different with a big bowl of Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad—packed with smoky corn, creamy cheese, and bold, tangy flavor that wakes up your taste buds. This Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad is a little spicy, a lot tangy, and ready in about 30 minutes. It’s the kind of side dish that steals the show at BBQs, potlucks, or just Tuesday night dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This salad comes together quickly with easy-to-find ingredients and minimal fuss. You can make it ahead of time, and honestly? It gets even better the next day. Every bite brings creamy dressing, roasted corn, herbs, and a chili-lime kick. It works great as a hearty side or a light main dish, and Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad always disappears fast at gatherings. And you control the heat level, so it fits any crowd.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Creamy Dressing

You’ll mix:

• 4 oz room-temp cream cheese
• 1/3 cup sour cream
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1–2 cloves garlic, grated
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives
• 3/4 cup crumbled Cotija or feta
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Tip: Let your cream cheese soften before mixing. Cold cream cheese makes the dressing clumpy.

For the Pasta Salad

Here’s what makes it colorful and fresh:

• 1 lb short pasta (rotini, shells, bowties, or orzo)
• 1 head romaine, shredded
• 2 cups roasted corn (fresh is best!)
• 1/2 cup torn fresh basil
• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
• 1/2 cup diced spicy cheddar
• 1 avocado, diced

Sub swap note: Use frozen or canned corn in a pinch, but grilled corn brings that signature char.
For more ideas, see Frito Corn Salad Recipe.

For the Chili Butter

This spicy melt gets poured on last:

• 4 tbsp salted butter
• 2 tsp smoked paprika
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1/2 to 2 tsp cayenne, to taste
• Pinch of salt

For the Lime Mayo Drizzle

Adds the zing:

• 1/4 cup mayo or plain yogurt
• 2 tbsp lime juice
• Pinch of salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 – Make the Creamy Dressing

In a large bowl, stir the cream cheese until smooth. Add sour cream, olive oil, garlic, chives, cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix until creamy and well blended. Set aside.

Step 2 – Cook the Pasta and Combine Salad

Boil salted water. Cook your pasta until al dente, then drain. Immediately toss hot pasta with the dressing. This helps it absorb all the flavor.
Next, add the shredded lettuce, grilled corn, basil, cilantro, cheddar, and avocado. Toss gently.

Tip: Add olive oil to the drained pasta to prevent sticking if not tossing it right away.

Step 3 – Prepare the Chili Butter

Melt butter in a skillet. Stir in smoked paprika, chili powder, cayenne, and a pinch of salt. Cook for about a minute to bloom the spices. Remove from heat.

Step 4 – Mix the Lime Mayo Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk mayo (or yogurt), lime juice, and a pinch of salt. This drizzle is zesty and balances the heat.

Step 5 – Serve and Enjoy

You can serve this warm or cold. Drizzle with the chili butter and lime mayo right before serving. Let your Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad rest a few minutes so the flavors meld beautifully.

Make it even better: Serve with Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Mexican Corn or Skillet Mexican Street Corn.

Substitution & Variation Ideas

• Swap Greek yogurt for sour cream or cream cheese.
• Use feta, Parmesan, or queso fresco instead of Cotija.
• Any short pasta shape will do.
• Frozen or canned corn is okay if fresh isn’t available.
• No cilantro? Use parsley.
• Mix regular cheddar with a bit of cayenne to replace spicy cheddar.
• Try chipotle mayo in place of plain for extra depth.

For another avocado-friendly side, try Summer Corn Salad with Avocado.

Expert Tips for Best Results

• Let your cream cheese soften fully before blending.
• Don’t overcook the pasta. Mushy pasta doesn’t hold dressing well.
• Always add avocado last with a bit of lime juice to keep it bright.
• Let the salad rest 10–15 minutes before serving for deeper flavor.

Storage & Make-Ahead Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep for 3–4 days.
Flavors deepen overnight, making it a great make-ahead dish.
Add avocado just before serving to avoid browning.
To refresh, stir in a splash of olive oil or squeeze of lime before serving.

Serving & Pairing Suggestions

This dish plays well with:

• Grilled chicken, shrimp, or carne asada
• Chicken fajitas or BBQ skewers
• Tortilla chips, guacamole, and extra lime wedges

It’s just as good on a picnic table as it is on your weeknight dinner plate.

Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe Card

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More Such Recipes

If you love this, you’ll also enjoy:

• Summer Corn Salad with Avocado
• Skillet Mexican Street Corn
• Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Mexican Corn
• Frito Corn Salad Recipe

FAQ

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad brings bold, fresh flavor to any table. Whether it’s a cookout or a quiet dinner, this salad delivers every time.Try this easy pasta salad recipe the next time you need something creamy, crunchy, and crowd-pleasing. It’s easy to prep, simple to customize, and loved by all ages. Whether you’re hosting a backyard bash or just need a no-fuss dinner, this one hits the spot.

Let me know how you make it your own! Drop a comment, leave a star rating, or share your twist on it over at Pinterest or Facebook.