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If you love vibrant flavors and irresistible textures coming together in one bowl, you absolutely have to try this Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe. It’s a perfect mix of smoky, tangy, and creamy elements, enhanced by fresh corn, zesty lime, and the crumbly punch of feta cheese. Whether you want a standout side dish for your next barbecue or a refreshing lunch that excites your tastebuds, this salad brings a festive feel to every bite. It’s simple to whip up and guaranteed to become one of your favorite go-to recipes for warm-weather gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is wonderfully straightforward, using just a handful of ingredients that each add something special. From the tender rotini pasta to the smoky sweetness of grilled corn, every component builds layers of taste and texture, while fresh herbs and tangy lime juice brighten the entire dish.
- 8 oz rotini pasta: Its twists hold onto the creamy dressing perfectly.
- 2 cups fresh corn kernels (about 2 ears): Grilling them adds that delicious charred flavor essential to this salad.
- 1 cup mayonnaise: Provides rich creaminess as the base of the dressing.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Adds tang and smooth texture to balance the mayo.
- Juice of 2 limes: Bright citrus notes that cut through the richness and elevate the flavors.
- 1/2 cup diced red onion: Sharpness and crunch for contrast.
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro: Fresh herbal brightness that livens up the salad.
- 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese: Salty and creamy, giving depth and savory pop.
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper: A subtle kick of heat that wakes up the palate.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasoning to pull all the flavors together beautifully.
How to Make Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling your rotini pasta in salted water until it’s perfectly al dente—tender but still with a bite. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it thoroughly under cold water. This step stops the cooking process and chills the pasta, ensuring your salad doesn’t become mushy and stays fresh and cool.
Step 2: Grill and Prepare the Corn
Next, char the fresh corn on a grill or grill pan until you get lovely smoky marks. This grilling imparts that signature “street corn” flavor that’s essential to the dish. Let the ears cool a bit, then carefully slice off the kernels and set them aside. The smoky, slightly sweet corn kernels are really what make this salad shine.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Dressing
In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, and fresh lime juice. Add salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper to taste for a subtle heat. This luscious dressing is the magic glue that marries all the salad’s ingredients, delivering that dreamy creaminess that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Step 4: Combine the Salad Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, gently toss the cooked and cooled rotini pasta with the grilled corn kernels, diced red onion, chopped cilantro, and crumbled feta cheese. This blend of colors and textures makes the salad visually appealing and exciting to eat.
Step 5: Add the Dressing and Chill
Pour your creamy dressing over the pasta and corn mixture, then toss lightly to coat everything evenly. Cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This resting time allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully, giving you a salad that bursts with flavor in every bite.
How to Serve Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe even more, sprinkle additional fresh cilantro or crumbled feta cheese on top just before serving. A wedge of lime on the side invites everyone to add a little extra zing if they’d like. These garnishes add a fresh, colorful finishing touch that looks as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like chicken, steak, or shrimp, making it a fantastic complement to any barbecue or cookout. It also works perfectly alongside simple green salads or roasted vegetables, rounding out your meal with a creamy, flavorful twist.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress your guests? Serve the Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe in individual mason jars or mini bowls for a fun, portable presentation. You can also layer it with fresh slices of avocado or small dollops of chipotle mayo for an extra flavor boost. Whether on a picnic or a potluck table, this salad never fails to dazzle.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad keeps well for up to 3 days, though you might want to give it a quick stir before serving to redistribute the dressing and freshen up the flavors.
Freezing
This particular salad is best enjoyed fresh and doesn’t freeze well due to the creamy dressing and fresh produce. Freezing can change the texture of the pasta and vegetables, so it’s best to avoid freezing this one.
Reheating
Since this Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe is a cold dish, reheating is not recommended. Instead, enjoy it straight from the fridge for the perfect refreshing and creamy experience.
FAQs
Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh?
While fresh corn is ideal for that true street corn flavor and texture, frozen corn can be used in a pinch. Just thaw and grill it to get as close as possible to the smoky taste.
Is there a good substitute for feta cheese?
If you’re not a fan of feta, cotija cheese is a wonderful alternative that also carries a salty, crumbly texture perfect for this salad.
How spicy is this salad with cayenne pepper?
The cayenne pepper adds only a mild warmth, but you can adjust the amount to your heat preference or omit it altogether if you prefer a milder flavor.
Can I prepare this salad completely ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the salad a few hours before serving and refrigerate. Just give it a gentle toss before bringing it out so the dressing is evenly distributed.
What pasta shapes work best?
Rotini is perfect because its twists hold onto the creamy dressing, but other shapes like penne or fusilli would also work well.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe is a delightful combination of flavor, texture, and color that makes every mouthful a happy one. It’s easy to prepare but impressive enough to serve at your next gathering or enjoy as a zesty, comforting meal any day of the week. I can’t wait for you to make it and discover why it’s one of my all-time favorite pasta salads!
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Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful summer dish that combines tender rotini pasta, charred fresh corn kernels, and a zesty creamy dressing made with mayonnaise, sour cream, and lime juice. Enhanced with diced red onion, chopped cilantro, and crumbled feta cheese, this salad has a perfect balance of creaminess, tang, and a gentle kick of cayenne pepper. It’s easy to prepare, chilled to meld flavors, and ideal as a refreshing side or light main course for picnics, barbecues, or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Salad
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 2 cups fresh corn kernels (about 2 ears)
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Juice of 2 limes
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool it down.
- Grill Corn: Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the fresh ears of corn, turning occasionally, until the kernels are charred and lightly blackened, approximately 7-10 minutes. Allow the corn to cool, then cut the kernels off the cob and transfer to a bowl.
- Make Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, grilled corn kernels, diced red onion, chopped cilantro, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Toss Salad and Chill: Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture. Gently toss until everything is evenly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill.
- Serve: After chilling, give the salad a gentle stir and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve cold as a refreshing side or light meal.
Notes
- For a smoky flavor without a grill, roast the corn under a broiler until charred.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
- This salad tastes best after refrigerating for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to blend.
- Add a handful of diced jalapeño for extra heat if desired.
- Can be made a few hours ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
