If you’re craving a vibrant, flavorful dish that brings a creamy, tangy twist to classic summer flavors, this Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe is your new go-to. It’s a celebration of charred sweet corn, zesty lime, and a luscious dressing that perfectly coats every bite of tender rotini pasta, making it the ideal side or light main that pleases every palate. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or looking for a refreshing salad to brighten up your weeknight dinner, this recipe combines freshness with a touch of indulgence in the most irresistible way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet essential ingredients makes all the difference in this dish. Each one adds a layer of flavor, texture, or color that works together beautifully to elevate this Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe.
- 8 oz rotini pasta: The perfect spiral shape to hold onto the creamy dressing and bits of corn.
- 2 cups fresh corn kernels (about 2 ears): Fresh corn brings sweetness and crunch, especially when grilled.
- 1 cup mayonnaise: Creates a rich, tangy base for the dressing.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Adds a silky texture and balances acidity.
- Juice of 2 limes: Brightens the salad with zesty freshness.
- 1/2 cup diced red onion: Offers a subtle sharpness and vibrant color.
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro: Imparts a fresh, herbaceous note that’s essential for authentic flavor.
- 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese: Brings a salty contrast and creamy crumble throughout.
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper: A gentle kick of heat that wakes up your taste buds without overpowering.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance every ingredient.
How to Make Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling the rotini pasta in salted water until it’s perfectly al dente—meaning tender but still with a bit of bite. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down for the salad. This step ensures your pasta won’t get mushy when chilled later.
Step 2: Grill the Corn
Grilling the fresh corn adds an irresistible smoky flavor and a hint of char that sets this pasta salad apart. Cook the ears of corn over medium-high heat until the kernels have dark grill marks and are fragrant. Let them cool before carefully cutting off the kernels for the salad.
Step 3: Mix the Dressing
Whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper until smooth and creamy. This dressing balances tangy, spicy, and creamy notes that coat every ingredient evenly, giving the salad its signature flavor.
Step 4: Combine the Ingredients
In a large bowl, gently toss the cooled pasta, grilled corn kernels, diced red onion, chopped cilantro, and crumbled feta cheese. Mixing these elements while the pasta is cool helps maintain the salad’s vibrant texture and fresh taste.
Step 5: Add the Dressing
Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss gently to ensure every piece is beautifully coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld, making this Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe perfect for preparing ahead of time.
How to Serve Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra pop of flavor and an inviting presentation, sprinkle a little extra crumbled feta, a few fresh cilantro leaves, and a wedge of lime on top before serving. This not only adds visual appeal but also layers of taste that brighten the dish right at the table.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, juicy burgers, or even blackened fish. Its creamy and tangy profile complements smoky or mildly spiced mains, making it an excellent companion to your summer cookouts or casual dinners.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or potlucks, serve the Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe in a hollowed-out grilled bell pepper or avocado halves for a fresh, fun twist. You can also layer it in a clear glass bowl for a colorful, inviting look that shows off each vibrant ingredient.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad will stay fresh and delicious for up to three days, allowing the flavors to deepen as it sits, which makes it a handy, flavorful option for next-day lunches or dinners.
Freezing
Because this salad has fresh vegetables and a creamy dressing, freezing is not recommended as it can change the texture of the corn and pasta, and cause the dressing to separate. For best results, enjoy it fresh or within a few days of making it.
Reheating
This dish is best served cold or at room temperature, so no reheating is necessary. If preferred, take it out of the refrigerator about 15 minutes before serving to let it come to a more natural, flavorful temperature.
FAQs
Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh?
While fresh grilled corn provides the best flavor and texture in this Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe, you can use frozen corn if fresh isn’t available. Just thaw and sauté it briefly to add some color and warmth.
What kind of pasta works best for this salad?
Rotini is ideal because its spiral shape holds onto the dressing and bits of corn perfectly. Penne or farfalle are good alternatives if you want to switch things up.
Is this salad spicy?
It has a mild kick from the cayenne pepper, but the heat is quite subtle and balanced by the creamy dressing and lime juice. You can always adjust the cayenne to make it spicier or milder depending on your preference.
Can I make this salad vegan?
To make this Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe vegan, substitute the mayonnaise and sour cream for vegan versions and use a plant-based cheese or omit it altogether. The lime juice, cilantro, and spices will keep the flavors bright.
How long should I grill the corn?
Grill the corn for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the kernels have nice char marks and smell smoky. This step adds a delicious depth of flavor that’s essential for the salad’s character.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe is a bright, flavorful dish that effortlessly brings summer vibes to your table any time of year. Its balance of creamy, zesty, and smoky elements makes it a total crowd-pleaser, perfect for sharing with friends and family. I can’t wait for you to try it and add your own personal touch—once you taste it, this recipe will become a staple you reach for again and again.
Print
Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes plus 30 minutes chilling
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
This creamy street corn pasta salad blends smoky grilled corn with a tangy lime dressing and crisp rotini pasta for a refreshing and flavorful summer side dish. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or light meals, it combines Mediterranean feta, fresh cilantro, and a touch of cayenne pepper for an exciting twist on classic pasta salad.
Ingredients
Pasta and Vegetables
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 2 cups fresh corn kernels (about 2 ears)
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Juice of 2 limes
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese
- 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini pasta until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.
- Grill the corn: Place the fresh corn on a grill or grill pan and cook until the kernels are charred and smoky, turning occasionally to get an even char on all sides. Allow it to cool before cutting the kernels off the cob.
- Prepare the dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, fresh lime juice, cayenne pepper, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Combine salad ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, grilled corn kernels, diced red onion, chopped cilantro, and crumbled feta cheese. Gently toss to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Toss with dressing and chill: Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently until everything is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
- For extra smoky flavor, you can use grilled frozen corn if fresh corn is not available.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder salad.
- This salad can be made a few hours ahead and stored in the refrigerator to enhance flavor.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature for best taste.
