Description
Get ready to experience a flavor explosion with this Healthy Street Corn Pasta Salad! This vibrant and delicious dish combines the best of street-style corn with the comforting heartiness of pasta, all tossed in a creamy, zesty dressing.
Ingredients
- 4 ounces of room temperature cream cheese
- 1/3 cup of sour cream
- 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- 1–2 grated garlic cloves
- 1 tablespoon of fresh chives, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3/4 cup of crumbled cotija or feta cheese
- 1 pound of short pasta (such as rotini or penne)
- 1 head of romaine lettuce, shredded
- 2 cups of grilled or roasted corn (from 3–4 fresh ears)
- 1/2 cup of fresh basil, torn
- 1/2 cup of fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup of spicy cheddar cheese, diced
- 1 avocado, diced
- 4 tablespoons of salted butter
- 2 teaspoons of smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons of chili powder
- 1/2 to 2 teaspoons of cayenne pepper, adjusted to preference
- 1/4 cup of mayonnaise or yogurt
- 2 tablespoons of lime juice
Instructions
1. Start by boiling the pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain the pasta and let it cool slightly before adding it to the salad.
2. In a bowl, mix together the cream cheese, sour cream, olive oil, garlic, chives, salt, pepper, cotija (or feta) cheese, mayonnaise or yogurt, and lime juice. Whisk the ingredients until the dressing is smooth and creamy.
3. In a small pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the smoked paprika, chili powder, and cayenne pepper. Drizzle this spiced butter over the grilled or roasted corn, coating it evenly.
4. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded romaine lettuce, the spiced corn, fresh basil, cilantro, cheddar cheese, and diced avocado. Toss the salad with the creamy dressing until everything is well-coated.
Notes
This salad can be served chilled or at room temperature, making it a versatile option for picnics, potlucks, or as a light summer dinner. For a heartier meal, consider pairing it with grilled chicken or shrimp.
The salad can be prepared in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixed
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 400
- Calories: 5
- Sugar: 500
- Sodium: 25
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Unsaturated Fat: 0
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 0
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 50
- Cholesterol: 0