If you’re craving a celebration of fresh flavors and creamy textures all tossed together, this Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe is going to become your new go-to dish. It blends the smoky sweetness of grilled corn with zesty lime, a bit of kick from cayenne, and the comforting creaminess of a luscious mayo-sour cream dressing. The addition of rotini pasta makes it satisfyingly hearty, while the crumbled feta and fresh cilantro add bright bursts of flavor and color. This salad is perfect for summer barbecues, potlucks, or any time you want to impress friends with something that feels special but comes together so quickly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to nailing this dish. Each one plays a role in bringing balance — from creamy to tangy, mild to smoky. Here’s what you’ll gather before the magic begins.
- Rotini pasta: Its spiral shape is perfect for holding onto all that creamy dressing and bits of corn.
- Fresh corn kernels: Nothing beats the sweet charred flavor from grilling fresh ears of corn.
- Mayonnaise: Adds richness and smooth texture that binds the salad together.
- Sour cream: Gives a delightful tang that brightens the creaminess.
- Lime juice: Infuses a fresh citrus punch that balances the richness.
- Red onion: Provides a subtle crunch and mild sharpness to elevate every bite.
- Cilantro: Offers an herbaceous note that lifts the salad wonderfully.
- Feta cheese: Crumbled for a creamy, salty contrast that’s simply irresistible.
- Cayenne pepper: Just a pinch for a hint of smoky heat without overpowering.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to bring all the flavors into harmony.
How to Make Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta Perfectly
Start by boiling your rotini pasta in salted water until it’s al dente, meaning it should be tender but still have a little firmness to the 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 every twist of pasta will soak up the dressing beautifully without becoming mushy.
Step 2: Grill the Corn for Smoky Sweetness
Grilling fresh corn is where the flavor magic happens. Toss the ears directly on a hot grill or griddle, allowing the kernels to char slightly and develop a smoky depth. Once cooled, slice the kernels off the cob and get ready to mix them in — that charred sweetness is a defining feature of this Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe.
Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Dressing
In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, fresh lime juice, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Whisk them together until silky smooth. This creamy dressing is the heart of the salad, perfectly balancing tang, spice, and richness in every bite.
Step 4: Combine All the Fresh Ingredients
Grab a large bowl and toss together the cooled pasta, grilled corn kernels, diced red onion, chopped cilantro, and crumbled feta cheese. Mixing these components now helps the textures blend and the flavors start to mingle, setting the stage for that irresistible salad.
Step 5: Toss with Dressing and Chill
Pour the luscious dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Gently toss everything together to coat every bit evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes — this resting time allows the flavors to marry and intensify, turning this into a true Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe experience.
How to Serve Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
To add a final flourish, sprinkle extra crumbled feta and chopped cilantro over the top. A light dusting of chili powder or a few lime wedges on the side will add freshness and a little visual pop. These simple touches take the salad from delicious to dazzling.
Side Dishes
This salad is wonderfully versatile and pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, fish tacos, or even a smoky barbecue spread. It’s the kind of dish that complements almost any summer meal, adding brightness and creaminess to your plate without competing for attention.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe in mini mason jars at your next picnic or party. You can also use it as a filling for creamy wraps or layered in a vibrant pasta salad platter with other Mediterranean-inspired sides for a colorful feast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This pasta salad keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even tastier the next day. Just give it a gentle stir before serving to refresh the creamy texture.
Freezing
Because of its creamy dressing and fresh ingredients, freezing isn’t recommended for this salad. The texture, especially of the mayonnaise and sour cream, can become watery or separate after thawing.
Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If you prefer, take it out of the fridge about 15 minutes before serving to take the chill off and allow those vibrant flavors to shine through.
FAQs
Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen corn works fine if fresh corn isn’t available. Just thaw it thoroughly and pat dry before adding or lightly sauté to bring out some extra flavor.
Is there a way to make this salad vegan?
Yes, swap out the mayonnaise and sour cream for vegan alternatives, and use vegan cheese or omit the feta entirely. The salad will still be creamy and delicious with these simple changes.
How spicy is the cayenne pepper in this recipe?
The cayenne is used sparingly just to add a gentle warmth. You can adjust the amount to suit your heat preference or omit it for a milder salad.
Can I prepare this salad a day in advance?
Definitely! Preparing it a day ahead allows the flavors to deepen, making the salad even more flavorful. Just be sure to cover it tightly and refrigerate.
What’s the best pasta to use besides rotini?
Other short, sturdy pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or farfalle work beautifully because they hold the dressing well and blend nicely with the corn and veggies.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe is one of those delightful dishes that manages to feel fresh and comforting all at once. Whether you’re serving it for a casual family dinner or bringing it to a festive gathering, it’s guaranteed to earn you compliments and second helpings. Give it a try soon, and get ready to fall in love with your new favorite pasta salad!
Print
Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad combines tender rotini pasta with charred fresh corn, tangy lime, and a creamy dressing made from mayonnaise and sour cream. Finished with red onion, cilantro, feta cheese, and a hint of cayenne pepper, this refreshing salad is perfect for summer gatherings or as a flavorful side dish.
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: Boil salted water and cook the rotini pasta until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta.
- Grill corn: Grill fresh corn ears over medium-high heat until the kernels are charred and slightly blackened, then allow them to cool before cutting off the kernels.
- Make dressing: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, cayenne pepper, salt, and 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.
- Dress and chill: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
- To save time, you can use pre-cooked frozen corn kernels and quickly char them in a skillet.
- Adjust cayenne pepper according to your preferred spice level.
- This salad is best served chilled and can be made up to a day in advance.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute sour cream and feta with vegan alternatives.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
