Description
Creamy street corn pasta salad packed with charred corn, lime, and cheese. A bold side dish perfect for cookouts and meal prep.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces rotini pasta
- 3 cups fresh corn kernels cut from about 4 ears
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 half cup finely diced red bell pepper
- 1 half cup finely diced red onion
- 1 half cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 half cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 cup shredded romaine lettuce
- 1 ripe avocado diced
- 1 half cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 third cup sour cream
- 1 quarter cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 1 small garlic clove finely grated
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 half teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 quarter teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 3 quarters teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 quarter teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini according to package directions until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain well and spread on a baking sheet to cool for 10 minutes.
- While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the corn kernels in a single layer and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly charred. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until smooth. Stir in lime juice, lime zest, garlic, chili powder, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and black pepper until fully combined.
- Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the dressing and toss until evenly coated.
- Fold in the charred corn, red bell pepper, red onion, cilantro, feta cheese, romaine lettuce, and shredded cheddar. Mix gently to combine.
- Just before serving, fold in the diced avocado to keep it fresh and intact. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
- Chill for at least 20 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to develop, or serve immediately at room temperature.
Notes
- For best texture, add the avocado right before serving and give the salad a gentle toss to keep it creamy and fresh.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop and Mixing
- Cuisine: American