Print

Flavorful Street Corn Pasta Salad with Creamy Spicy Dressing

street corn pasta salad - featured image
Print Recipe

A vibrant and smoky pasta salad featuring charred corn, creamy chipotle dressing, and fresh herbs. Perfect for summer parties and quick meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces rotini or penne pasta
  • 3 cups fresh corn kernels (about 4 ears), charred
  • 1 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta as substitute)
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon chipotle powder
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional: smoked paprika or extra lime wedges for serving

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Set aside in a large mixing bowl.
  2. While the pasta cooks, preheat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add 3 cups of fresh corn kernels. Spread evenly and cook without stirring for 3-4 minutes until charred on one side, then toss and cook for another 2-3 minutes until smoky all around. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup sour cream, 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice, 1 teaspoon chipotle powder, and 1 minced garlic clove. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Adjust chipotle powder or lime juice as desired.
  4. Add the charred corn, 1 cup crumbled cotija cheese, and 1/4 cup chopped cilantro to the bowl with pasta. Pour the dressing over and toss gently but thoroughly to coat evenly.
  5. Taste and add more salt, pepper, or lime juice if needed. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld. If the salad thickens too much, stir in a tablespoon of water or extra lime juice before serving.

Notes

Rinse pasta after cooking to prevent stickiness. Char corn without stirring too often for best smoky flavor. Adjust chipotle powder to control heat. Chill salad for at least 30 minutes for flavor fusion. For dairy-free, use vegan mayo and omit cheese or substitute with vegan cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, street corn, creamy dressing, spicy, chipotle, summer recipe, easy pasta salad, potluck dish

Find it online: https://yumnode.com/flavorful-street-corn-pasta-salad-recipe-with-creamy-spicy-dressing-easy-and-best-guide/