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Healthy Street Corn Pasta Salad – Bold Flavor, Creamy Texture & Summer Freshness in Every Bite

Creamy, smoky, tangy, and bursting with color — this Healthy Street Corn Pasta Salad is your ultimate summer side dish. Inspired by Mexican street corn (elote) and loaded with sweet corn, creamy cheeses, fresh herbs, and just the right amount of spice, it’s the perfect balance between indulgent and wholesome. Made with tender pasta, a zesty lime dressing, and a base of creamy avocado and Greek yogurt, this version lightens up traditional pasta salad while still being ultra-satisfying. It’s a guaranteed hit for BBQs, potlucks, or meal prep — and it comes together in under 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

🥑 Fruits & Vegetables
  • 2 cups corn kernels fresh, grilled, or frozen & thawed
  • 1 avocado peeled and pitted
  • 1 head romaine lettuce chopped
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro
  • 1 tbsp fresh chives chopped
  • 1 garlic clove minced
🍋 Condiments
  • 2 tbsp lime juice
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise or plain yogurt
  • 1/3 cup sour cream
🍝 Pasta & Grains
  • 1 lb short pasta such as fusilli, penne, or rotini
🌶️ Spices & Seasonings
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
  • Salt and pepper to taste
🫒 Oils & Vinegars
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
🧀 Dairy
  • 4 tbsp salted butter
  • 4 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1/2 cup spicy cheddar cheese shredded
  • 3/4 cup cotija or feta cheese crumbled
🌽 Optional Add-ins: Roasted red pepper, black beans, or cherry tomatoes for extra texture and color.

Equipment

  • Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this delicious street corn pasta salad:
  • Large pot (for cooking pasta)
  • Strainer
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Blender or food processor (for dressing)
  • Spatula or salad tongs
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Grater or microplane (for cheese and garlic)

Method
 

Step 1: Cook the Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Add 1 lb of short pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions.
  3. Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Corn
  1. If using fresh corn, grill or sauté it until lightly charred.
  2. If using frozen corn, heat in a skillet with 1 tbsp butter until warmed and lightly browned.
  3. Set aside to cool.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Dressing
  1. In a food processor or blender, combine:
  2. Avocado
  3. Lime juice
  4. Garlic
  5. Mayonnaise or yogurt
  6. Sour cream
  7. Cream cheese
  8. Olive oil
  9. Chili powder
  10. Paprika
  11. Cayenne
  12. Salt and pepper to taste
  13. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Mix the Salad
  1. In a large mixing bowl, toss together:
  2. Cooked pasta
  3. Charred corn
  4. Chopped romaine lettuce
  5. Fresh basil, cilantro, and chives
  6. Cheddar and cotija cheese
Step 5: Add the Dressing
  1. Pour the creamy avocado dressing over the pasta mixture.
  2. Toss until everything is evenly coated and vibrant.
Step 6: Chill & Serve
  1. For best flavor, chill the salad in the fridge for 15–30 minutes before serving.
  2. Garnish with extra cheese, herbs, or lime wedges as desired.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Stir before serving to redistribute dressing.
Freezer
Not recommended due to the fresh herbs and creamy base.
Reheating
Best served cold or at room temperature — no reheating needed!
🧊 Tip: If the dressing thickens in the fridge, stir in a splash of water or lime juice to refresh the texture.
🥄 Variations
Want to customize your street corn pasta salad? Try these fun adaptations:
🌱 Vegan Version: Use dairy-free cream cheese, vegan mayo, and plant-based feta.
🥩 Add Protein: Top with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a full meal.
🍅 Extra Veggies: Add roasted red peppers, cucumber, or halved cherry tomatoes.
🫘 Add Fiber: Toss in black beans or chickpeas for extra protein and bulk.
🧄 Roasted Garlic: Swap raw garlic for roasted for a sweeter, mellow flavor.
🥬 Lettuce-Free: Omit romaine for a more traditional pasta salad texture.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Fusilli, penne, farfalle, or even orzo work well.
2. What cheese can I use instead of cotija?
Feta cheese is the closest in flavor and texture.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prep it up to 24 hours in advance and store chilled.
4. Can I use canned corn?
Yes — just drain and sauté briefly for extra flavor.
5. Is this salad spicy?
It has mild heat from cayenne and chili powder. Adjust to taste.
6. How can I make it lighter?
Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo and skip the cream cheese for a lighter dressing.
7. Can I serve this warm?
You can, but it’s best chilled or at room temp. Warm pasta may melt the dressing.
8. Is this gluten-free?
Not as written, but you can easily swap in gluten-free pasta.
9. Can I blend the herbs into the dressing?
Yes! Blending the basil and cilantro makes the dressing green and herbaceous.
10. What’s the best way to char the corn?
Use a dry skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat and let the corn sit untouched for a few minutes at a time to develop color.
🏁 Conclusion
This Healthy Street Corn Pasta Salad is everything we love about summer — bright, creamy, a little smoky, and full of flavor. It’s a creative mash-up of Mexican street corn and pasta salad, lightened up with fresh herbs, tangy lime juice, and a creamy avocado dressing you’ll want to drizzle on everything.
Whether you’re heading to a picnic, prepping lunches, or just craving something bold and fresh, this salad is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Colorful, crave-worthy, and totally customizable — it’s pasta salad done right.