Description
This Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad is a vibrant medley of sweet corn, tender pasta, and a luscious creamy dressing that dances on your palate. Each bite offers a delightful crunch from fresh vegetables, complemented by the smoky undertones of grilled corn, making it a perfect summer dish.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 8 oz elbow macaroni, cooked al dente
- Corn: 2 cups fresh corn kernels (or 1 can, drained)
- Vegetables: 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1/2 red onion, finely chopped; 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- Dressing: 1 cup mayonnaise; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1 tablespoon lime juice; 1 teaspoon chili powder; salt and pepper to taste
- Garnish: 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
Instructions
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- While the pasta cooks, grill the corn on medium-high heat for about 5-7 minutes until charred, turning occasionally. Let it cool, then cut the kernels off the cob.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, grilled corn, diced red bell pepper, chopped red onion, and halved cherry tomatoes.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to combine, ensuring everything is well coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Before serving, stir in the chopped cilantro and sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese if desired.
Notes
- This salad can be made a day in advance; just keep it covered in the refrigerator.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream.
- Feel free to add diced avocado or black beans for extra texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: salad
- Method: boiling and grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5 grams
- Sodium: 450 milligrams
- Fat: 20 grams
- Saturated Fat: 3 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 35 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Protein: 8 grams
- Cholesterol: 15 milligrams
Keywords: Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad, summer salad, pasta salad, corn salad, creamy dressing, grilled corn, vegetarian salad, easy pasta recipes, side dish, potluck recipes, fresh ingredients, summer recipes, quick meals