Print

Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe Easy Zesty Lime Crema Twist

creamy street corn pasta salad - featured image
Print Recipe

A creamy, tangy, and smoky pasta salad featuring charred fresh corn, zesty lime crema, and a mix of fresh veggies and cheese. Perfect for quick weeknight meals, potlucks, or BBQs.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces rotini or fusilli pasta
  • 3 cups fresh corn kernels (about 4 ears), charred or sautéed
  • 1/2 cup finely diced red bell pepper
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
  • 1/2 cup crumbled cotija or feta cheese
  • 1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for tangier crema)
  • Juice of 1 large lime (about 2 tablespoons)
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 jalapeño, finely diced (seeds removed for less heat)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for sautéing
  • Optional add-ins: diced avocado or black beans

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions (8-10 minutes) until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Set aside.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add 3 cups fresh corn kernels and sauté for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until corn is lightly charred and fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  3. In the same pan, add diced red bell pepper and finely diced jalapeño. Cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened but still crisp. Remove from heat.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream, lime juice, minced garlic, chili powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Adjust lime and seasoning as preferred.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, charred corn, sautéed veggies, and crumbled cotija cheese. Add chopped cilantro if using. Pour lime crema over the mixture and gently toss until evenly coated.
  6. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or lime juice as needed. Sprinkle smoked paprika on top and toss lightly for extra smoky flavor.
  7. Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.

Notes

Char the corn well for a smoky flavor. Rinse pasta after cooking to prevent clumping. Adjust lime juice and jalapeño seeds to control tanginess and heat. Lime crema can be made ahead and stored refrigerated. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta; for dairy-free, substitute sour cream with coconut yogurt or cashew cream.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, street corn, lime crema, creamy pasta salad, summer salad, potluck recipe, BBQ side dish, vegetarian pasta salad

Find it online: https://atomicbite.com/creamy-street-corn-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-zesty-lime-crema-twist/