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Summer Potluck Ideas — Bring This and Watch It Disappear - Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 12 ounces short pasta (elbow macaroni, rotini, or shells)
  • 4 cups corn kernels (about 5 ears fresh, or frozen/thawed)
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced small
  • 1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro (or parsley if you prefer)
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional for heat)
  • 1 cup crumbled cotija or feta
  • 1 ripe avocado, diced (optional, add before serving)
  • 2/3 cup mayo
  • 1/3 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely grated or minced
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Zest and juice of 2 limes
  • 1–2 teaspoons honey or agave (optional, to balance)
  • Kosher salt and black pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Cook the pasta in well-salted water until just al dente. Drain and rinse under cool water to stop the cooking. Shake off excess water.
  2. Char the corn for extra flavor. Heat a large skillet over medium-high with a splash of oil. Add corn and cook 4–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until some kernels are golden and lightly charred. If using fresh ears, you can grill them, then shave off the kernels.
  3. Whisk the dressing. In a large bowl, combine mayo, sour cream or yogurt, olive oil, garlic, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, lime zest and juice, and honey if using. Season generously with salt and pepper.
  4. Add the pasta, warm corn, bell pepper, red onion, jalapeño, and most of the cilantro to the bowl. Toss until everything is coated and glossy.
  5. Fold in the cotija or feta. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or lime as needed. If the dressing seems thick, splash in a tablespoon of water or more lime juice.
  6. Chill at least 30 minutes. Just before serving, gently fold in the avocado and top with the remaining cilantro. Sprinkle a little extra chili powder on top if you like.