Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad (Printable Version)

# What You’ll Need:

→ For the dressing

01 - 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
02 - 1/3 cup sour cream
03 - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
04 - 1-2 garlic cloves, grated
05 - 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
06 - Salt and pepper, to taste
07 - 3/4 cup cotija or feta cheese, crumbled

→ For the salad

08 - 1 pound short pasta
09 - 1 head romaine lettuce, shredded
10 - 2 cups grilled or roasted corn, from 3-4 fresh ears
11 - 1/2 cup fresh basil, torn
12 - 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
13 - 1/2 cup spicy cheddar cheese, diced
14 - 1 avocado, diced

→ For the chili butter

15 - 4 tablespoons salted butter
16 - 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
17 - 2 tablespoons chili powder
18 - 1/2 to 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper, adjust to preference

→ For the lime mayo dressing

19 - 1/4 cup mayonnaise or yogurt
20 - 2 tablespoons lime juice

# Steps to Follow:

01 - In a large salad bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, extra virgin olive oil, grated garlic, chopped chives, salt, pepper, and crumbled cotija or feta cheese. Mix well.
02 - Cook short pasta until al dente. Drain and toss the hot pasta with the prepared dressing in the salad bowl. Add shredded romaine lettuce, grilled or roasted corn, torn basil, chopped cilantro, diced spicy cheddar cheese, and diced avocado. Combine thoroughly.
03 - In a skillet over medium heat, melt salted butter until golden. Stir in smoked paprika, chili powder, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt. Cook for one minute to bloom the spices, then remove from heat.
04 - In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise or yogurt with fresh lime juice and a pinch of salt until smooth.
05 - Serve the pasta salad warm or chilled, as preferred. Drizzle with the lime mayo dressing and top with a generous spoonful of chili butter. For enhanced flavors, let the salad rest before serving.

# Additional Notes:

01 - Allow the chili butter to cool slightly before adding to prevent wilting the salad ingredients.
02 - For a spicier kick, increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the chili butter.

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