Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad

Get ready for a super tasty pasta salad! It has soft pasta with a creamy cheese sauce. We added fresh stuff like herbs and corn, but you could add just about anything from your garden to make it your own! It’s a fun and yummy meal!We used our creamy Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese, but if you want an extra kick, try our spicy Jalapeno Cheddar!

For the Dressing

• 4 ounces room temperature cream cheese
• 1/3 cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1-2 grated garlic cloves
• 1 tablespoon fresh chives
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 3/4 cup crumbled cotija or feta cheese

For the Salad

• 1 pound of short pasta
• 1 head romaine lettuce
• 2 cups grilled or roasted corn
• 1/2 cup fresh basil
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro
• 1/2 cup Dan and Debbie’s Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese
• 1 avocado (optional)

For the Chili Butter (optional)

• 4 tablespoons Dan and Debbie’s salted butter
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1/2 to 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper

Lime Dressing

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise or yogurt
• 2 tablespoons lime juice

Instructions

• In a large salad bowl, combine room temperature cream cheese, sour cream, extra virgin olive oil, grated garlic, chopped fresh chives, salt, pepper, and crumbled cotija or feta cheese. Mix well.
• Cook short pasta until al dente. Drain immediately and toss the hot pasta with the prepared dressing in the salad bowl. Add shredded romaine lettuce, grilled or roasted corn, torn fresh basil, chopped fresh cilantro, diced cheddar cheese, and diced avocado (if using). Toss everything thoroughly to combine.
• If you are adding the chili butter, in a skillet over medium heat, melt salted butter until golden. Stir in smoked paprika, chili powder, cayenne pepper (adjust to preference), and a pinch of salt. Cook for one minute to allow spices to bloom, then remove from heat.
• In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise (or yogurt) with fresh lime juice and a pinch of salt until well combined.
• Serve the pasta salad warm or cold, as preferred. Drizzle with the Lime Mayo Dressing and top with a generous spoonful of the Chili Butter. For deeper flavors, let the salad sit for a bit before serving.