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Healthy Street Corn Pasta Salad

Healthy Street Corn Pasta Salad with Creamy Chili Dressing

This Healthy Street Corn Pasta Salad combines fresh ingredients and creamy dressing for a delightful summer dish that impresses at gatherings.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 473
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Dressing
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
  • 1/3 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1-2 cloves garlic, grated
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
  • kosher salt and black pepper to taste
Salad
  • 3/4 cup crumbled cotija or feta cheese
  • 1 pound short cut pasta
  • 1 head romaine lettuce, shredded
  • 2 cups grilled or roasted corn (about 3-4 raw ears)
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1/2 cup spicy cheddar cheese, cubed
  • 1 avocado, chopped
  • 4 tablespoons salted butter
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1/2-2 teaspoons cayenne pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup mayo or yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice

Equipment

  • large salad bowl
  • pot
  • skillet

Method
 

Preparation
  1. To make the dressing, combine all dressing ingredients in a large salad bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
  2. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Boil the pasta to al dente, according to package directions. Drain and immediately toss with the dressing. Add the lettuce, corn, cheddar, basil, cilantro, and avocado. Toss to combine.
  3. In a skillet, melt the butter until golden. Mix in the chili powder, paprika, cayenne, and a pinch of salt. Cook another minute, then remove from the heat.
  4. Mix the mayo or yogurt with lime juice and a pinch of salt.
  5. Serve the pasta warm or cold, topped with lime mayo and chili butter. The salad will develop more flavor as it sits.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 473kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 14gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 640mgPotassium: 420mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 20IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 10mg

Notes

This salad is versatile; feel free to swap ingredients based on your preference. Adding cherry tomatoes or jalape?os can enhance the flavor.

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