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Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad with Zesty Chipotle Lime Dressing

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A smoky, tangy, and creamy pasta salad featuring charred street-style corn and a zesty chipotle lime dressing, perfect for summer BBQs and casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz rotini or shell pasta
  • 3 cups fresh street-style corn kernels (about 4 ears), grilled or pan-charred
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) sour cream
  • 1–2 chipotle peppers in adobo, finely chopped
  • Juice of 2 fresh limes (about 3 tablespoons)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1/2 cup crumbled cotija or feta cheese
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz rotini or shell pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Set aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add 3 cups fresh corn kernels and cook, stirring occasionally, until corn is charred in spots, about 6-8 minutes.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chopped chipotle peppers, minced garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, and salt. Whisk until smooth. Adjust lime or chipotle levels to taste.
  4. Add cooled pasta and charred corn to the bowl with dressing. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat evenly.
  5. Fold in chopped cilantro and crumbled cotija or feta cheese. Toss gently again.
  6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld. For best flavor, chill for a couple of hours before serving.

Notes

Char the corn well to get authentic smoky flavor. Do not overcook pasta; al dente is best. Adjust chipotle peppers for desired heat. Use fresh lime juice for brightness. Salad tastes better after chilling. If dressing thickens after refrigeration, stir in a splash of olive oil or lime juice before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, street corn, chipotle lime dressing, summer recipe, BBQ side dish, creamy pasta salad, smoky pasta salad

Find it online: https://tastytuck.com/creamy-street-corn-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-zesty-chipotle-lime-dressing/