Ingredients
- 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, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3/4 cup crumbled cotija or feta cheese
- 1 pound of short pasta
- 1 head romaine lettuce, shredded
- 2 cups grilled or roasted corn (from 3–4 fresh ears)
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, torn
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup spicy cheddar cheese, diced
- 1 avocado, diced
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1/2 to 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper, adjust to preference
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise or yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
Dressing:
Salad:
Chili Butter:
Lime Mayo Dressing:
Instructions
- Make the Dressing
In a large salad bowl, combine all the ingredients for the dressing. Season to taste with salt and pepper. This will be the base that flavors the entire salad.
- Cook the Pasta and Combine Ingredients
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente, following package directions. Toss cooked pasta with dressing in the salad bowl. Add lettuce, corn, cheddar, basil, cilantro, and avocado. Toss to coat.
- Prepare the Chili Butter
Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat until golden. Stir in chili powder, paprika, cayenne, and salt. Cook for a minute, then remove from heat.
- Make the Lime Mayo Dressing
Mix mayonnaise or yogurt with lime juice and salt in a bowl.
- Serve and Enjoy
Serve warm or cold. Top with lime mayo and chili butter. Let sit for enhanced flavors.
Notes
- This salad can be customized with additional veggies or proteins.
- Adjust spice levels to suit your taste preferences.
- For a vegetarian option, omit the cotija cheese or substitute with a plant-based alternative.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad, Main Dish
- Method: Mixing, Boiling, Grilling, Tossing
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 40mg