This Corn Pasta Salad is a delightful mix of sweet corn, crunchy bell pepper, and crispy bacon, all tossed together in a creamy pesto dressing. It’s colorful and full of flavor!
This salad is perfect for a picnic or a quick lunch. I love how the creamy dressing clings to the pasta, making every bite tasty. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up—just mix and enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Orecchiette is perfect for this salad as it holds the dressing well. You can substitute with any pasta you like, such as fusilli or rotini. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta are great options too, depending on your dietary needs.
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds a nice crunch. If you prefer a vegetarian option, you could use smoked tempeh or crispy chickpeas for a similar texture and flavor.
Corn: Fresh corn is fantastic for sweetness and texture, but canned or frozen corn works too. If you’re using frozen, just thaw it first. For a twist, try adding roasted corn for a smoky flavor.
Pesto: Store-bought pesto is convenient, but homemade is always better if you have the time! A spinach or arugula pesto can also add unique flavors. Nut allergies? Use sunflower seed pesto instead.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter option, use Greek yogurt or a vegan alternative like coconut cream. It’ll still give a creamy texture to the dressing.
How Do You Make Creamy Pesto Dressing?
A creamy pesto dressing is simple and adds a wonderful flavor to your salad. Here’s how to whip it up in just a few steps:
- In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup of pesto with 1/4 cup of heavy cream.
- Add 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and mix until smooth.
- Don’t forget to season the dressing with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.
Feel free to adjust the creaminess by adding more cream or pesto to your liking! A personal tip: I like to add a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright finish to the dressing.
How to Make Corn Pasta Salad With Bacon, Bell Pepper, And Creamy Pesto Dressing
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta Salad:
- 8 oz pasta (orecchiette or any preferred shape)
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup corn (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/2 cup pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for drizzling (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful pasta salad takes about 15 minutes of preparation time and an extra 30 minutes to chill in the refrigerator. In total, plan for about 45 minutes to get this tasty dish ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down. Set it aside for later.
2. Prepare the Bacon:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon slices until they become crispy. Once cooked, take them out and place them on a paper towel to drain excess grease. When they’re cool enough, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
3. Sauté Corn and Bell Pepper:
In the same skillet, add the corn and diced red bell pepper. Sauté these for about 5 minutes, just until they’re tender but still vibrant. Remove the skillet from the heat and set this mixture aside.
4. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the pesto, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese until everything is well mixed. Don’t forget to add a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance the flavor!
5. Combine Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, bring together the cooked pasta, sautéed corn, bell pepper, crumbled bacon, and chopped basil. Now, pour the creamy pesto dressing over the top and gently toss everything together until well combined.
6. Chill and Serve:
Cover the bowl and let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This will allow all those wonderful flavors to meld together. Just before serving, drizzle a little olive oil on top and taste to see if you need any additional seasoning. Enjoy your refreshing Corn Pasta Salad!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as fusilli, penne, or even gluten-free options. Just make sure to cook it until al dente for the best texture in your pasta salad.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Basil?
No problem! You can substitute fresh basil with dried basil, but use only about 1 tablespoon since dried herbs are more potent. Alternatively, you could use spinach or arugula for a different flavor profile!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop as it sits. Just give it a good toss before serving to redistribute the dressing and ingredients.
Can I Make This Pasta Salad Vegetarian?
Definitely! To make it vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and consider adding some grilled vegetables or chickpeas for added protein and texture. You can also sprinkle some extra cheese on top for richness!
