This Corn Pasta Salad is a colorful mix of sweet corn, crunchy bell peppers, and crispy bacon, all dressed in a creamy pesto sauce. It’s bright, tasty, and perfect for any get-together!
Whenever I make this salad, it disappears faster than I can serve it! I love how easy it is to throw together and how the flavors blend. Serve it cold for a refreshing treat on warm days!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I used orecchiette for its unique shape, but rotini is a great option too! Feel free to swap with other pasta types like penne or fusilli. Gluten-free pasta works well too if you’re looking for a healthier option.
Corn: Fresh corn adds a sweet crunch, but frozen corn is just as convenient and works great. You can even use canned corn, just make sure to drain it well before adding to the salad.
Bacon: I love the crispy flavor bacon brings, but turkey bacon or vegan bacon can be good alternatives if you’re aiming for a lighter dish or have dietary restrictions.
Red Bell Pepper: This adds a nice sweetness and color. If you prefer, any sweet pepper variety will do, like yellow or orange bell peppers. For a bit of spice, consider adding jalapeños in small amounts.
Fresh Basil: Basil is key for that lovely aroma and flavor. If you can’t find it, fresh spinach or arugula can be used instead for a different twist. Dried basil can work too, but use less since it’s more concentrated.
How Do I Cook Pasta Perfectly for a Salad?
Cooking pasta for a salad can be a bit tricky! The goal is to get it just right so it holds up well without becoming mushy. Here are some steps to nail it:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. This adds flavor to the pasta.
- Add the pasta and cook until al dente, usually a minute or two less than the package suggests.
- Once done, drain the pasta in a colander, then rinse it with cold water. This stops the cooking immediately and prevents it from sticking together.
- Let it cool in the colander, then transfer to your mixing bowl.
Trust me, this makes all the difference in keeping your salad fresh and enjoyable!
How to Make Corn Pasta Salad with Bacon, Bell Pepper, and Creamy Pesto Dressing
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta Salad:
- 8 oz pasta (e.g., orecchiette or rotini)
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 4 strips of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/2 cup creamy pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil (optional, for drizzling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This corn pasta salad takes about 20 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend a bit of time cooking the pasta and prepping the ingredients, and you can serve it right away or let it chill in the fridge for 30 minutes to really enhance the flavors!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. You want it to be al dente, which means it should still have a little bite to it. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop it from cooking any further. Set it aside in a large mixing bowl.
2. Prepare the Ingredients:
While the pasta is cooking, you can prepare the other ingredients. If you haven’t cooked the bacon yet, do that now until it’s nice and crispy, then crumble it into pieces. Dice the red bell pepper and chop the fresh basil. If you’re using frozen corn, you can quickly microwave it for a minute or two until it’s warmed through.
3. Mix Everything Together:
In the bowl with your cooled pasta, add the corn kernels, crumbled bacon, diced red bell pepper, and chopped basil. Pour in the creamy pesto sauce. Gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are well coated with the pesto sauce, making sure it looks colorful and tasty.
4. Season and Serve:
Now, it’s time to add some flavor! Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. If you want an extra touch of richness, feel free to drizzle on some olive oil. Toss again if you added the olive oil. Finally, garnish the salad with some extra fresh basil to make it look amazing!
5. Enjoy or Chill:
You can serve your corn pasta salad right away, or if you have time, let it chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This will help all the flavors meld together nicely. Enjoy your delicious and vibrant salad, perfect for any occasion!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While orecchiette and rotini are great choices, you can substitute with any pasta you like, such as penne, fusilli, or whole grain options. Just adjust the cooking time according to the type of pasta you choose.
Can I Substitute the Bacon with a Vegetarian Option?
Yes, you can easily make this salad vegetarian by omitting the bacon or substituting it with crispy tempeh or your favorite vegetarian bacon. Just pan-fry or bake the alternatives until crisp to achieve a similar texture.
How Should I Store Leftover Pasta Salad?
Store any leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To refresh the flavors, you can add a little more pesto or a drizzle of olive oil before serving again.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare the salad a few hours in advance. Just keep it covered in the fridge and add the fresh basil garnish just before serving to keep it vibrant and fresh.
