This Corn Pasta Salad combines savory bacon with sweet corn and a creamy pesto dressing for a delightful blend of flavors and textures. It’s perfect for summer picnics, potlucks, or as a refreshing meal on its own.
Ingredients:
For the Corn Pasta Salad:
- 8 oz orecchiette pasta (or other short pasta)
- 1 cup corn kernels, cooked (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Salad Dressing:
- 1/3 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 3 tablespoons Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons lime juice, freshly squeezed
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the orecchiette pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Set aside.
- Prepare the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, combine the basil pesto, Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, and lime juice. Whisk together until smooth and creamy. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Mix the Salad:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cooked corn kernels, diced red bell pepper, and crumbled bacon.
- Pour the creamy pesto dressing over the pasta mixture. Toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly with the dressing.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the top of the salad. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss everything together one more time to distribute the seasonings and cilantro.
- Chill (Optional):
- For best flavor, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Presentation:
- Serve the salad in a large bowl or on individual plates. You can garnish with additional cilantro or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips:
- Pasta Choice: While orecchiette is recommended due to its shape that holds the dressing well, other pasta shapes like farfalle, fusilli, or penne can also be used.
- Bacon Alternative: For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon or use a plant-based bacon substitute.
- Additional Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like chopped spinach, sliced cherry tomatoes, or diced cucumber for more color and texture.
Conclusion:
This Corn Pasta Salad with Bacon and Creamy Pesto Dressing is a versatile and flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a side dish for a barbecue, or a substantial salad for dinner, this recipe ticks all the boxes. Enjoy the delightful combination of creamy, crispy, and refreshing flavors in every bite!