Zesty Chicken and Corn Pasta Salad with Bacon: A Perfect Blend of Flavors
A flavorful pasta salad featuring seasoned chicken,sweet corn, crispy bacon, and a creamy pesto dressing, perfect for lunch,dinner, or picnics.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 35 minutes mins
Course Main Course, Salad
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz orecchiette pasta or any short pasta of your choice
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb skinless boneless chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Salad Dressing:
- ⅓ cup of basil pesto either pre-made or homemade.
- 3 tablespoons Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
For the Salad:
- 1 cup corn kernels cooked
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 6 strips bacon cooked and sliced
- Fresh basil chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the orecchiette pasta according to the package instructions.
Cook the chicken: Season the chicken thighs with Italian seasoning, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Remove from the pan and allow to rest for a few minutes before slicing into bite-sized pieces.
Make the dressing: In a mixing bowl, combine the basil pesto, Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, and freshly squeezed lime juice, whisking until smooth. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Assemble the salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sliced chicken, corn kernels, diced red bell pepper, and cooked bacon. Pour the pesto dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
Garnish and serve: Sprinkle fresh chopped basil over the top for extra flavor and garnish. You can serve it right away or let it chill in the refrigerator for a few hours to enhance the flavors.
Keyword Chicken pasta salad