This Corn Pasta Salad with Bacon and Creamy Pesto Dressing is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds. Featuring tender orecchiette pasta tossed with sweet corn, crunchy red bell pepper, savory bacon, and a luscious creamy pesto dressing, this dish is a refreshing twist on traditional pasta salads. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a satisfying side dish, this recipe promises to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
Every summer, our family eagerly anticipates the arrival of corn season. It’s a time when we indulge in all sorts of corn-centric dishes, but one recipe stands out among the rest: our beloved Corn Pasta Salad with Bacon and Creamy Pesto Dressing. It all started with a craving for something fresh and flavorful on a hot summer day. As I whipped up this salad for the first time, the aroma of bacon sizzling in the pan mingled with the fragrant basil pesto, creating an irresistible scent that filled our kitchen. When I tossed together the cooked pasta, sweet corn, crunchy bell pepper, and crispy bacon, I knew we were in for a treat. As we sat down to enjoy our meal, each forkful delivered a burst of flavors that left us craving more. Since then, this recipe has become a staple in our household, cherished not only for its delicious taste but also for the memories we’ve created around the dinner table.
Why This Salad Will Win Your Heart:
Why This Corn Pasta Salad Will Be Your New Favorite Side Dish
- Flavorful Combination: This salad combines the sweetness of corn, the smokiness of bacon, the crunchiness of bell pepper, and the creaminess of pesto dressing, resulting in a harmonious blend of flavors.
- Versatile Dressing: The creamy pesto dressing, made with Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, and lime juice, adds a refreshing tanginess to the salad and can be easily adjusted to your taste preferences.
- Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this salad can be whipped up in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Customizable: Feel free to customize this salad by adding your favorite ingredients such as cherry tomatoes, avocado, or grilled chicken for a personalized twist.
Ingredients:
- 227g (8 oz) orecchiette pasta or other short pasta
- 1 cup cooked corn kernels
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and sliced
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Salad Dressing:
- 80g (⅓ cup) basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 3 tablespoons Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons lime juice, freshly squeezed
Instructions: Cook Pasta:
- Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions. Drain.
- While the pasta is cooking, proceed with the rest of the recipe.
Prepare Salad Dressing:
- In a mason jar, whisk together basil pesto, Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, and freshly squeezed lime juice.
- Adjust the consistency of the dressing by adding more Greek yogurt, water, or lime juice if needed.
Assembly:
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked and drained pasta, cooked corn kernels, diced bell pepper, and chopped cooked bacon. Mix well.
- Distribute the salad into individual serving bowls.
- Top each serving with the prepared salad dressing.
- Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro on top for an extra burst of flavor.
Notes:
- You can customize this salad by adding your favorite ingredients such as cherry tomatoes, avocado, or grilled chicken.
- Adjust the consistency of the dressing to your preference by adding more Greek yogurt, water, or lime juice.
- This salad can be served immediately or chilled in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
