This corn pasta salad is a yummy mix of sweet corn, crispy bacon, colorful bell peppers, and a creamy pesto dressing that ties everything together. It’s perfect for picnics or a tasty side dish!
I love how the salty bacon plays with the fresh veggies. Every bite is a little burst of flavor. Plus, it’s super easy to make—just mix everything and chill. Who doesn’t love that? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Orecchiette is great for holding the dressing, but you can use any pasta you like. Penne or rotini work well too! Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta are good options if you’re looking for healthier alternatives.
Bacon: I love the crunch and smoky flavor bacon brings, but you can substitute it with turkey bacon or even crispy tempeh for a vegetarian option. Just make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly.
Corn: Fresh corn is sweet and delicious, but frozen corn is an easy substitute and just as tasty. If you prefer, you could use canned corn as well—just drain and rinse it before adding.
Bell Pepper: Red bell pepper adds a nice sweetness, but feel free to use green or yellow bell peppers, or even diced cherry tomatoes for a burst of color and flavor.
Fresh Basil: Fresh basil gives an amazing aroma and flavor. If you can’t find fresh, you can use a teaspoon of dried basil, but fresh is definitely preferred.
How Do I Cook the Bacon Perfectly?
Cooking bacon might seem straightforward, but there are a few tips to make it perfectly crispy. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with a cold skillet. Lay the bacon strips in without preheating; this helps render the fat.
- Cook over medium heat. This allows the bacon to cook more evenly and crisp up without burning.
- Flip occasionally for even cooking. Keep an eye on it and adjust heat if necessary.
Once it’s crispy, transfer it to a paper towel to absorb excess grease. Enjoy that delicious crunch!
How to Make Corn Pasta Salad with Bacon, Bell Pepper, and Creamy Pesto Dressing
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz pasta (orecchiette or your choice)
- 4 strips bacon, diced
- 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup creamy pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and cook. If you decide to chill the salad for 30 minutes before serving, the total time is about 50 minutes, which is great for enhancing the flavors!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. After it’s done, drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the other ingredients.
2. Cook the Bacon:
Next, grab a large skillet and heat it over medium heat. Add the diced bacon and cook it until it’s crispy. This should take about 5-7 minutes. When the bacon is done, carefully remove it from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess fat.
3. Sauté the Veggies:
In the same skillet (with the yummy bacon grease), add the corn and diced red bell pepper. Sauté these for about 5-7 minutes until the bell pepper becomes tender and the corn is heated through. This will add lots of flavor to your salad!
4. Mix Everything Together:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sautéed corn, bell pepper, crispy bacon, and fresh basil leaves. Toss everything together gently to mix the ingredients evenly.
5. Add the Dressing:
Now, pour in the creamy pesto dressing and stir well to coat all the pasta and veggies. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste! Give it a final gentle toss.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
You can serve the salad immediately, which is delicious warm, or let it chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes if you prefer it cool. If you like, garnish with toasted pine nuts before serving for an extra crunch. Enjoy your tasty corn pasta salad!
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! While orecchiette works great, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as rotini, penne, or farfalle. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the pasta you select.
What Can I Substitute for Bacon?
If you want a vegetarian option, you can replace bacon with sautéed mushrooms or use crispy tempeh for a similar texture. For a smoky flavor without meat, try adding smoked paprika to your sautéed veggies!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld nicely as it sits! Just give it a good stir before serving and consider adding a little extra pesto if it seems dry.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad up to a day in advance! Just leave out the pine nuts until you’re ready to serve to keep them crunchy. Combine everything and chill for the best flavors.
