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Corn Pasta Salad

Delicious Corn Pasta Salad with Creamy Pesto Dressing

This Corn Pasta Salad celebrates summer with vibrant flavors, crispy bacon, and creamy pesto dressing—perfect for any gathering.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Cooling Time 5 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 8 ounces Orecchiette Pasta or short pasta like fusilli or farfalle
  • 1 cup Corn Kernels fresh or cooked corn, about 2 ears equal 1 cup
  • 1 Red Bell Pepper any color can be swapped in
  • 4 slices Bacon omit for a vegetarian version or use turkey bacon
  • to taste Fresh Cilantro can be substituted with parsley or omitted
For the Dressing
  • cup Basil Pesto store-bought or homemade, vegan option available
  • 3 tablespoons Greek Yogurt substitute with sour cream or dairy-free yogurt for vegan
  • 2 tablespoons Mayonnaise use vegan mayo or omit for a lighter salad
  • 2 tablespoons Lime Juice freshly squeezed is ideal
  • to taste Salt and Pepper essential for seasoning

Equipment

  • Pot
  • colander
  • Mixing bowl
  • Mason Jar or Bowl for Dressing
  • spatula
  • Tongs or Large Spoon

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large pot, bring water to a rolling boil. Add the orecchiette pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water; set aside to cool.
  2. In a mason jar or bowl, whisk together the basil pesto, Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, and lime juice until smooth. Adjust consistency with water if needed.
  3. In the bowl with cooled pasta, add corn, diced bell pepper, and crispy bacon. Gently mix with a spatula.
  4. Pour the creamy pesto dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently until evenly coated.
  5. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro before serving. Enjoy immediately or chill for about 15 minutes to meld flavors.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 12gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For best flavor, use fresh corn in season. Adjust dressing consistency with yogurt or water as needed.

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