This Corn Pasta Salad is a colorful mix of sweet corn, crunchy bell peppers, and crispy bacon, all wrapped in a creamy pesto dressing. It’s as tasty as it looks!
This salad always gets rave reviews at potlucks. I love how easy it is to whip up—perfect for sunny days or any gathering. Grab a bowl and dig in! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Orecchiette is fun and holds sauce well, but you can use whatever pasta you like—like rotini or penne. If you’re gluten-free, try using quinoa or chickpea pasta instead.
Bacon: While I love crispy bacon for flavor, turkey or vegan bacon can be good substitutes if you’re looking for a healthier option or need it to be meat-free.
Corn: Fresh corn is best for sweetness and crunch. However, frozen corn works just as well and is easy to find. If you can’t have corn, diced zucchini or peas can add a similar texture.
Bell Pepper: Red bell pepper is sweeter and colorful, but yellow or orange peppers are great swaps. If you want less crunch, sauté green bell peppers with the corn.
Basil: Fresh basil is a must for that fragrant flavor. Dried basil can be used in a pinch (about 1 teaspoon should suffice), but the taste won’t be as vibrant.
How Do I Ensure My Bacon Stays Crispy?
Crispy bacon adds a nice crunch to the salad, but cooking it perfectly can be tricky. Start by using a skillet that isn’t overcrowded. Cook the bacon slowly over medium heat for even rendering. Here’s how:
- Cook the bacon pieces in a single layer and let them sizzle without stirring too much.
- Once the edges are turning brown, flip them to crisp evenly.
- Transfer the bacon to paper towels right after cooking to absorb excess grease and keep it crispy.
- If you saved some bacon fat, you can drizzle a tiny bit over your salad for extra flavor!
How to Make Corn Pasta Salad With Bacon, Bell Pepper, And Creamy Pesto Dressing
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 12 ounces pasta (orecchiette or your preferred shape)
- 4 slices of bacon, diced
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/2 cup creamy pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Corn Pasta Salad will take about 20 minutes to prepare and cook. If you want to let the flavors come together, you might want to chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling a large pot of water. Add a pinch of salt, then throw in the pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, which means it should still be slightly firm. Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool. This will help stop the cooking process and keep it from getting mushy.
2. Cook the Bacon:
In a skillet over medium heat, add the diced bacon. Cook it until it’s crispy, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once it’s nice and crispy, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to soak up the extra grease. You can save a bit of the bacon fat in the skillet for added flavor if you’d like!
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet where you cooked the bacon, add the corn and diced red bell pepper. Sauté them for about 5 minutes until the corn turns golden and the bell pepper softens a bit. This adds a nice flavor to the salad!
4. Mix Everything Together:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sautéed corn, bell pepper, crispy bacon, and chopped basil. This is where all the fresh goodness comes together!
5. Add the Creamy Pesto Dressing:
Now, pour the creamy pesto over the pasta mixture and toss everything together gently until it’s all evenly coated. Taste your salad and season with salt and pepper to your liking. This step is important because it brings out all the flavors!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Corn Pasta Salad is ready! You can serve it immediately or, for even better flavor, pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. Before serving, feel free to sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on top for extra richness. Enjoy your refreshing and delicious salad!
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! While orecchiette works great, feel free to use any pasta shape you love, like fusilli, penne, or farfalle. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as it may vary with different types of pasta.
What Can I Substitute for Bacon?
If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, try using diced mushrooms sautéed in olive oil for a similar earthy flavor. You can also use turkey bacon or tempeh bacon for a lighter or vegan alternative.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep it fresh, consider adding a little extra pesto or a splash of olive oil when reheating to revive the creaminess.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! This salad is very versatile. Feel free to add zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or even some spinach for added nutrition and color. Just be sure to sauté any additional raw vegetables to maintain the right texture and flavor.
