Description
Corn Pasta Salad Bacon is a creamy, smoky, and vibrant pasta salad loaded with sweet corn, crispy bacon, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy pesto-lime dressing. Perfect for potlucks, BBQs, or easy make-ahead lunches.
Ingredients
Scale
Corn Pasta Salad
- 8 oz orecchiette pasta (or other short pasta)
- 1 cup cooked corn kernels
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and sliced
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional but recommended)
- Fresh cilantro or basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Creamy Pesto Dressing
- ⅓ cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 3 tablespoons Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and let cool slightly. - Prepare the Dressing:
In a mason jar or small bowl, whisk together basil pesto, Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, and lime juice until smooth. If needed, thin with a small splash of water, extra yogurt, or more lime juice. - Assemble the Salad:
In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, corn, diced red bell pepper, bacon, and cherry tomatoes. Season lightly with salt and pepper. - Add Dressing:
Pour dressing over the salad and toss until evenly coated. - Finish & Serve:
Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or basil. Serve immediately or chill for 30–60 minutes for best flavor.
Notes
- Let pasta cool slightly before adding dressing to prevent it from absorbing too much sauce.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refresh leftovers with a splash of lime juice or a spoonful of Greek yogurt before serving.
- Add grilled chicken to make it a complete meal.
- Swap cilantro for basil or parsley if preferred.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
- Method: Boiling, Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg