Corn Pasta Salad with Bacon and Creamy Pesto Dressing

This Corn Pasta Salad with Bacon and Creamy Pesto Dressing is a delicious and satisfying dish that combines the sweetness of corn, the savory richness of bacon, and the fresh flavors of vegetables. The creamy pesto dressing adds a delightful herby and tangy element to the pasta, making it a perfect side dish for summer gatherings, barbecues, or even a quick weeknight meal. With its vibrant colors and combination of textures, this salad is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.

Ingredients

8 oz orecchiette pasta or other short pasta
1 cup corn kernels, cooked
1 red bell pepper, diced
6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, corn, red bell pepper, bacon, cherry tomatoes, red onion, basil, and Parmesan cheese.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the creamy pesto dressing ingredients.
4. Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss until everything is well coated.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Add grilled chicken: For a heartier meal, add grilled chicken breast or rotisserie chicken to the salad.
• Use different pasta shapes: While orecchiette is a great choice, you can substitute with other short pasta shapes like fusilli, penne, or farfalle.
• Make it vegetarian: Skip the bacon and add more vegetables like cucumber, zucchini, or avocado for a vegetarian version.
• Try a different cheese: If you’re not a fan of Parmesan, you can use feta cheese, goat cheese, or mozzarella for a different flavor.
• Add nuts: For extra crunch, try adding toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts to the salad.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad tastes best when fresh, but the flavors continue to meld together as it sits.
• Reheating: This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If you prefer to serve it warm, you can microwave it for a few seconds, though the texture of the pasta may change.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh?
   Yes, you can use frozen corn kernels. Just cook them according to package instructions and allow them to cool before adding to the salad.
2. Can I use a different type of pasta?
   Yes, you can substitute any short pasta shape such as fusilli, penne, or farfalle if you don’t have orecchiette on hand.
3. Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
   Yes, this pasta salad is perfect for meal prep. It can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
4. What can I use if I don’t have pesto?
   If you don’t have pesto, you can make a simple creamy dressing with mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic, lemon juice, and herbs like basil and parsley.
5. Is this recipe gluten-free?
   No, this recipe contains regular pasta, which is made from wheat. However, you can substitute gluten-free pasta to make it gluten-free.
6. Can I add more vegetables?
   Yes, feel free to add other vegetables like cucumber, olives, or spinach for added flavor and color.
7. How do I make the dressing spicier?
   To add some heat, try mixing in a bit of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the creamy pesto dressing.
8. Can I make this recipe without bacon?
   Yes, you can skip the bacon for a vegetarian version of this pasta salad or substitute it with crispy chickpeas or roasted nuts for added crunch.
9. Can I use a store-bought pesto for the dressing?
   Absolutely! Using store-bought pesto will save you time and still give the salad a rich, herby flavor.
10. Can I serve this pasta salad warm?
    While this salad is typically served cold, you can warm it slightly if you prefer, though the texture may differ from when served cold.

Conclusion

Corn Pasta Salad with Bacon and Creamy Pesto Dressing is a vibrant, flavorful dish that can be enjoyed year-round. Whether served at a summer barbecue or as a quick weeknight dinner, this salad is versatile, easy to prepare, and perfect for feeding a crowd. With its balance of textures and flavors, it’s sure to become a go-to recipe in your rotation.

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