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Corn Pasta Salad

Delicious Corn Pasta Salad: A Summer Must-Try Refreshment

This Corn Pasta Salad is a quick, refreshing dish that's perfect for summer gatherings, combining vibrant flavors and textures in under 30 minutes.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 316

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 8 ounces Orecchiette pasta Ideal for holding dressing; swap with fusilli or farfalle if needed.
  • 1 cup Corn kernels Adds sweet crunch; use fresh, frozen, or canned based on what you have.
  • 1 medium Red bell pepper Brings color and crispness; other bell peppers or diced cucumbers work well too.
  • 4 slices Bacon Gives a smoky flavor; omit for vegetarian or use turkey bacon as a lighter option.
  • ¼ cup Cilantro Adds a fresh touch; swap with parsley or leave out if you prefer.
For the Dressing
  • ½ cup Basil pesto The star of the dressing; choose store-bought for convenience or homemade for freshness.
  • ½ cup Greek yogurt Offers creaminess with fewer calories; substitute sour cream or more mayo if you desire richness.
  • ¼ cup Mayonnaise Creates a rich base; light mayo keeps it healthier without sacrificing flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons Lime juice Brightens up the dish; lemon juice can be a great alternative.
Seasoning
  • to taste Salt Essential for enhancing flavors; adjust to your liking.
  • to taste Pepper Essential for enhancing flavors; adjust to your liking.

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Mixing bowl
  • whisk
  • spatula

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Corn Pasta Salad
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Add the orecchiette pasta and cook according to package instructions for about 10 minutes, or until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to halt the cooking process. Set it aside to cool while you prepare the dressing.
  2. In a medium bowl or a mason jar with a lid, combine the basil pesto, Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, and freshly squeezed lime juice. Whisk or shake vigorously until the mixture is smooth and well-blended. If the dressing appears too thick, adjust the consistency by adding a bit more yogurt or water until it's creamy yet pourable. Set this flavorful dressing aside for the moment.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, corn kernels, diced red bell pepper, and crispy bacon pieces. Gently fold these ingredients together using a spatula or large spoon, ensuring everything is evenly distributed.
  4. Pour the creamy pesto dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Using your spatula or spoon, carefully toss everything together until all components are well-coated in the luscious dressing.
  5. To finish, sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro on top of the salad for an added burst of flavor and aroma. Serve immediately or cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 316kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 8gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 250mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 100IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Store any leftover Corn Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. While it's best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the salad for up to 1 month, but the texture may change upon thawing.

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