This Easy Corn Pasta Salad is a fun and tasty dish that brings together sweet corn, crispy bacon, and creamy pesto sauce. It’s colorful and perfect for warm days!
You won’t believe how quick this salad is to whip up. I love making it for picnics or potlucks—it’s always a hit! Plus, who can resist that crispy bacon? Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Orecchiette adds a nice bite and holds onto the pesto well. You can use any small pasta shape, like rotini or farfalle, if you prefer.
Corn: Fresh corn is the star here. If it’s not in season, frozen corn works just as well—just thaw it before using. Canned corn can also work in a pinch, but rinsing it well can help cut down the extra salt.
Bacon: The crispy bacon adds a savory crunch. For a lighter option, turkey bacon is a good substitute. You can also omit bacon entirely for a vegetarian salad and add roasted chickpeas for a different texture!
Pesto: Homemade pesto is fantastic, but store-bought works great for convenience. If you’re dairy-free, try a vegan pesto made with nutritional yeast instead of cheese.
Parmesan: This cheese brings a savory flavor, but if you want a non-dairy option, nutritional yeast is a good alternative that adds umami flavor.
How Do I Make Sure My Pesto is Creamy?
Getting that silky smooth texture in your pesto can be tricky. Here’s how to achieve it:
- Use a good blender or food processor. It should have the power to break down the nuts and basil finely.
- Add olive oil gradually while blending. Start with a smaller amount and increase as needed to get the right consistency.
- If your pesto is thick, don’t hesitate to add a little water or more oil to reach the desired creaminess.
Remember, adjusting to taste is key—everyone has a different preference for how creamy they like their pesto!
How Can I Cook Bacon to Get it Crispy?
Crispy bacon adds so much flavor and texture! Here’s how to get perfect bacon every time:
- Start with a cold skillet. Lay the bacon strips flat without overlapping.
- Cook over medium heat, allowing the fat to render slowly. This prevents burning and helps achieve that crunch.
- Let it cook for about 7-10 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown. Drain it on paper towels to keep it crisp.
By controlling the heat, you can avoid soggy bacon and end up with delicious crispy bits that enhance your salad!
Easy Corn Pasta Salad with Bacon and Creamy Pesto
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 cups orecchiette pasta (or any small pasta shape)
- 2 ears fresh corn, husked and kernels removed (or 1½ cups fresh/frozen corn kernels)
- 6 slices bacon
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, plus extra for garnish
- ¼ cup pine nuts (lightly toasted)
- 1 cup fresh spinach or arugula leaves, roughly chopped
For the Creamy Pesto:
- 1 clove garlic
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ⅓ cup olive oil, plus extra if needed
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: juice of ½ lemon or 1 tbsp lemon juice (for brightness)
Time Estimate:
This delicious pasta salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare and an additional 10-15 minutes for cooking, making the total time around 30 minutes. Perfect for a quick meal or tasty side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orecchiette pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente—this usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool, then set aside in a large mixing bowl.
2. Prepare the Corn:
While the pasta is cooking, you can prepare the corn. Bring another pot of water to a boil and add the corn ears. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the kernels are tender. Carefully remove the corn from the water, let it cool slightly, and then cut the kernels off the cob. If using fresh or frozen corn, you can sauté it lightly or blanch briefly in boiling water for a few minutes.
3. Cook the Bacon:
Next, heat a skillet over medium heat and add the bacon slices. Cook until the bacon is crispy, usually around 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through. Once crispy, remove the bacon from the skillet and let it drain on paper towels. Once it’s cooled, chop the bacon into bite-sized pieces.
4. Make the Creamy Pesto:
In a food processor or blender, place the basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. If it feels too thick, add a bit more olive oil or a splash of water to reach your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and if you’d like, add some lemon juice for an extra kick of freshness!
5. Combine the Salad:
In the bowl with the cooked pasta, add the corn kernels, diced red bell pepper, chopped bacon, and chopped spinach or arugula. Pour the creamy pesto over the top and gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are well-coated in the pesto.
6. Season and Garnish:
Take a moment to taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with extra salt and black pepper if needed. For a pop of color and flavor, garnish the salad with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.
7. Serve:
Your Easy Corn Pasta Salad with Bacon and Creamy Pesto is ready to enjoy! You can serve it immediately or let it chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to meld the flavors. This salad is not only quick and easy but also bursting with flavor!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While orecchiette is fantastic due to its shape, any small pasta like rotini, fusilli, or farfalle will work well. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose.
Can I Make This Salad Vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this salad vegetarian by omitting the bacon. You might want to add extra vegetables for flavor and texture, such as roasted chickpeas or additional diced bell pepper. You could also add smoked paprika for a similar smoky flavor!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even tastier the next day! Just give it a good stir before serving.
Can I Prepare This Salad in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the salad a few hours ahead or even the day before. Just keep in mind that if you use delicate greens like spinach, you might want to add them closer to serving time to keep them fresh and vibrant.
