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Corn Pasta Salad with Bacon

Corn Pasta Salad with Bacon: A Creamy Summer Delight

This Corn Pasta Salad with Bacon offers a delightful burst of sweetness from the corn, balanced by savory bacon, all wrapped in creamy basil pesto dressing.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Orecchiette pasta Can swap for fusilli or farfalle.
For the Salad
  • 1 cup Corn kernels Use fresh or frozen.
  • 1 Red bell pepper Can be replaced with other bell peppers or vegetables.
  • 6 slices Bacon Turkey bacon works well too.
  • 1/4 cup Fresh cilantro Can substitute with parsley or omit.
For the Dressing
  • 1/2 cup Basil pesto Store-bought or homemade.
  • 1/4 cup Greek yogurt Can swap with sour cream or plant-based yogurt.
  • 2 tbsp Mayonnaise Can replace with additional Greek yogurt.
  • 2 tbsp Lime juice Lemon juice can serve as an alternative.

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • medium jar
  • Large mixing bowl
  • whisk

Method
 

How to Make Corn Pasta Salad with Bacon
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orecchiette pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually 10-12 minutes, until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool.
  2. In a medium jar, combine basil pesto, Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, and lime juice. Whisk together until smooth, adjusting the consistency with more yogurt or lime juice if needed.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, corn kernels, diced red bell pepper, and crispy bacon. Toss everything together gently to blend the flavors.
  4. Portion the salad into bowls, generously drizzle with the creamy dressing, and finish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 12gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 350mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 60mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 2mg

Notes

This salad can be customized with different vegetables, herbs, or dressings to suit your taste. For an extra layer of flavor, consider roasting the corn and red bell pepper briefly before adding them to the salad.

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