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Corn Pasta Salad with Bacon and Creamy Pesto Dressing

Delicious Corn Pasta Salad with Bacon & Creamy Pesto Dressing

This Corn Pasta Salad with Bacon and Creamy Pesto Dressing bursts with vibrant flavors and is perfect for summer gatherings.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: PASTA
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 2 cups Orecchiette Pasta Substitution: Can replace with fusilli or farfalle.
  • 2 ears Corn Kernels Use cooked corn, fresh or frozen.
  • 1 medium Red Bell Pepper Diced into small pieces for even mixing.
  • 4 slices Bacon Can substitute with turkey bacon or omit for vegetarian.
  • 0.5 cups Fresh Cilantro Optional, may substitute with parsley or basil.
For the Dressing
  • 0.5 cups Basil Pesto Can use store-bought or homemade pesto.
  • 0.25 cups Greek Yogurt Substitution: Use plain yogurt or sour cream.
  • 0.25 cups Mayonnaise Vegan mayo can be used for dairy-free option.
  • 2 tablespoons Lime Juice Freshly squeezed for best taste.

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Mason jar
  • mixing bowl

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orecchiette pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside to cool.
  2. In a mason jar, combine basil pesto, Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, and lime juice. Seal the jar and shake well until the mixture is creamy and smooth. Adjust consistency by adding more yogurt or lime juice as desired.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, toss together the cooled pasta, corn, diced red bell pepper, and crispy bacon. Gently mix until all ingredients are evenly combined.
  4. Spoon the pasta salad into serving bowls. Drizzle with the creamy pesto dressing and top with freshly chopped cilantro for a burst of flavor.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 33gProtein: 12gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 380mgPotassium: 350mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 75mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Substitute bacon with grilled chicken or chickpeas for a protein boost. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

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