If you are searching for a vibrant, flavorful dish that brings joy to every bite, look no further than this incredible Corn Pasta Salad with Bacon and Creamy Pesto Dressing Recipe. This salad combines sweet corn pasta, crispy bacon, crunchy red bell pepper, and a luscious, herb-packed creamy pesto dressing that ties everything together beautifully. It’s the perfect harmony of textures and tastes, making it an irresistible side or a light main course that’s both satisfying and fresh every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this dish are refreshingly simple yet each one plays a crucial role in crafting the perfect balance of flavors, colors, and textures. From the tender corn pasta to the crispy bacon and vibrant vegetables, every component adds a unique touch that makes this salad special.
- Corn pasta: A naturally gluten-free pasta option that adds a subtle sweetness and a chewy bite.
- Bacon slices: Crispy bacon brings a smoky, savory crunch that lusciously contrasts the creamy dressing.
- Red bell pepper: Adds a pop of bright color and a fresh, crisp texture.
- Pesto: The herbaceous base of the dressing, offering aromatic basil freshness.
- Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and smooth out the pesto’s earthiness.
- Sour cream: Brings subtle tang and extra creaminess to the dressing.
- Olive oil: Enhances mouthfeel and helps unify the dressing ingredients.
- White wine vinegar: Balances richness with a gentle acidity.
- Garlic powder: Provides a warm, savory depth without overpowering.
- Black pepper: Adds a mild heat and complexity to the salad.
- Salt: Essential to bring out the flavors of all the ingredients.
- Fresh parsley: Brightens the dish with a fresh, herbal finish.
How to Make Corn Pasta Salad with Bacon and Creamy Pesto Dressing Recipe
Step 1: Cook the pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the corn pasta to the boiling water and cook it according to the package instructions until it reaches that perfect al dente texture. This firmness ensures the pasta holds up well once tossed with the creamy dressing and crunchy bacon.
Step 2: Cool the pasta
Drain the cooked pasta in a colander, then rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and chill the noodles. This step is key to preventing mushiness and prepping the pasta for the cold salad.
Step 3: Prepare the bacon
While the pasta cools, cook the bacon slices in a large skillet over medium heat until they become delectably crispy, usually 5 to 7 minutes. Drain the bacon on paper towels to remove excess grease, then crumble into small pieces. Crispy bacon creates a fantastic crunchy contrast in your salad.
Step 4: Chop the bell pepper
Core and seed the red bell pepper, then chop it into small, bite-sized pieces. The fresh crunch and bright color of the bell pepper will give your salad a lively texture and a delightful pop of sweetness.
Step 5: Whisk the creamy pesto dressing
In a separate bowl, combine pesto, mayonnaise, sour cream, olive oil, white wine vinegar, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Whisk these ingredients until smooth and perfectly blended. This creamy dressing is the heart of the Corn Pasta Salad with Bacon and Creamy Pesto Dressing Recipe, bringing everything together with its rich, tangy, and herb-filled flavor.
Step 6: Toss and combine
Pour the pesto dressing over the bowl with the cooled pasta and chopped bell pepper. Toss everything gently but thoroughly to coat the noodles and veggies evenly with the luscious dressing. Then add the crumbled bacon and toss again, ensuring that every bite features a hint of that smoky crunch.
Step 7: Finish with fresh parsley and chill
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the salad and give it a final gentle toss. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Allowing the flavors to meld enhances the complexity of this delightful Corn Pasta Salad with Bacon and Creamy Pesto Dressing Recipe.
How to Serve Corn Pasta Salad with Bacon and Creamy Pesto Dressing Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the classic garnish here, adding a dash of color and herbaceous brightness. For an extra touch, sprinkle some grated Parmesan or add halved cherry tomatoes for a juicy burst that contrasts nicely with the creamy pesto.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, fish, or fresh bread for a complete and balanced meal. It can also stand alone as a hearty picnic or potluck dish thanks to its satisfying textures and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the salad in individual mason jars for an adorable, portable option or place it atop a bed of baby spinach for a fresh leafy twist. You can also add toasted pine nuts on top for extra nuttiness and crunch, elevating the salad’s visual and flavor appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Corn Pasta Salad with Bacon and Creamy Pesto Dressing Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days. Be sure to give it a gentle toss before serving again to redistribute the dressing.
Freezing
Because this salad contains mayonnaise and sour cream, freezing is not recommended, as it can compromise the texture and creaminess of the dressing. For the best results, enjoy it fresh within a few days.
Reheating
This salad is best served chilled or at room temperature. If you prefer it slightly warmer, let it sit at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes before serving, but avoid microwaving to preserve the fresh flavors and textures.
FAQs
Can I use regular pasta instead of corn pasta?
Absolutely! While corn pasta lends a subtle sweetness and gluten-free aspect, regular pasta will work well and still create a tasty salad.
Is the bacon essential in the salad?
The bacon adds a wonderful smoky crunch, but if you want a vegetarian version, you can skip it or substitute with crispy roasted chickpeas for texture.
Can I make the pesto dressing from scratch?
Yes! Fresh homemade pesto makes this recipe even more vibrant, but jarred pesto works perfectly when time is tight.
How far in advance can I prepare this salad?
You can make the salad up to a day before serving; just keep it refrigerated and toss gently before serving to refresh it.
What if I don’t have sour cream on hand?
You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangy and creamy alternative that works beautifully.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend this Corn Pasta Salad with Bacon and Creamy Pesto Dressing Recipe enough. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, packed with delightful flavors, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you are seeking a quick weeknight side or a dish to impress at your next gathering, this salad is a fantastic choice you’ll want to make time and again!
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Corn Pasta Salad with Bacon and Creamy Pesto Dressing Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 15m
- Total Time: 0h 45m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A vibrant and delicious Corn Pasta Salad featuring crispy bacon, sweet red bell pepper, and a creamy pesto dressing. This refreshing salad combines tender corn pasta with a flavorful mix of mayonnaise, sour cream, and pesto, making it perfect for a light lunch or a tasty side dish at any gathering.
Ingredients
Salad
- 2 cups corn pasta
- 4 slices bacon
- 1 large red bell pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Creamy Pesto Dressing
- 1/2 cup pesto
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Boil Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
- Cook Pasta: Add the corn pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and Cool Pasta: Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse it under cold water to cool it down.
- Transfer Pasta: Set the cooled pasta aside in a large mixing bowl.
- Cook Bacon: Place the bacon slices in a large skillet and cook over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
- Drain Bacon: Remove the crispy bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
- Prepare Bacon: Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces and set aside.
- Prepare Bell Pepper: Core and remove seeds from the red bell pepper, then chop into small, bite-sized pieces.
- Add Bell Pepper: Add the chopped bell pepper to the bowl with the cooled pasta.
- Mix Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the pesto, mayonnaise, sour cream, olive oil, white wine vinegar, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt until smooth and well combined.
- Combine Dressing With Salad: Pour the creamy pesto dressing over the pasta and bell pepper mixture.
- Toss Salad: Toss ingredients until pasta and peppers are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Add Bacon: Add crumbled bacon to the salad and toss again to incorporate evenly.
- Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top and toss gently for a final mix.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the salad and adjust with additional salt or pepper as desired.
- Chill: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve: Serve the pasta salad chilled and enjoy!
Notes
- For best texture, rinse the pasta under cold water immediately after draining to stop the cooking process and cool it down.
- Bacon can be cooked in advance and stored in the refrigerator for quick assembly.
- You can substitute mayonnaise or sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like cherry tomatoes or cucumbers for added crunch.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit bacon and add toasted nuts or seeds for texture.
