Corn Pasta Salad with Bacon – A Refreshing and Flavorful Summer Dish

This Corn Pasta Salad with Bacon is the perfect dish to bring to a summer picnic or barbecue. The creamy pesto dressing, combined with the sweet corn, smoky bacon, and crunchy bell pepper, creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The orecchiette pasta is the ideal base, as it holds onto the dressing and adds a hearty bite. With fresh cilantro and a tang of lime juice, this dish is fresh, vibrant, and incredibly easy to make. It's best enjoyed chilled, making it a great make-ahead option for busy days.

Ingredients

• 8 oz orecchiette pasta or other short pasta
  
  

• 1 cup corn kernels, cooked
  
  

• 1 red bell pepper, diced
  
  

• 4 slices bacon, cooked and sliced
  
  

• Fresh cilantro, chopped
  
  

• Salt and pepper, to taste
  
  

For the Salad Dressing

• ⅓ cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
  
  

• 3 tablespoons Greek yogurt
  
  

• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  
  

• 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
  
  

Directions

1. Cook the orecchiette pasta according to package directions, then drain and set aside to cool.
   
   

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, corn kernels, diced red bell pepper, and sliced bacon.
   
   

3. In a small bowl, whisk together the basil pesto, Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, and lime juice until smooth and well combined.
   
   

4. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to coat.
   
   

5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
   
   

6. Stir in the freshly chopped cilantro.
   
   

7. Refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
   
   

8. Serve chilled and enjoy!
   
   

Nutritional Value (per serving)

• Calories: 290 kcal
  
  

• Carbohydrates: 24g
  
  

• Protein: 10g
  
  

• Fat: 16g
  
  

• Saturated Fat: 3g
  
  

• Cholesterol: 20mg
  
  

• Sodium: 300mg
  
  

• Potassium: 310mg
  
  

• Fiber: 3g
  
  

• Sugar: 5g
  
  

• Vitamin A: 550 IU
  
  

• Vitamin C: 35mg
  
  

• Calcium: 40mg
  
  

• Iron: 1.5mg