Description
Pesto Pasta Salad with Corn & Crispy Bacon
Ingredients
12 oz small pasta (shells or orecchiette)
1/2 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
1 cup fresh or frozen corn (cooked)
1 red bell pepper, diced
6 strips crispy bacon, crumbled
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Directions
Cook the Pasta:
Boil the pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
Prepare the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, corn, diced bell pepper, and crumbled bacon.
Mix the Pesto:
Add the basil pesto to the pasta mixture and toss until evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve and Garnish:
Transfer to a serving bowl, garnish with fresh basil leaves, and enjoy this vibrant pasta salad!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 420 kcal per serving
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Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for the best results. First, bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package directions for al dente. Once cooked, drain immediately and rinse thoroughly under cold running water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta completely. While the pasta cooks, prepare your other components: cook the bacon in a skillet until very crispy, then drain and crumble it. If using fresh corn, cook it briefly in the same bacon fat or boiling water; if using frozen, simply thaw it. Dice the red bell pepper. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, corn, bell pepper, and crumbled bacon. Add the pesto and use a large spoon or spatula to gently fold everything together until the pesto coats every piece evenly. Taste and season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper as needed.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile salad shines in many settings. For a summer picnic or potluck, pack it in a sealed container and keep it chilled until serving. It makes an excellent main dish for a light lunch or a hearty side at a barbecue alongside grilled chicken or burgers. For a more elegant presentation, serve it on a bed of fresh arugula or spinach. You can also add extra protein like grilled shrimp, shredded rotisserie chicken, or chickpeas to make it even more substantial.
How-to Summary
To summarize, this salad comes together in three key stages: 1) Cook and cool the pasta. 2) Prepare and combine all solid ingredients (corn, pepper, bacon). 3) Fold in the pesto and season. The key to success is ensuring all components are cooled before mixing to prevent a greasy, wilted salad.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it up to a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If it seems dry after chilling, stir in an extra tablespoon of pesto or a drizzle of olive oil before serving.
What are some good substitutes for bacon?
For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon or use sun-dried tomatoes or toasted pine nuts for a similar savory, umami crunch.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely. Any short pasta with good “scooping” ability works well, such as fusilli, farfalle, or rotini. Avoid long strands like spaghetti.
How long will leftovers keep?
Leftovers will keep well in the fridge for 2-3 days. The flavors often meld and improve overnight.
My pesto seems too thick. What can I do?
If your pesto is very thick, thin it slightly with a teaspoon of pasta cooking water, lemon juice, or olive oil before mixing it into the salad for easier coating.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Mixing while warm: Adding pesto to warm pasta will cause it to absorb the oil and become gummy. Always cool the pasta completely first.
- Underseasoning the pasta water: The pasta itself needs seasoning. Salt the boiling water well so the flavor comes from within.
- Soggy bacon: Ensure the bacon is cooked until very crispy and drained on paper towels. Soft bacon will become chewy and lose its texture in the salad.
- Overmixing: Gently fold the ingredients to combine. Vigorous stirring can break the pasta and make the salad mushy.
Conclusion
This Pesto Pasta Salad with Corn & Crispy Bacon is a celebration of vibrant flavors and satisfying textures, all coming together in about 20 minutes. It’s a foolproof recipe that balances the herbaceous freshness of pesto with the sweet crunch of corn and the irresistible savoriness of bacon. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or your next gathering, this dish is guaranteed to become a go-to favorite. Remember the key tips—cool your pasta, crisp your bacon, and don’t be afraid to adjust the seasoning to your taste. Enjoy!