FBRecipesDelicious Recipes Made Simple
FBRecipes comfort food, easy meals, and everyday favorites
Home / Recipes / Dinner

Summer Corn Pasta Salad with Bacon and Creamy Pesto

By Published Updated Dinner
540988554_122270371796235274_4666116872519430450_n

A refreshing pasta salad with sweet corn, crispy bacon, red bell pepper, and a creamy pesto yogurt dressing.

Jump to Recipe
Prep15 minutes
Cook10 minutes
Total25
Serves4 servings
540988554_122270371796235274_4666116872519430450_n

Printable Recipe Card

Summer Corn Pasta Salad with Bacon and Creamy Pesto

A refreshing pasta salad with sweet corn, crispy bacon, red bell pepper, and a creamy pesto yogurt dressing.

No ratings yet
Rate this recipe:
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Total Time
25
Yield
4 servings
Course
Dinner
Cuisine
Not listed
Servings
4 servings
Calories
420 calories

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 black pepper, to taste
  • 1/3 cup basil pesto
  • 3 tbsp Greek yogurt
  • 2 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp fresh lime juice

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking. Let cool completely.
  2. In a large bowl combine the cooled pasta, corn kernels, diced red bell pepper, and sliced bacon.
  3. In a small bowl whisk together basil pesto, Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, and fresh lime juice until smooth.
  4. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently until evenly coated.
  5. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  6. Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro on top and serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Calories420 calories
Protein14 g
Carbohydrates41 g
Fat22 g
SodiumNot listed
SugarNot listed
FiberNot listed

If you’re looking for a fresh, flavorful side dish that’s easy to make and perfect for gatherings, this Corn Pasta Salad with Bacon and Creamy Pesto Dressing is a fantastic choice. It combines tender pasta, sweet corn, crispy bacon, and vibrant bell peppers tossed in a creamy pesto yogurt dressing that brings everything together.

The pesto dressing adds rich herbal flavor while the Greek yogurt keeps it light and creamy. A splash of lime juice brightens the whole dish, making it refreshing enough for warm-weather meals yet hearty enough to serve year-round.

This pasta salad comes together in about 25 minutes, making it perfect for quick lunches, potlucks, picnics, or weeknight dinners.

Why I Love This Recipe

This pasta salad is packed with texture and flavor.

Here’s why it stands out:

  • Sweet corn and crispy bacon create the perfect balance
  • Creamy pesto dressing adds bold flavor
  • Quick and easy to prepare
  • Great for meal prep or gatherings
  • Delicious served chilled or at room temperature

It’s the type of side dish that pairs beautifully with grilled meats, sandwiches, or simple weeknight meals.

1. Cook the Pasta

Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.

Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.

Allow the pasta to cool completely before assembling the salad.

2. Prepare the Salad Base

In a large mixing bowl combine:

  • cooled pasta
  • corn kernels
  • diced red bell pepper
  • sliced bacon

Gently toss everything together.

3. Make the Creamy Pesto Dressing

In a small bowl whisk together:

  • basil pesto
  • Greek yogurt
  • mayonnaise
  • fresh lime juice

Whisk until smooth and well combined.

4. Toss the Salad

Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture.

Gently toss until everything is evenly coated.

Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

5. Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the top.

Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to let the flavors blend.

Tips for the Best Pasta Salad

A few simple tips can make this salad even better.

Cook pasta just until al dente

Overcooked pasta can become mushy once mixed with dressing.

Cool the pasta completely

Warm pasta can thin out the dressing.

Crisp the bacon well

Extra crispy bacon adds great texture and flavor.

Taste before serving

Adjust salt, lime juice, or pesto depending on your preference.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This pasta salad pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes.

For a light lunch or dinner combo, serve it alongside
Easy Homemade Caesar Salad with Chicken.

If you're preparing a picnic or potluck spread, another great option is
Easy Classic Pasta Salad for Any Gathering.

For quick weekday lunches, pair it with
The Ultimate Turkey Club Wrap for Easy Lunches.

Lighter protein options like
Classic Tuna Salad with a Healthy No Mayo Twist
also complement this pasta salad nicely.

And if you’re craving something comforting for dinner, try
Fettuccine Alfredo – The Creamy Pasta That Became a Comfort Food Favorite.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Approximate values:

  • Calories: 420
  • Fat: 22g
  • Carbohydrates: 41g
  • Protein: 14g

Storage Tips

This salad stores well and is great for meal prep.

Refrigerator

Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.

Before serving

Give the salad a quick toss and add a splash of lime juice if it needs refreshing.

Make ahead tip

Prepare the salad a few hours in advance to allow the flavors to fully develop.

More Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoy fresh, easy dishes like this one, check out:

Final Thoughts

This Corn Pasta Salad with Bacon and Creamy Pesto Dressing is a perfect blend of fresh flavors, creamy texture, and satisfying crunch. With sweet corn, smoky bacon, and vibrant herbs, it’s a dish that feels both refreshing and comforting at the same time.

Whether you're preparing a quick side dish, meal-prepping lunches, or bringing something to a gathering, this pasta salad is guaranteed to be a crowd favorite.

If you try this recipe, feel free to share your favorite variations and serving ideas. And don’t forget to follow along for more delicious recipes from Jason Griffith at ChefManiac.

Why You?ll Love This Recipe

This Summer Corn Pasta Salad with Bacon and Creamy Pesto is built for home cooks who want a reliable Dinner without turning dinner or dessert into a project. The ingredient list stays approachable, the method is clear, and the finished dish gives you the kind of comfort-food payoff that makes a recipe worth saving.

Because the recipe card below keeps the exact measurements and steps organized, this article focuses on the practical details that help the recipe come out better: timing, texture, ingredient choices, storage, serving ideas, and simple ways to adjust the flavor for your table.

Tips for the Best Results

Use the listed times as a guide, but remember that cookware, appliance strength, ingredient size, and starting temperature can all affect the final result. This recipe lists 15 minutes of prep time, 10 minutes of cook time, and about 25 total time, which makes it easier to plan around dinner, parties, or weekend cooking.

Season thoughtfully. Many comfort-food recipes use flavorful packaged ingredients, cheese, sauces, or seasoning blends, and those can vary in salt level. Taste when it is safe to do so, then adjust at the end. A small amount of acid, fresh herbs, black pepper, or a creamy topping can make the finished dish feel more balanced.

Easy Variations

You can adapt this recipe based on what your family likes. Keep the main method the same, then change the seasoning, topping, vegetable, or serving style. If you want more heat, add a spicy element. If you want something milder, reduce strong seasonings and finish with a creamy or fresh topping.

For a heartier version, serve it with a simple side such as rice, potatoes, salad, bread, or roasted vegetables. For a lighter version, pair it with crisp greens or fresh fruit, depending on whether the recipe is savory or sweet.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator once the food has cooled. Most cooked dishes keep well for three to four days, while many desserts keep best when covered tightly so they do not dry out.

Reheat gently when possible. A microwave is convenient for individual portions, but an oven, skillet, or air fryer can help bring back texture when the recipe has a crisp, baked, or toasted element.

What to Serve With It

This recipe makes 4 servings, so it can work as a main dish, side, dessert, or shareable recipe depending on the category. For savory recipes, pair it with something fresh or simple so the meal does not feel too heavy. A salad, roasted vegetable, bread, rice, or potatoes can round out the plate.

For sweeter recipes, serve smaller portions with coffee, milk, whipped cream, fresh fruit, or a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream. The goal is to support the main flavor rather than cover it up.

Food Safety and Doneness

Use visual cues and safe cooking temperatures when judging doneness. For meat, poultry, seafood, and egg-based recipes, an instant-read thermometer is the most reliable tool. You can review official guidance on the USDA safe minimum internal temperature chart.

For baked goods and desserts, look for the texture cues in the recipe card: set centers, golden edges, clean tester marks, or proper chilling time. Letting a recipe rest before serving often improves texture and makes slicing or plating easier.

Food Safety Source

For safe cooking temperatures and food handling basics, see the USDA safe minimum internal temperature chart.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Summer Corn Pasta Salad with Bacon and Creamy Pesto ahead of time?

You can usually prepare some parts ahead of time, but follow the storage and reheating notes in the recipe for the best texture and food safety.

How should I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Use the storage instructions on this page when available, and reheat gently until hot.

Can I change the ingredients?

Yes. Most home-style recipes can be adjusted for taste, but keep the core cooking method and safe internal temperatures in mind when changing proteins or cook times.

More Recipes You'll Love