Summer Pasta Salad with Corn – A Creamy, Colorful Dish for Sunny Days

Introduction

There’s nothing quite like a chilled pasta salad to scream summer’s here! This Summer Pasta Salad with Corn is bursting with fresh, zesty flavors—tender pasta, sweet corn, crispy bacon, and a creamy basil pesto dressing that ties it all together. It’s the perfect side for BBQs, picnics, or quick weeknight dinners, and it’s even better the next day.

Why I Love This Recipe

This recipe brings together all the best things about summer: the sweetness of corn, the smokiness of bacon, and the brightness of lime and pesto. It’s creamy yet refreshing, and incredibly easy to make. What makes it a standout is the pesto-Greek yogurt-mayo combo—a dressing that’s both light and luxuriously flavorful.

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 8 oz orecchiette pasta (or your favorite 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 Dressing:

• ⅓ cup basil pesto, store-bought or homemade
• 3 tbsp Greek yogurt
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice

Ingredient Notes and Swaps

• Pasta: Orecchiette holds dressing well, but rotini, fusilli, or bowties also work great.
• Corn: Use grilled, boiled, or canned corn—whatever you have on hand.
• Bacon: Turkey bacon or pancetta are good alternatives.
• Greek yogurt: Adds creaminess with less guilt—sub sour cream if needed.
• Pesto: Store-bought is fine, but homemade adds freshness.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Cook the Pasta

• Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions.
• Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Set aside.

2. Make the Dressing

• In a mason jar or bowl, whisk together basil pesto, Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, and lime juice.
• Thin with a bit of water, more yogurt, or extra lime juice if needed.

3. Assemble the Salad

• In a large bowl, combine pasta, corn, diced bell pepper, and cooked bacon.
• Toss gently to mix.
• Serve in individual bowls topped with dressing and a generous sprinkle of chopped cilantro.

Tips for Success

• Make it ahead: The flavors deepen after chilling, making it perfect for meal prep or parties.
• Add protein: Turn this into a main dish with grilled chicken or shrimp.
• Customize it: Add avocado, cherry tomatoes, or cucumbers for extra freshness.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This salad is super versatile. Serve it with:

• Blueberry Lemonade for a refreshing sip
• Sheet Pan Quesadillas for a crowd-friendly dinner
• The Slippery Drank as a cheeky cocktail pairing
• Dorito Casserole for a comforting combo

And for dessert? Try these Caramel Apple Nachos—quick, crunchy, and a total hit.

Storage and Leftovers

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Re-mix before serving: The dressing may settle, so give it a stir.
• Not freezer-friendly due to the mayo and yogurt base.

More Recipes You’ll Love

Looking for more summer-ready, crowd-pleasing dishes? Check out:

• Blueberry Lemonade
• Dorito Casserole
• Caramel Apple Nachos

Final Thoughts

This Summer Pasta Salad with Corn is sunshine in a bowl. Creamy, crunchy, and kissed with lime and basil, it’s the kind of dish you’ll come back to all season long.

Made it? Show us your summer spread! Tag @chefmaniac and follow along for more bright and delicious recipes.