Imagine a summer side dish that combines the crispy perfection of bacon, the sweet crunch of corn, and the creamy comfort of pasta - all in one irresistible bite! This Corn Pasta Salad with Bacon isn't just another recipe; it's a culinary adventure that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece. Whether you're planning a backyard barbecue, a picnic, or just craving a delicious meal that comes together in under 30 minutes, this recipe is about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (elbow or rotini)
- 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 oz of pasta (elbow or rotini), 1 cup of corn (fresh or frozen), 6 slices of bacon, 1/2 cup of diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup of sliced green onions, 3 tablespoons of mayonnaise, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- If using fresh corn, while the pasta cooks, you can blanch the corn by adding it to the boiling water for the last 2-3 minutes of pasta cooking time. If using frozen corn, simply thaw it and set aside.
- While the pasta and corn are cooking, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Once cool, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
- After the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Allow the pasta to cool for a few minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, corn, crumbled bacon, diced red bell pepper, and sliced green onions.
- Add the mayonnaise to the bowl and gently toss all the ingredients together until well combined. Make sure the pasta and vegetables are evenly coated with the mayonnaise.
- Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. Mix again to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This step is optional but recommended for the best flavor.
- Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir and taste it one last time, adjusting the seasoning if necessary. Serve chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy your Corn Pasta Salad with Bacon!
Tips
- For maximum flavor, cook your bacon until it's perfectly crispy - this adds a fantastic crunch and smoky taste to the salad.
- Use cold pasta when mixing to prevent the mayonnaise from becoming runny and to help the salad hold its texture.
- If possible, use fresh corn when in season for the sweetest, most vibrant flavor.
- Let the salad chill for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Don't be afraid to customize! Add some diced jalapeños for heat or swap mayo for Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving - a little extra salt and pepper can make a big difference.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 25mg
