Go Back
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy fresh, vibrant flavors, and what better way to celebrate the season than with a delightful pasta salad? Introducing the Sunny Delight: Summer Corn & Bacon Pasta Salad, a dish that beautifully combines the sweetness of fresh corn, the savory crunch of bacon, and colorful vegetables into a refreshing meal. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also offers a burst of flavors that will surely impress your friends and family at gatherings, picnics, or barbecues.

Summer Corn & Bacon Pasta Salad

Celebrate summer with the delightful Sunny Delight: Summer Corn & Bacon Pasta Salad! This vibrant dish combines sweet corn, crispy bacon, and fresh vegetables, creating a refreshing meal perfect for gatherings, picnics, or barbecues. Easy to prepare, it features colorful ingredients like cherry tomatoes and bell peppers, and is enhanced by a light lemon dressing. With its burst of flavors, this pasta salad will impress everyone at your summer events. Enjoy a delicious taste of the season!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

8 oz (226 g) pasta (fusilli or penne works best)

4 slices of crispy bacon, chopped

2 cups fresh corn kernels (about 3 medium ears of corn) or frozen corn, thawed

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 medium red bell pepper, diced

1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped

1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

1/4 cup parsley, chopped

1 cup feta cheese, crumbled

1/3 cup olive oil

2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)

1 tsp garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool it down. Set aside.

    Prepare the Bacon: In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove from skillet and drain on paper towels, reserving about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the skillet.

      Sauté the Corn: In the same skillet, add the corn and cook for about 5-7 minutes until it starts to caramelize and gets a little color, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

        Combine Vegetables and Pasta: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, sautéed corn, cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, and red onion.

          Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.

            Assemble the Salad: Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss to combine. Add the crispy bacon, crumbled feta, fresh basil, and parsley, gently tossing everything together.

              Chill: Cover the salad and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. This pasta salad is even better if made a few hours in advance!

                Serve: Serve chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy your vibrant and delicious Summer Corn & Bacon Pasta Salad!

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 min | 1 hr | 6 servings