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The Ultimate Summer Pasta Salad with Corn, Bell Pepper, Bacon, and Creamy Pesto Dressing

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A refreshing Summer Pasta Salad featuring sweet corn, crunchy bell peppers, savory bacon, and a creamy pesto dressing—perfect for warm days and gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces of pasta (fusilli or penne)
  • 1 cup of corn (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 bell pepper (diced, any color)
  • 4 slices of bacon (cooked and crumbled)
  • 1/2 cup of creamy pesto dressing
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: cherry tomatoes, parmesan cheese, fresh basil for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes).
  2. Prepare corn (if using fresh): Shuck fresh corn and cut the kernels off the cob, or thaw frozen corn and add it to the pot for the last 2 minutes of cooking.
  3. Cook the bacon: In a skillet, cook your bacon until crispy (about 6-8 minutes). Drain on a paper towel and crumble.
  4. Dice the bell pepper: Rinse and chop your bell pepper into bite-sized pieces.
  5. Mix the pasta and veggies: Drain the pasta and rinse it briefly under cold water. In a large bowl, combine the warm pasta with corn, bell pepper, and crumbled bacon.
  6. Add the dressing: Drizzle the creamy pesto dressing over the salad and mix until well-coated.
  7. Season and adjust: Taste the salad and season with salt and pepper as needed.
  8. Final touches: If using cherry tomatoes and parmesan, toss them in now.
  9. Chill (optional): Let the pasta salad chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving for the flavors to meld.

Notes

Perfect as a main dish or a side, this salad can be customized with different vegetables or proteins.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, summer salad, creamy pesto dressing, bacon salad, picnic food

Find it online: https://basilboard.com/minute-summer-pasta-salad-bacon-corn-creamy-pesto-dressing/