Corn Pasta Salad with Bacon and Creamy Pesto Dressing
A comforting summer salad combining sweet corn, tender pasta, fresh vegetables, and a creamy pesto dressing, ideal for gatherings and family dinners.
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (such as rotini or penne)
- 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen) If using fresh corn, cut kernels from two medium ears.
- 4 slices halal smoked turkey breast (or another halal smoked strip), cooked and crumbled Alternative options: halal smoked beef strips or vegetarian smoked alternatives.
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ medium red onion, diced
- ½ cup creamy pesto dressing (store-bought or homemade) Homemade dressing can be made with basil, garlic, lemon juice, cheese, yogurt or mayonnaise.
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and let cool.
- For fresh corn, brush the corn with a little oil and roast on a hot skillet or grill for 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally. Let cool and cut the kernels off the cob. For frozen corn, sauté briefly in a hot skillet for 3–5 minutes.
- Cook the halal smoked turkey strips in a skillet with a teaspoon of oil until browned and crisp, then crumble. Alternatively, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 8–12 minutes.
Assembly
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, corn, crumbled halal smoked turkey, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
- Add the creamy pesto dressing and mix until well combined.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with fresh basil if desired and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days. May absorb dressing over time; refresh with lemon juice or yogurt if needed. Freezing typically does not work well due to the creamy dressing.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 14gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 600mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3g
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