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–+ servings
Close up square image of salad in bowl topped with basil leaves.
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Bacon and Corn Pasta Salad

A tasty and easy recipe, this Bacon and Corn Pasta Salad is a great summertime recipe for all your gatherings. With fresh and tasty ingredients, you cannot go wrong.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Pasa, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Servings: 12
Calories: 259kcal
Author: Tornadough Alli

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces bacon small diced
  • 1/3 cup reserved bacon grease
  • ½ cup thinly sliced red onion
  • 2 cups fresh corn
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 3 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1- pint cherry tomatoes cut in half
  • ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 8 ounces cooked bow tie pasta
  • 12 fresh basil leaves chopped
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  • In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon until crispy. Reserve ⅓ cup of the bacon grease. Drain the bacon and set it aside.
  • Wipe out the pot and add the reserved bacon grease over medium heat.
  • Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5-8 minutes.
  • Add the corn and cook an additional 5 minutes, stirring often.
  • Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, 30 seconds.
  • Take off the heat, add the vinegar, sugar, Dijon, and pepper. Stir to combine.
  • Stir in the bacon, tomatoes, and parmesan.
  • Add the pasta and combine well.
  • Finally, stir in the fresh basil.
  • Taste and add salt if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

  1. Make sure you are using freshly grated parmesan cheese.
  2. Your tomatoes need to be cut in half.
  3. You can use other pastas if you'd like, see above for some ideas.
  4. This can be served warm or cold, but warm is best.
  5. Easily double this recipe to serve more people.
  6. We do not recommend freezing this recipe.
  7. We use fresh corn, but you can use frozen and canned, see above on my suggestions.
  8. The dressing is nice and tangy, which complements the sweet corn and tomatoes.
  9. The pasta will soak up the vinaigrette, so if you have leftovers, I suggest making extra and stirring it in before serving again.

Nutrition

Calories: 259kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0.04g | Cholesterol: 28mg | Sodium: 278mg | Potassium: 237mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 303IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 61mg | Iron: 1mg