Chicken and Corn Pasta Salad
This Chicken and Corn Pasta Salad with Bacon is a vibrant, hearty dish that combines tender chicken, sweet corn, crispy bacon, and perfectly cooked pasta. Tossed together with fresh herbs and a creamy or tangy dressing, this salad offers a satisfying balance of flavors and textures. The smoky, salty notes from the bacon complement the sweetness of the corn and the savory chicken, while the pasta makes it a filling meal. It’s perfect for summer barbecues, potlucks, or as a refreshing weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
Pasta:
8 oz orecchiette pasta (or any short pasta of your choice)
Chicken:
1 lb skinless boneless chicken thighs
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon chili powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salad Dressing:
⅓ cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
3 tablespoons Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
Salad Ingredients:
1 cup corn kernels (cooked)
1 red bell pepper (diced)
6 strips bacon (cooked and sliced)
Fresh basil (chopped)
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Cook the pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the orecchiette pasta (or other short pasta) according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside to cool.
Cook the chicken:
Season the chicken thighs with Italian seasoning, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken thighs until they are fully cooked through and slightly browned, about 5-7 minutes on each side. Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Prepare the dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together basil pesto, Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, and lime juice until well combined.
Assemble the salad:
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sliced chicken, corn kernels, diced red bell pepper, cooked bacon slices, and fresh basil.
Pour the pesto dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together until evenly coated.
Season and serve:
Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Pair with a simple green salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Ideal for meal prep, picnics, or potlucks due to its portability.
Tips:
Cooking Chicken: Use grilled, baked, or rotisserie chicken for convenience and added flavor.
Corn Variations: If using fresh corn, grill or sauté it for a slightly charred, smoky flavor.
Crispy Bacon: Cook bacon until golden and drain it on paper towels to maintain crispiness.
Dressing: Adjust the dressing amount to your taste, ensuring the pasta is lightly coated.
Make-Ahead: Prepare the salad up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Add the bacon just before serving to keep it crunchy.
This delicious pasta salad is a crowd-pleaser that balances smoky, sweet, and savory flavors — a perfect addition to any gathering!
Serve the salad cold or at room temperature, garnished with extra fresh basil if desired.