This Chicken and Corn Pasta Salad is the ultimate fusion of creamy, smoky, and fresh flavors. Juicy, seasoned chicken pairs beautifully with sweet corn, crispy bacon, and tender pasta, all tossed in a luscious basil pesto dressing. Every bite bursts with a balance of textures and tastes, making it a perfect dish for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it as a quick weekday meal, serving it at a summer picnic, or meal-prepping for the week, this salad is guaranteed to impress. Customize it with your favorite pasta, add extra veggies, or swap the dressing for a different twist. No matter how you make it, this dish is a winner!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- Pasta: 8 oz orecchiette pasta (or any short pasta like fusilli, farfalle, or penne)
- Chicken: 1 lb skinless, boneless chicken thighs
- Seasoning: 1 tsp Italian seasoning, ½ tsp chili powder, salt & black pepper (to taste)
- Olive Oil: 2 tbsp
- Corn: 1 cup cooked corn kernels (from 2 ears of corn)
- Bell Pepper: 1 red bell pepper, diced
- Bacon: 6 strips, cooked and chopped
- Fresh Basil: ¼ cup, chopped
Salad Dressing Ingredients:
- Basil Pesto: ⅓ cup (store-bought or homemade)
- Greek Yogurt: 3 tbsp
- Mayonnaise: 2 tbsp
- Lime Juice: 2 tbsp (freshly squeezed)
Directions:
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Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
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Prepare the Chicken:
- Season chicken with Italian seasoning, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil, and cook chicken for 5 minutes on one side. Flip and cook for another 5 minutes until fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
- Remove from heat, let it rest for 5 minutes, and then slice thinly.
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Make the Dressing:
- In a mason jar, whisk together basil pesto, Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, and lime juice.
- If the dressing is too thick, thin it out with more yogurt, lime juice, or a small amount of water.
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Assemble the Salad:
- In a large bowl, mix cooked pasta, corn kernels, diced bell pepper, and chopped bacon.
- Distribute into individual bowls, top with sliced chicken, and drizzle the creamy pesto dressing.
- Garnish with fresh basil.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal per serving: 639 kcal | Servings: 4
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you want a home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Chicken and Corn Pasta Salad stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it an excellent option for make-ahead lunches or easy grab-and-go dinners.
- Versatile & Customizable: The ingredients can be adjusted based on what you have on hand. Swap out the protein, use different pasta shapes, or add extra veggies to suit your preferences.
- Great for Gatherings: Whether it’s a BBQ, picnic, or potluck, this dish is always a hit. The combination of fresh ingredients and creamy dressing ensures that every bite is full of flavor.
- A Balance of Flavors: The dish brings together sweet corn, smoky bacon, and creamy pesto dressing, offering a delicious contrast of savory, tangy, and slightly sweet elements.
The Star Ingredients
One of the reasons this pasta salad stands out is its carefully chosen ingredients, each adding a unique texture and flavor to the dish.
- Chicken: The protein powerhouse of this dish, chicken provides a hearty base. Using grilled, pan-seared, or even rotisserie chicken makes this salad both satisfying and flavorful.
- Corn: Fresh corn kernels bring a natural sweetness and pop of color to the salad. Grilled, boiled, or even canned corn can be used, depending on what you have available.
- Pasta: A short pasta like orecchiette, fusilli, or farfalle holds the creamy dressing well, making each bite flavorful and well-balanced.
- Bacon: A smoky and crispy contrast to the creamy dressing, bacon adds depth and richness. You can use crispy bacon bits or pan-fried bacon slices for the best texture.
- Bell Peppers: Red bell peppers add a refreshing crunch and natural sweetness that pairs well with the corn and pesto dressing.
- Basil Pesto Dressing: The star of the dish, this dressing is a creamy blend of basil pesto, Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, and fresh lime juice. It provides a fresh, tangy, and slightly nutty flavor profile.
How to Serve Chicken and Corn Pasta Salad
This salad is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in multiple ways:
- As a Main Course: Serve this dish warm or at room temperature for a hearty yet refreshing meal. The combination of chicken, pasta, and bacon makes it satisfying enough to stand on its own.
- As a Side Dish: This pasta salad pairs well with grilled meats, making it a great addition to BBQs and cookouts. Serve it alongside grilled steak, chicken, or seafood for a well-rounded meal.
- For Meal Prep: This dish holds up well in the refrigerator, making it an ideal choice for meal prep. Pack it in individual containers for a quick and easy grab-and-go lunch option.
- At Gatherings: Whether it’s a summer picnic, a potluck, or a family gathering, this pasta salad is a crowd-pleaser. It can be made in advance and served chilled or at room temperature.
Variations & Customization Ideas
One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility. You can easily tweak it to suit different dietary preferences and ingredient availability.
- Make It Vegetarian: Omit the chicken and bacon and add extra vegetables like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or zucchini. Chickpeas or white beans can be used as a plant-based protein alternative.
- Use a Different Protein: Swap chicken for shrimp, grilled tofu, or even steak to create a different variation of the dish.
- Try Different Dressings: While the basil pesto dressing is a star ingredient, you can also experiment with a lemon vinaigrette, honey mustard dressing, or creamy ranch.
- Add More Vegetables: If you want to boost the nutritional value, add greens like spinach, arugula, or kale for extra freshness and texture.
- Make It Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta alternatives like brown rice pasta, lentil pasta, or chickpea pasta.
- Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes, jalapeños, or a drizzle of hot sauce if you enjoy a bit of heat.
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
Storing: This pasta salad keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors meld together over time, making it taste even better the next day.
Meal Prep Tips:
- Keep the dressing separate and mix it in just before serving to keep the pasta fresh and prevent it from getting soggy.
- Cook extra chicken and bacon in advance for easy meal assembly.
- Portion out the salad into individual containers for a ready-to-eat meal throughout the week.
Pairing Suggestions
To round out your meal, consider pairing this Chicken and Corn Pasta Salad with:
- A Light Soup: A bowl of chilled gazpacho or a warm tomato basil soup complements the flavors well.
- Grilled Vegetables: Zucchini, asparagus, or bell peppers add an extra touch of freshness.
- A Refreshing Drink: Serve with a lemonade, iced tea, or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc for a refreshing pairing.
Conclusion:
Chicken and Corn Pasta Salad with Bacon is more than just a simple pasta dish it’s a flavorful, satisfying, and versatile meal that works well for any occasion. The creamy basil pesto dressing adds a fresh and tangy twist, while the combination of chicken, corn, and bacon creates a well-balanced dish that is both comforting and refreshing.
Whether you’re preparing it for a quick weeknight dinner, a summer picnic, or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe is guaranteed to be a favorite. With its customizable ingredients, vibrant colors, and bold flavors, it’s a dish that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
