Description
Street Corn Pasta Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that combines smoky turkey bacon, crunchy fresh veggies, creamy plant-based cheese, and tender elbow pasta. Perfect for warm weather and gatherings, this salad offers a bright, flavorful, and satisfying meal or side dish that is easy to prepare and customizable to suit various tastes and dietary preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Vegetables
- 2 cups elbow pasta
- 1 cup fresh corn kernels (grilled or boiled)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Protein and Cheese
- 6 slices smoky turkey bacon, cooked crisp and chopped
- 1/2 cup plant-based cheese (plant-based), crumbled or shredded
Dressing
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise (natural)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the elbow pasta in salted water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain thoroughly and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Corn and Bacon: While the pasta cooks, grill or boil the fresh corn kernels. Cook the smoky turkey bacon until crisp, then cool and chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Chop the Fresh Veggies: Dice the red bell pepper, slice the green onions thinly, and finely chop the cilantro. Set aside.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise (natural), fresh lime juice, apple cider vinegar, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, ground cumin, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Combine All Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, corn kernels, chopped turkey bacon, diced red bell pepper, sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, and plant-based cheese (plant-based). Pour the dressing over and gently toss to coat evenly.
- Chill Before Serving: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled for the best refreshing taste.
Notes
- Cook pasta properly to ensure a firm texture that holds the dressing well.
- Use fresh or frozen corn; grilling corn adds a smoky flavor.
- Let the salad rest chilled to blend flavors.
- Taste and adjust seasoning such as lime juice, salt, or cumin before serving.
- Lightly toast ground cumin in a dry pan to enhance aroma before adding to the dressing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Street Corn Pasta Salad, pasta salad, summer salad, smoky bacon salad, plant-based cheese, vegetarian pasta salad, fresh corn salad
