This vibrant Corn Pasta Salad combines the perfect blend of fresh vegetables, tender pasta, and a tangy mustard vinaigrette. It’s a quick and easy dish that’s bursting with flavor, making it a fantastic choice for summer barbecues, picnics, or casual weeknight dinners. The sweetness of fresh corn pairs beautifully with the crunch of bell peppers and the zesty kick of red onion.
Whether you’re looking for a side dish or a light main course, this Corn Pasta Salad is bound to please everyone at the table. The best part? It’s simple to make, and the flavors only improve as it chills in the refrigerator. Make it ahead of time for the perfect make-ahead meal!
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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8 oz. pasta (small shells or elbow macaroni)
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2 cups fresh corn kernels (from about 2 ears of corn)
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1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
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1/2 cup bell pepper, diced (red or yellow)
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1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
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1/2 cup olive oil
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1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
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1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Directions:
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Cook pasta according to package instructions, drain, and set aside to cool.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, fresh corn kernels, chopped red onion, bell pepper, and fresh basil.
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In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
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Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture and toss well to coat everything evenly.
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Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
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Adjust seasoning as needed before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes |
Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Corn Pasta Salad: A Refreshing and Flavorful Dish for Every Occasion
Corn pasta salad is the perfect dish to bring a burst of flavor to any meal. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, preparing for a picnic, or simply seeking a quick and healthy lunch or dinner, this salad offers a perfect balance of fresh ingredients, vibrant colors, and delicious textures. Combining the sweetness of corn with the heartiness of pasta and a tangy dressing, it’s an easy-to-make and versatile dish that caters to all tastes.
The Beauty of Corn in Salad
Corn is an incredibly versatile ingredient, loved by many for its natural sweetness and satisfying crunch. Whether you’re eating it off the cob, grilled, roasted, or fresh, corn adds a rich, comforting flavor to any dish. In salads, it provides a slight sweetness that complements the savory ingredients, making it an excellent addition to pasta salads.
Fresh corn, particularly during summer months, is a highlight of the season. It’s a sweet and crunchy addition that gives your pasta salad a fresh and natural sweetness, providing a nice contrast to the other savory and tangy elements of the dish. You can use corn on the cob for this recipe, which adds a great deal of flavor, or if you’re in a rush, frozen or canned corn will do just fine.
Why Pasta Salad?
Pasta salad is a popular dish for a reason. It is simple to prepare, highly customizable, and can be made ahead of time. One of the best things about pasta salad is its versatility it can be served as a side dish or as a main course, depending on the serving size. It’s filling yet light, making it an ideal choice for warm weather meals.
Moreover, pasta salads can be dressed in a variety of ways. For a more classic feel, you might go with a creamy dressing. But for something lighter, like in this corn pasta salad, a tangy vinaigrette works perfectly. The dressing not only enhances the flavors of the salad but also helps to bring everything together, ensuring that each bite is packed with flavor.
Versatility and Customization
One of the reasons corn pasta salad stands out is its versatility. While the base ingredients pasta, corn, and a simple vinaigrette dressing provide a satisfying and tasty foundation, the dish can be customized in countless ways. You can easily tweak the recipe to suit your preferences, dietary needs, and what you have available in your kitchen.
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Adding More Veggies: To enhance the color and texture of your corn pasta salad, feel free to add more vegetables. Diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, or shredded carrots all make great additions. If you’re looking to boost the nutritional value, adding greens like spinach or arugula can bring in a fresh, peppery flavor. Bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange) add a touch of sweetness and crunch.
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Protein Options: For a heartier salad, you can add proteins like grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas. These ingredients can help make the salad more filling and satisfying, turning it into a complete meal.
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Herbs and Seasonings: Fresh herbs are always a great way to elevate any salad. For a more Mediterranean-inspired version, you might add basil, oregano, or parsley. Cilantro and lime would add a Mexican twist to your dish. A dash of chili powder or cumin can introduce an exciting depth of flavor, perfect for a spicier version.
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Cheese: A sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese, goat cheese, or parmesan can add a rich and creamy flavor to balance the freshness of the vegetables and sweetness of the corn.
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Dressings: While the mustard vinaigrette used in this recipe is light and tangy, other dressing options are endless. A creamy dressing made with Greek yogurt or sour cream is a great alternative for a richer, creamier option. For an even tangier twist, consider adding some freshly squeezed lemon juice or apple cider vinegar.
The Perfect Summer Side Dish
There’s something about pasta salad that makes it an ideal choice for summer gatherings. Whether you’re throwing a party, going to a picnic, or just enjoying a meal on the patio, corn pasta salad is the kind of dish that fits the mood. It’s easy to prepare, can be made ahead of time, and doesn’t require a lot of effort to bring together. The best part? It’s a crowd-pleaser. Its balanced flavors sweet, savory, and tangy appeal to both kids and adults, making it an excellent addition to any summer spread.
Another wonderful thing about this dish is that it holds up well in the heat. Unlike leafy green salads that can wilt under the sun, pasta salads tend to stay intact for longer periods. This makes it a great option for picnics, potlucks, or any outdoor event where the food might be sitting out for a while.
Health Benefits of Corn Pasta Salad
Aside from its fresh taste and delightful textures, corn pasta salad offers several health benefits, especially when prepared with wholesome ingredients.
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Nutrient-Rich Vegetables: Fresh corn is a great source of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. It’s also rich in folate, which supports cell growth and repair. Corn is naturally low in fat and calories, making it a guilt-free ingredient for a summer dish.
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Whole-Grain Pasta: If you use whole-grain pasta, you’ll add a hearty dose of fiber and nutrients to the dish. Whole grains are known to support heart health, regulate blood sugar, and help with digestion.
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Healthy Fats from Olive Oil: The olive oil used in the dressing provides healthy monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health. Olive oil also contains antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation and protect against certain diseases.
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Customizable for Dietary Preferences: Corn pasta salad can be easily modified to suit various dietary restrictions, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Simply swap the pasta for gluten-free varieties, use plant-based proteins, and opt for a dairy-free dressing to accommodate different dietary needs.
How to Serve Corn Pasta Salad
Corn pasta salad can be served in many ways. It can be a main dish for lunch or dinner, a filling side dish, or even a potluck contribution. Its versatility makes it an excellent choice for a variety of occasions. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats, seafood, or a light sandwich. If you’re serving it as a main course, you can add protein to make it more filling.
To serve, simply toss the salad in a large bowl, ensuring everything is evenly coated in the dressing. You can garnish it with extra fresh herbs or a sprinkle of cheese for a finishing touch.
Conclusion:
Corn pasta salad is more than just a simple side dish it’s a vibrant, refreshing, and customizable recipe that works for nearly every occasion. Whether you enjoy it as a quick lunch, a picnic favorite, or a side dish for a family barbecue, this dish is bound to impress with its burst of flavors and vibrant colors. The balance of textures and tastes, from the sweet crunch of fresh corn to the tangy vinaigrette, creates a delicious salad that can easily become a staple in your recipe collection.
This dish is easy to make, can be prepped in advance, and holds up well, making it a go-to recipe for warm weather. So, the next time you’re planning a meal, why not make a corn pasta salad? It’s a recipe that everyone will enjoy and keep coming back to, whether you’re eating it at a picnic or at the dinner table.