Description
Street Corn Pasta Salad combines smoky turkey bacon, creamy plant-based cheese, and fresh charred corn with elbow pasta for a refreshing and vibrant dish perfect for warm weather gatherings, picnics, and quick meals. This easy-to-make pasta salad features bold flavors and colorful veggies, offering a versatile recipe suitable for many dietary preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Vegetables
- 2 cups elbow pasta
- 1 1/2 cups fresh corn kernels, slightly charred
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Proteins and Dairy
- 6 slices smoky turkey bacon, cooked crispy and chopped
- 1/2 cup plant-based cheese, shredded or crumbled
Dressing
- 1/2 cup plant-based mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow pasta and cook until al dente, about 7 to 8 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it for the salad.
- Prepare the Corn and Bacon: Grill or sauté fresh corn kernels until slightly charred to bring out a smoky sweetness. Meanwhile, cook the turkey bacon in a skillet until crispy, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Make the Dressing: In a mixing bowl, combine plant-based mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), fresh lime juice, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
- Mix the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, charred corn, turkey bacon, and chopped cilantro. Pour the dressing over the top and toss gently to coat every ingredient evenly.
- Add Plant-Based Cheese and Chill: Sprinkle the plant-based cheese throughout the salad and mix lightly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
- Use fresh, in-season corn for the best flavor and texture.
- Do not overcook the pasta; keep it al dente to prevent mushiness.
- Chill the salad before serving to enhance flavor blending.
- Adjust seasoning after chilling as flavors intensify.
- Add extra crispy turkey bacon or nuts on top just before serving for added crunch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Stovetop
- 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, turkey bacon salad, plant-based cheese, chilled pasta, picnic recipe, gluten free pasta salad
