Description
Street Corn Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish featuring sweet fresh corn kernels, smoky turkey bacon, and creamy plant-based cheese, all tossed in a tangy apple cider vinegar dressing. Perfect for warm days, potlucks, or anytime you want a fresh, crowd-pleasing salad with a lively twist on classic street corn.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Vegetables
- 2 cups pasta shells
- 2 cups fresh corn kernels
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Protein and Cheese
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon
- 1/2 cup plant-based cheese (creamy, mild)
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (natural)
- 1 teaspoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Spices and Additions
- Additional smoked paprika for garnish
- Optional diced jalapeños or hot sauce for heat
Instructions
- Prepare the pasta and corn: Cook the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool and stop the cooking process. Meanwhile, grill or sauté fresh corn kernels until lightly charred to develop a smoky street corn flavor.
- Cook the smoked turkey bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the smoked turkey bacon until crispy and golden brown. Remove and chop into bite-sized pieces to add smoky savoriness to the salad.
- Make the dressing: Whisk together apple cider vinegar, olive oil, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper to create a tangy and smoky dressing that balances the sweetness and richness in the salad.
- Combine the ingredients: In a large bowl, add the cooled pasta, grilled corn, chopped turkey bacon, plant-based cheese, chopped green onions, and cilantro. Pour the dressing over and gently toss to evenly coat all ingredients.
- Chill and serve: Cover and chill the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld beautifully. Serve cold or at room temperature for the best taste experience.
Notes
- Use fresh corn in season for optimal sweetness and texture.
- Slightly grill or sauté the corn to enhance flavor.
- Cook pasta al dente to prevent mushiness when chilled.
- The salad tastes better after resting in the fridge for some time.
- Taste and adjust seasoning including salt, spice, and acidity as needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Street Corn Pasta Salad, plant-based cheese, apple cider vinegar dressing, smoky turkey bacon, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, fresh corn, gluten free salad