Description

Easy Street Corn Pasta Salad combines smoky turkey bacon, fresh corn, and creamy plant-based cheese (plant-based) for a vibrant, flavorful, and refreshing summer side dish. Perfect for backyard barbecues or quick meals, this salad offers a delicious blend of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors with a colorful, nourishing touch.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

Fresh corn kernels, from 3 ears of corn
6 slices smoky turkey bacon, cooked and chopped
3 cups short pasta (rotini or penne), cooked and cooled
1 cup plant-based cheese (plant-based), diced or crumbled
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Dressing Ingredients

1/2 cup mayonnaise (natural)
2 tablespoons lime juice (natural)
1 teaspoon garlic powder (natural)
1 teaspoon chili powder (natural)
1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Boil short pasta in salted water until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool the pasta completely and stop the cooking process.
Prepare the Corn and Bacon: Grill or sauté fresh corn kernels until lightly charred for enhanced sweetness. In a separate pan, cook the smoky turkey bacon until crisp, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
Mix the Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise (natural), lime juice (natural), garlic powder (natural), chili powder (natural), and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) until smooth and creamy.
Combine All Ingredients: Add the cooled pasta, charred corn, chopped turkey bacon, and plant-based cheese (plant-based) to the dressing bowl. Gently fold everything together until well coated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Before serving, sprinkle with freshly chopped cilantro for a fresh herbal finish.

Notes

Use fresh corn whenever possible for the best flavor.
Rinse cooked pasta under cold water to prevent mushiness.
Lightly toast chili powder and garlic powder to enhance aromatic flavors.
Add extra mayonnaise (natural) or plant-based cheese (plant-based) to adjust creaminess to preference.
This salad tastes best after sitting for a few hours as flavors combine well.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Sautéing and boiling
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 280
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 450mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 8g
Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: Street Corn Pasta Salad, summer salad, vegan pasta salad, plant-based cheese salad, smoky turkey bacon salad, easy pasta salad