Hi👋 I’m MARILYN, a 34-year-old from the United Kingdom. Cooking is my passion, and I love sharing delicious, easy-to-follow recipes. Join me on marilynrecipes.com to explore a world of culinary delights, from comforting classics to innovative creations. Let’s make cooking fun and enjoyable for everyone! Cooking is about more than just food it’s about sharing stories and making memories.
One sunny Saturday a few summers ago, I remember walking through my local farmers’ market, the smell of fresh corn wafting through the air. I was craving something hearty, comforting, and full of flavour that would make everyone at my table smile. That’s when inspiration struck I grabbed some sweet corn, a pack of smoky bacon, and a bundle of fresh herbs. By the end of the day, I had created Bacon Street Corn Pasta Salad, a dish that quickly became a staple in my kitchen. Since that first trial, I’ve made it countless times, each variation more delicious than the last. Today, I’m excited to share it with you, so you can bring the warmth, laughter, and love of this dish to your home.
This Bacon Street Corn Pasta Salad has everything I love in a summer meal: creamy, crunchy, salty, and a touch of sweetness. Every bite takes me back to those afternoons with friends gathered around my kitchen island, sharing stories and stealing extra bites before anyone else could.
Why I Love Making This Recipe
There’s something magical about combining pasta, sweet corn, and crisp bacon in one bowl. For me, it’s not just about the flavours — it’s about the moments it creates. Every time I toss together the ingredients, I’m reminded of family dinners where laughter filled the air and friends lingered long after the plates were empty.
I love that this salad is both comforting and refreshing. It’s creamy but not heavy, smoky but balanced with the sweetness of corn and a little zing from a simple dressing. It’s a dish that makes weekday meals special and weekend gatherings effortless.
Another reason I adore this recipe is its versatility. You can make it ahead, pop it in the fridge, and bring it to a picnic. You can double it for a potluck or keep it light for a solo lunch. And the best part? Everyone asks for seconds it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients & Little Kitchen Secrets
Here’s what you’ll need for my Bacon Street Corn Pasta Salad:
- 300g fusilli or penne pasta
- 200g sweetcorn (fresh or frozen)
- 6 slices thick-cut smoked bacon
- 1 small red onion, finely diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 spring onions, sliced
- 100g cherry tomatoes, halved
- 100g cheddar cheese, cubed
- 3 tbsp mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sour cream
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Little kitchen secrets:
- Always cook the pasta until just al dente it keeps the salad light and chewy.
- Crisp the bacon in a pan without overcrowding it; this makes it perfectly crunchy.
- Roast your corn lightly in a pan or oven to enhance its sweetness if using fresh corn.
- Mix the dressing separately and taste as you go you can adjust creaminess and tang.
How I Make It, Step by Step
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, about 9–11 minutes. Drain and toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside to cool.
- Prepare the bacon: Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the bacon slices and cook until golden and crisp, about 4–6 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels and chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Sauté the vegetables: In the same pan, sauté the red onion and red bell pepper in a little olive oil for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add the corn and cook for another 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Assemble the salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, sautéed vegetables, cherry tomatoes, spring onions, bacon, and cheddar cubes. Pour over the dressing and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
How I Serve It at Home
I love serving this salad in a large, rustic wooden bowl right in the centre of the table. Everyone helps themselves, laughing as they debate who gets the last bacon piece. Sometimes I add a crusty loaf of garlic bread or a simple green salad on the side. For warm evenings, a chilled glass of white wine or sparkling lemonade pairs beautifully.
I often find that serving it at room temperature works best it lets the flavours shine and the textures stay perfect. If I’m hosting, I make a little extra and keep it in small bowls ready for seconds.
Storage, Reheating & Make-Ahead Tips
This salad is surprisingly forgiving when it comes to storage:
- Make-ahead: You can prepare all components separately and assemble the salad a few hours before serving.
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate if you want to maintain the freshest texture.
- Reheating: I don’t usually reheat this salad it’s best served cold or at room temperature. If you must warm it slightly, do so gently in a pan on low heat, then add the dressing after.
100-Word Short Version
Bacon Street Corn Pasta Salad is my ultimate comfort-meets-summer dish. Sweet corn, crispy bacon, sautéed peppers, and onions mingle with al dente pasta, tossed in a creamy, smoky dressing. I love making it because it’s simple, delicious, and brings friends and family together. Garnished with fresh parsley and cubes of cheddar, it’s perfect for picnics, casual lunches, or a dinner side. Prepare the components ahead of time, assemble when ready, and enjoy a dish that’s bursting with flavour, texture, and love. Every bite reminds me why cooking is all about sharing stories and making memories.
Recipe Card Section
⏱️ Time
- Prep: 15 mins
- Cook: 20 mins
- Total: 35 mins
🛒 Ingredients
- 300g fusilli or penne pasta
- 200g sweetcorn
- 6 slices thick-cut smoked bacon
- 1 small red onion, finely diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 spring onions, sliced
- 100g cherry tomatoes, halved
- 100g cheddar cheese, cubed
- 3 tbsp mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sour cream
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
👩🍳 Instructions
- Cook pasta until al dente, drain, and drizzle with olive oil.
- Crisp bacon in a pan and chop into pieces.
- Sauté onion and bell pepper, add corn, and cool.
- Whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Combine pasta, vegetables, bacon, tomatoes, and cheddar. Toss with dressing.
- Garnish with parsley and serve.
📝 Notes
- Adjust dressing for creaminess and tang.
- Prepare ahead, store in airtight container up to 2 days.
- Serve at room temperature for best texture.
- Substitute feta for cheddar for a tangy twist.
🍽️ Nutrition
- Serving size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated fat: 7g
- Unsaturated fat: 9g
- Trans fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Bacon Street Corn Pasta Salad
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: American
Description
My Bacon Street Corn Pasta Salad is a creamy, comforting dish with smoky bacon, sweet corn, fresh vegetables, and cheddar cheese. Perfect for summer lunches, picnics, and family gatherings, this salad is easy to make and bursting with flavour.
Ingredients
- 300g fusilli or penne pasta
- 200g sweetcorn
- 6 slices thick-cut smoked bacon
- 1 small red onion, finely diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 spring onions, sliced
- 100g cherry tomatoes, halved
- 100g cheddar cheese, cubed
- 3 tbsp mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sour cream
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta until al dente, drain, and drizzle with olive oil.
- Crisp bacon in a pan and chop into pieces.
- Sauté onion and bell pepper, add corn, and cool.
- Whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Combine pasta, vegetables, bacon, tomatoes, and cheddar. Toss with dressing.
- Garnish with parsley and serve.
Notes
- Adjust dressing for creaminess and tang.
- Prepare ahead, store in airtight container up to 2 days.
- Serve at room temperature for best texture.
- Substitute feta for cheddar for a tangy twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 520
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Unsaturated Fat: 9
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 36
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 14
- Cholesterol: 35
Conclusion
Every time I make this Bacon Street Corn Pasta Salad, I’m reminded why I love cooking so much. It’s more than just a meal it’s a moment of connection, a dish that brings people together and sparks joy. From the first crispy bite of bacon to the sweetness of corn and the creaminess of the dressing, it’s a hug in a bowl. I hope this recipe fills your kitchen with the same warmth and happiness it always brings to mine. Share it with friends, family, or even just treat yourself every bite tells a story of love, laughter, and good food.