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If you're searching for a vibrant and satisfying dish that can elevate any gathering, look no further than the Sweet Corn & Bacon Pasta Salad. This delightful pasta salad is a celebration of flavors and textures, combining the sweetness of fresh corn with the savory crunch of crispy bacon. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a side dish at barbecues, this recipe is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile, making it a favorite for both casual meals and festive occasions.

Sweet Corn & Bacon Pasta Salad

Discover the perfect blend of flavors with Sweet Corn & Bacon Pasta Salad! This vibrant dish features sweet corn and crispy bacon complemented by rotini pasta and fresh veggies. Ideal for summer barbecues, picnics, or potlucks, it's easy to make and sure to impress! With a creamy dressing and a colorful medley of ingredients, each bite offers a delightful contrast of textures. Elevate your next gathering with this crowd-pleasing salad that everyone will love!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz (225 g) rotini pasta

4 strips of crispy bacon, chopped into small pieces

1 cup fresh sweet corn (or thawed frozen corn)

1 small red bell pepper, diced into small cubes

½ cup red onion, finely chopped

½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved

¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

¾ cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

½ teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and black pepper to taste

¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for a smoky flavor)

½ cup crumbled feta cheese (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (typically 8-10 minutes). Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool completely.

    Prepare the Bacon: In a medium skillet, place the chopped bacon over medium heat. Cook the bacon until it's crispy and golden brown, stirring occasionally for even crisping (about 5-7 minutes). Once crispy, use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess grease.

      Combine the Vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled rotini pasta, crispy bacon, fresh sweet corn, diced red bell pepper, chopped red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, and fresh parsley. Using a spatula or large spoon, gently toss all ingredients together until well combined.

        Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika (if using) until the dressing is smooth and well blended.

          Combine Everything: Pour the creamy dressing over the pasta salad mixture. Using a spatula, fold the dressing into the salad gently until all ingredients are evenly coated. Taste the salad and adjust seasoning if necessary by adding more salt or pepper.

            Chill: To enhance the flavors, cover the pasta salad with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows the ingredients to meld together beautifully.

              Serve: Before serving, give the salad a gentle toss to redistribute the ingredients. Serve in a large bowl or on individual plates, garnished with a generous sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese for a rich and tangy finishing touch.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 1 hour (including chilling) | 4-6 servings

                  - Presentation Tips: For a vibrant look, serve the pasta salad in a large glass bowl to showcase the colorful ingredients, and consider adding a sprig of parsley on top for a fresh garnish.