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Crack Corn Pasta Salad

Creamy Crack Corn Pasta Salad Perfect for Summer BBQs

This Crack Corn Pasta Salad combines sweet corn, crispy bacon, and tangy ranch dressing for a delightful, easy-to-make summer dish.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 8 oz Ditalini Pasta Small pasta shape
  • 1 cup Sweet Corn Fresh or frozen
  • 6 slices Bacon Crispy, use turkey bacon for lighter version
  • 1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese Substitute with favorite cheese
  • 1 each Jalapeño Pepper Diced, adjust based on heat preference
  • 4 each Spring Onions Sliced; can use red onion
For the Dressing
  • 1/2 cup Mayo Or Greek yogurt for lighter alternative
  • 1/2 cup Sour Cream Can swap with Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup Buttermilk Fresh is best
  • 1 packet Dry Ranch Dressing Mix Homemade mixes work
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley Chopped, can use other soft herbs
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice Lime juice can be used
  • to taste Salt & Pepper Essential for flavor

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Skillet
  • mixing bowl
  • Colander
  • spatula
  • whisk

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the ditalini pasta and cook according to package directions, usually around 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water.
  2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from skillet and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Cool and chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, sweet corn, chopped bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, diced jalapeño, and sliced spring onions. Toss to mix evenly.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayo, sour cream, buttermilk, and dry ranch dressing mix until smooth. Add parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper; mix well.
  5. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture. Gently toss to coat everything evenly in the dressing.
  6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Chill for at least 1 hour to meld flavors.
  7. Before serving, stir the pasta salad and garnish with additional chopped parsley if desired. Serve cold.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 12gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 350mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 280IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Allow salad to chill for at least an hour for best flavor. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.

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