Dive into the vibrant flavors of summer with our Fresh Corn and Herb Pasta Salad! This delightful Italian dish is not just a feast for the eyes but also a refreshing treat for your taste buds, perfect for picnics, barbecues, or a light weeknight dinner. With the sweet crunch of fresh corn, the juicy burst of cherry tomatoes, and the aromatic herbs, this pasta salad is sure to become your go-to recipe. Ready to impress your friends and family? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta
- 2 cups fresh corn kernels
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the fresh corn kernels by carefully cutting them off the cob using a sharp knife. If using pre-cut corn, ensure it's fresh and clean.
- Halve the cherry tomatoes lengthwise and finely chop the fresh basil and parsley leaves, ensuring they are clean and dry.
- Once pasta is cooked, drain in a colander and immediately rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta down. Shake off excess water.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, fresh corn kernels, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped basil, and chopped parsley.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to create the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture, gently tossing to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld together before serving.
- Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with extra fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Choose the Right Pasta: Opt for short pasta shapes like fusilli or penne, as they hold onto the dressing and ingredients better than long strands.
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use the freshest corn you can find for the best flavor. If you have access to farmer's markets, that’s the ideal place to pick it up!
- Chill for Flavor: Allow the pasta salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 15-20 minutes. This resting time helps the flavors meld beautifully.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other seasonal vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers to enhance the salad's texture and flavor.
- Make It Ahead: This salad can be made a few hours in advance. Just keep it covered in the fridge and give it a quick toss before serving.
- Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of extra fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving can elevate the dish’s presentation and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 398kcal
Carbohydrates: 58g
Protein: 9g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
