This Pesto Chicken, Corn, Avocado, and Bacon Pasta Salad is the epitome of a perfect summer meal. The creamy avocado complements the crispy bacon, while the corn adds a slight sweetness. Tossed in fresh pesto and olive oil, this dish is fresh, vibrant, and bursting with flavor. It’s an easy, yet satisfying meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
This salad is not just a treat for the tastebuds, but it’s also a feast for the eyes. With its beautiful green pesto coating the pasta, bright yellow corn, and creamy avocado, it’s a dish that feels as good as it tastes. Perfect for gatherings, meal prep, or a light dinner on a warm evening, it’s guaranteed to be a favorite.
Full Recipe:
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2 cups cooked chicken, diced
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1 cup cooked corn kernels
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1 ripe avocado, diced
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6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
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1 pound pasta (penne or rotini works great)
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1/4 cup pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade)
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Fresh basil, for garnish
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Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Directions:
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Cook pasta according to package instructions, then drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
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In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken, corn, avocado, and crumbled bacon.
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Drizzle with pesto sauce and olive oil. Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
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Season with lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste.
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Garnish with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese (if desired).
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Serve chilled or at room temperature for a perfect summer meal.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 480 kcal | Servings: 4-6 servings
Introduction
Summer meals are all about fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors, and nothing captures this better than a Pesto Chicken, Corn, Avocado, and Bacon Pasta Salad. This dish is the perfect balance of textures and tastes, combining creamy avocado, smoky bacon, sweet corn, and savory pesto, all tossed together with pasta. Whether you’re planning a casual family dinner, hosting a BBQ, or attending a picnic, this salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. It’s simple to make, refreshing, and packed with nutrients, making it a great addition to your summer recipe repertoire.
Why This Recipe Works
This Pesto Chicken, Corn, Avocado, and Bacon Pasta Salad combines a variety of ingredients that work together to create a harmonious dish. The creamy avocado adds a luxurious texture, while the crispy bacon provides a salty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the corn. The chicken gives the salad a satisfying protein boost, making it hearty enough to serve as a main dish. The pesto ties everything together with its fragrant basil and garlic flavors, adding a burst of freshness that elevates the entire salad. The pasta serves as a base, soaking up the pesto dressing and complementing all the other ingredients.
Perfect for Any Occasion
One of the reasons this dish is so versatile is that it works for almost any occasion. It’s easy to prepare and can be made in advance, making it an excellent choice for potlucks, family gatherings, or barbecues. The beauty of this salad is that it’s not too heavy, yet filling enough to serve as a main course. It’s equally delightful on a warm summer evening as it is served chilled for a picnic. The combination of textures and flavors in this salad makes it an ideal choice for any outdoor gathering, and its vibrant colors are sure to impress your guests.
Preparation Tips for the Best Salad
While this dish is fairly simple to prepare, there are a few tips to ensure it turns out perfectly every time. First, when cooking the pasta, make sure to avoid overcooking it. Pasta that is slightly al dente will hold up better when tossed with the pesto and other ingredients, ensuring that the salad has the right texture. After draining the pasta, rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent it from becoming too sticky.
For the chicken, you can use leftovers or cook it fresh. Grilled or pan-seared chicken works best, as it adds an extra layer of flavor to the salad. If you’re using grilled chicken, try marinating it in olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice to enhance the flavor. For the bacon, it’s important to cook it until it’s crispy, as this provides a satisfying crunch that contrasts with the creaminess of the avocado.
The pesto sauce is the star of this dish, so don’t be afraid to use a high-quality version. You can either use store-bought pesto or make your own for a fresher taste. If you want to customize the pesto, feel free to swap out the basil for other herbs, such as parsley or arugula, to give the salad a unique twist.
Making It Ahead of Time
One of the best things about this Pesto Chicken, Corn, Avocado, and Bacon Pasta Salad is that it can be prepared in advance. In fact, the flavors tend to develop even more after sitting for a few hours, making it an ideal dish for meal prep or make-ahead meals. To keep the avocado from browning, you can prepare the salad up until the point of adding the avocado and then add it just before serving. If you need to store leftovers, make sure to refrigerate the salad in an airtight container for up to 2–3 days.
Variations to Customize Your Salad
While this salad is delicious as is, there are plenty of ways to make it your own. If you want to make it a bit lighter, you can substitute the pasta for spiralized zucchini or cucumber for a lower-carb option. You could also add other vegetables, such as cherry tomatoes, cucumber, or bell peppers, to give the salad an extra burst of color and nutrition.
For those who prefer a vegan or dairy-free option, simply omit the bacon and use a plant-based pesto made with nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. You can also add more plant-based protein by incorporating chickpeas, tofu, or tempeh. If you’re a fan of spicy food, try adding some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing for a kick of heat.
Why You’ll Love This Salad
What makes this Pesto Chicken, Corn, Avocado, and Bacon Pasta Salad stand out is its incredible versatility. It can easily be adapted to suit a variety of dietary preferences and occasions. The combination of creamy, crunchy, savory, and sweet ingredients makes every bite a delightful experience. Additionally, it’s a dish that can be made in advance, so you don’t have to spend time in the kitchen when you’re ready to serve it.
This salad also offers the opportunity to get creative with your ingredients. Whether you’re swapping out the protein, adding more vegetables, or experimenting with different pesto recipes, the possibilities are endless. It’s a great way to use up leftovers, and it’s an excellent way to enjoy fresh, in-season produce like corn and avocado.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Pesto Chicken, Corn, Avocado, and Bacon Pasta Salad is a must-try dish for anyone who enjoys fresh, vibrant, and flavorful meals. It’s easy to prepare, customizable, and perfect for a variety of occasions. Whether you’re serving it at a summer BBQ, preparing it for a family dinner, or packing it for a picnic, this salad is sure to impress. With its delightful mix of textures and tastes, it’s no wonder this dish has become a favorite for so many food lovers. So, gather your ingredients and give this delicious pasta salad a try — it just might become your go-to summer dish!