Summer Corn Tomato Pasta Salad (Print View)

Bursting with corn and tomato, this chilled pasta salad offers summer freshness in every bite.

# Components:

→ Pasta

01 - 8 ounces short pasta such as fusilli, penne, or farfalle

→ Vegetables

02 - 2 cups fresh corn kernels or thawed frozen corn
03 - 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
04 - 1 small red onion, finely diced
05 - 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
06 - 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn

→ Cheese (optional)

07 - 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled

→ Dressing

08 - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
09 - 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
10 - 1 clove garlic, minced
11 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
12 - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
13 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

# Directions:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water until completely cool.
02 - If using fresh corn, steam or boil the kernels for 2 to 3 minutes until just tender. Drain and cool.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, corn, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, basil, and feta cheese if desired.
04 - In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, sea salt, and black pepper until emulsified.
05 - Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
06 - Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's got that just-picked summer flavor that'll wow your friends, even if you throw it together last minute.
  • I keep coming back because it makes even a simple Tuesday lunch feel like a garden party.
02 -
  • One time I skipped rinsing the pasta, and the heat wilted my veggies—a lesson in patience I won't forget.
  • Letting the salad rest for at least 10 minutes before serving gives every ingredient time to soak up the bright dressing.
03 -
  • Don't underestimate the difference really fresh corn and ripe tomatoes make—they're what elevate the salad from good to unforgettable.
  • Adding just a pinch more salt right before serving wakes everything up, especially if it's been chilled.
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