SUMMER PASTA SALAD with Corn

Bright, fresh, and full of sunshine flavor!

Thank you so much for stopping by — because this Summer Pasta Salad with Corn is everything a warm-weather meal should be: light, flavorful, easy to make, and bursting with seasonal ingredients. It’s the perfect dish for potlucks, picnics, cookouts, or a casual dinner on the porch. Sweet corn, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a zesty dressing turn simple pasta into a colorful celebration of summer!

💌 Love fresh seasonal recipes like this? Subscribe to my newsletter for weekly meal inspiration filled with vibrant flavors and effortless charm.

What Is Summer Pasta Salad with Corn?

This is not your average pasta salad! It features al dente pasta tossed with fresh or grilled corn, cherry tomatoes, fresh herbs, and a light lemon or vinaigrette dressing. It’s vegetarian-friendly, easily customizable, and just as delicious chilled as it is room temp — the kind of recipe that disappears fast at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• ✅ Packed with fresh summer veggies

• ✅ Easy to prep ahead — even better the next day

• ✅ Totally customizable with add-ins

• ✅ Serves a crowd or makes perfect leftovers

• ✅ Naturally vegetarian, and easy to make vegan or gluten-free

What It Tastes Like

This salad tastes bright, fresh, and tangy with a sweet crunch from corn, juicy bursts from tomatoes, and a garlicky-lemony kick from the dressing. The herbs bring it to life, and the pasta makes it hearty enough to stand on its own or alongside grilled mains.

Benefits of This Recipe

• Quick cook time — under 30 minutes start to finish

• Great way to use up garden produce

• Ideal make-ahead dish for summer events

• Flexible base for proteins, cheese, or legumes

• Delicious warm or cold

Ingredients for Summer Pasta Salad with Corn

🥗 Salad Base:

• 8 oz short pasta (like rotini, bow tie, or penne)

• 1½ cups fresh corn kernels (from 2–3 ears), or use frozen/thawed

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• ½ small red onion, thinly sliced or diced

• ½ cup fresh basil, torn or chopped

• Optional: ½ cup crumbled feta or goat cheese

🥄 Lemon Garlic Dressing:

• ¼ cup olive oil

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (plus zest for brightness)

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• Optional: a pinch of red pepper flakes or honey

Tools You’ll Need

• Large pot for pasta

• Skillet or grill pan (if charring corn)

• Mixing bowl

• Whisk or mason jar (for shaking up the dressing)

• Cutting board and knife

Ingredient Substitutions & Add-Ons

• Pasta: Use whole wheat, gluten-free, or chickpea pasta for dietary needs

• Corn: Grilled corn adds a smoky-sweet depth — just slice kernels off the cob

• Tomatoes: Grape, heirloom cherry, or diced Roma all work well

• Onion: Sub with scallions or shallots for a milder bite

• Cheese: Add mozzarella pearls, feta, goat cheese, or omit for dairy-free

• Add protein: Grilled chicken, chickpeas, black beans, or shrimp

• Toss in extras: Avocado chunks, arugula, zucchini ribbons, roasted peppers

How to Make Summer Pasta Salad with Corn

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cool water. Set aside to cool slightly.

2. Prep the Corn

• Fresh/raw: Simply slice kernels off the cob.

• Grilled or sautéed: Char corn on the grill or in a hot skillet with a little olive oil for 2–3 minutes until golden.

3. Mix the Dressing

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon, garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Taste and adjust acidity or seasoning as needed.

4. Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, corn, tomatoes, onion, and basil. Pour dressing over and toss to combine.

5. Add Cheese and Chill

Fold in cheese if using. Chill for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld, or serve immediately at room temp.

What to Serve With Corn Pasta Salad

This salad plays well with almost anything on your summer table:

• Grilled meats: Chicken, steak, or sausages

• Seafood: Shrimp skewers, grilled salmon, or fish tacos

• BBQ mains: Ribs, pulled pork, or portobello burgers

• Light bites: Deviled eggs, garlic bread, or caprese skewers

• Drinks: Lemonade, iced tea, white sangria, or a crisp rosé

Tips for the Best Pasta Salad

• 🍝 1. Cook the Pasta Al Dente (Firm to the Bite)

  • Overcooked pasta turns mushy once it absorbs dressing.

  • Cook just until al dente (usually 1 minute less than package instructions) for the best texture.

  • Rinse briefly under cool water after draining to stop the cooking and chill the pasta slightly.

  🧂 2. Salt the Pasta Water Generously

  • Just like with hot pasta dishes, the pasta salad base should be seasoned from within.

  • Add a generous pinch of salt to the water — it makes a big difference in flavor.

  🥄 3. Don’t Skimp on the Dressing

  • Pasta absorbs dressing as it sits, so don’t be afraid to dress generously.

  • Save a little extra dressing to refresh the salad just before serving.

  🌽 4. Add Crunch and Color

  • Bright veggies like corn, red bell peppers, cucumbers, or red onions not only add nutrition, but also a satisfying crunch.

  • Use fresh herbs (like basil, dill, or parsley) to brighten the flavor and add visual appeal.

  🧊 5. Chill Before Serving

  • Let your pasta salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour before serving.

  • This helps the flavors meld and gives a more refreshing bite — especially great in summer!

  🧈 6. Toss Again Before Serving

  • Pasta salad can soak up dressing and settle as it chills.

  • Give it a good toss before serving and, if needed, add a splash of olive oil or lemon juice to revive it.

  🥑 7. Add Delicate Ingredients Last

  • Soft items like avocado, herbs, or cheese can get mushy or lose flavor if added too early.

  • Add them just before serving to keep them fresh, bright, and beautiful.

  🥫 8. Make It a Meal

  • Add protein like grilled chicken, shrimp, tuna, beans, or chickpeas to turn your pasta salad into a complete meal.

  • Pasta salad is endlessly adaptable — make it your own!

  Bonus Tip: Try Different Pasta Shapes!

  Short pasta shapes with nooks and ridges work best — they hold onto dressing and mix-ins better. Some top choices:

  • Rotini – Classic corkscrew shape

  • Farfalle (bow ties) – Pretty and holds firm

  • Penne or rigatoni – Great for hearty versions

  • Shells – Perfect for scooping up bits of veggies and dressing

Storage Instructions

• 🧊 Refrigerator (Best Option)

  • Transfer the cooled pasta salad to an airtight container or cover the mixing bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid.

  • Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

  • Give it a gentle toss before serving — the pasta tends to absorb the dressing as it sits.

  • Add a drizzle of olive oil or a splash of lemon juice just before serving to revive the flavor and texture.

  🕒 Make-Ahead Tip

  • Pasta salad is actually better when made ahead — aim to prep it at least 1–2 hours in advance, or even the night before, to let the flavors meld.

  • If using delicate herbs (like basil) or add-ins like avocado, wait to stir them in until just before serving for the freshest look and taste.

  ⚠️ Freezing Not Recommended

  • Pasta salad does not freeze well — the texture of the pasta, fresh vegetables, and dressing can all become mushy or separated once thawed.

  • For best results, enjoy it fresh within a few days.

General Info About Pasta Salad

🌿 What Is Pasta Salad?

Pasta salad is a cold or room-temperature dish made by tossing cooked pasta with a variety of ingredients like fresh vegetables, cheeses, herbs, proteins, and dressings (either vinaigrette-based or creamy). It’s a go-to side dish for potlucks, picnics, BBQs, or make-ahead lunches — and depending on what you put in it, it can even be the main event.

🧺 Why Pasta Salad Is So Popular

• ✅ Make-ahead friendly – It actually tastes better after a few hours or overnight in the fridge.

• ✅ Customizable – Mix and match pasta shapes, dressings, and add-ins based on what’s in your fridge.

• ✅ Great for feeding a crowd – Easy to double or triple for gatherings.

• ✅ Easy to prep – No complicated steps or cooking skills required.

• ✅ Works for any season – Lighter versions shine in summer, heartier ones fit winter meals.

🍝 Types of Pasta Salad

There are two main styles:

1. Vinaigrette-Based Pasta Salad

• Light and refreshing

• Made with olive oil, vinegar or lemon juice, herbs, and spices

• Often includes fresh vegetables, cheese, olives, and herbs

• Example: Summer Pasta Salad with Corn (like the one above!)

2. Creamy Pasta Salad

• Richer and more indulgent

• Made with mayo, sour cream, yogurt, or a combo

• Often paired with peas, cheddar, bacon, and pickles

• Example: Classic American pasta salad or ranch pasta salad

🍅 Common Pasta Salad Ingredients

• Pasta: Rotini, penne, bow ties (farfalle), or shells are popular

• Veggies: Tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumbers, red onions, corn, peas

• Cheese: Feta, mozzarella, Parmesan, cheddar cubes

• Protein: Grilled chicken, chickpeas, tuna, salami, shrimp

• Fresh herbs: Basil, parsley, dill, or chives

• Dressings: Vinaigrettes, pesto, ranch, creamy garlic, lemon tahini

✨ The best pasta salads balance salty, sweet, acidic, and creamy elements — and don’t forget the crunch!

🧊 Storage & Serving Tips

• Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving — this helps the flavors meld.

• Toss again before serving — pasta can absorb dressing and dry out.

• Add delicate ingredients (like herbs or avocado) right before serving.

• Keep refrigerated for up to 4 days in an airtight container.

🥳 Pasta Salad for Every Occasion

• BBQs & Cookouts: Serve alongside burgers, hot dogs, ribs, or grilled chicken

• Picnics: Easy to transport and serve at room temperature

• Weeknight dinners: Add protein and make it a meal

• Meal prep lunches: Holds up well in the fridge for days

• Holidays: Brighten up winter with roasted veggie pasta salads or pesto versions

Pasta Salad Fun Fact 🎉

The idea of cold pasta dishes has been around since ancient times, but pasta salad as we know it took off in 20th-century America, especially post-WWII when boxed pasta and mayo-based dressings became household staples. Since then, it’s evolved into an internationally loved dish with flavors from the Mediterranean, Asia, and beyond.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen corn?

Absolutely! Just thaw and pat dry before using. No cooking required, but you can sauté it for extra flavor.

Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes — it’s even better the next day! Just stir and adjust seasoning before serving.

Is it gluten-free?

It can be! Use your favorite gluten-free pasta, and check your Dijon mustard is certified GF.

Can I make it vegan?

Yes — skip the cheese or use a plant-based alternative, and double-check your mustard and pasta ingredients.

Conclusion

This Summer Pasta Salad with Corn is sunshine in a bowl — fresh, zesty, and loaded with seasonal flavor. Whether you’re serving it at a BBQ, prepping lunches for the week, or just looking for a colorful side dish, this salad delivers every time. It’s proof that simple ingredients can create something truly craveable.

And if you loved this, don’t miss my Grilled Veggie Orzo Salad or Creamy Cucumber Feta Pasta Salad — more light, bright recipes perfect for the season!

Show Me Your Salad!

Did you make this corn-packed beauty? I have to see it!
📸 Tag your summer pasta salad on Pinterest or leave a review — your creations make this community extra flavorful.

Nutritional Info (Per Serving – Approx. 6 servings)

• Calories: ~280

• Fat: 12g

• Carbs: 34g

• Protein: 6g

• Fiber: 3g

• Sugar: 4g

Print