Summer Corn Tomato Pasta Salad (Print)

Lively summer corn and ripe tomatoes tossed with pasta and herbs in a tangy vinaigrette, perfect for gatherings.

# Ingredients:

→ Pasta

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

→ Vegetables

02 - 2 cups fresh corn kernels (from about 3 ears) or frozen, thawed
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 ground black pepper

# Directions:

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

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It’s practically foolproof and tastes even better the next day — like finding leftovers you actually crave.
  • This is the kind of salad people hover over at parties and always ask for the recipe afterward.
02 -
  • Once I overdressed the salad and it turned soggy — start with half the dressing and add gradually, tasting as you go.
  • Letting the salad sit for a little while before serving really melds the flavors; don’t skip this step!
03 -
  • Chilling the salad for 20 minutes before serving gives the flavors time to marry and brings out the crunch in veggies.
  • To save time, use pre-cooked corn or leftover grilled veggies for a smoky twist.
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