The perfect side to your favorite grilled meat or summer meal, this Fresh Corn and Tomato Pasta Salad is full of fresh flavor and takes very little prep work to prepare!
Sweet corn. We just can’t get enough of it. While it isn’t quite in season here in Minnesota, we’re still able to get some decent corn this time of year.
And since summer = sweet corn in my mind, we eat lots of it!
Most of the time we end up eating it grilled, but sometimes I manage to save a few ears out for salads like this one. We’re still enjoying this fresh corn and tomato pasta salad.
Simple sides like this pair perfectly with your favorite grilled meat and pack a lot of flavor without a lot of work. It can be served warm or cold.
That makes for a handy recipe to have on hand when you’re invited to a last minute party or extra guests show up at the last minute.
Just stick it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve it! In fact, we liked it best after the flavors had a chance to blend awhile.
Right as I was finishing it up I added feta, I can’t help putting feta on everything lately! The saltiness of the cheese heightened the flavor of the corn and tomatoes. If you don’t have feta on hand, this salad still tastes great without it.
Make a big batch and have enough for leftovers the rest of the week! I may or may not have done this the last time and ate just the salad without any meat for quick lunches!
Fresh Corn and Tomato Pasta Salad
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 8 oz uncooked whole wheat rotini
- 3 medium ears sweet corn, cooked and kernels cut off
- 1/2 C red onion, chopped
- 1 1/2 C grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 C feta cheese, crumbled
For the Dressing
- 1/4 C olive oil
- 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Cook rigatoni according package instructions.
- In a small bowl, whisk together dressing ingredients until well-combined.
- In a large bowl, toss pasta with dressing. Stir in corn, onion, grape tomatoes, and feta until combined.
- Serve warm or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
We preferred the salad cold after it had chilled for an hour to allow the flavors to blend.
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Amy @ A Healthy Life For Me says
What fun adding summer sweet corn to this dish. Explosion of summer flavors.
Julia says
Pasta salads are the best in the summer. I love the idea of adding sweet corn with tomato. Such a great pairing!
Meg says
Oooh, yes — this looks awesome! I actually posted a recipe for a simple corn and tomato salad yesterday — great minds think alike! 🙂 A friend actually just gave me six “extra” ears of corn she doesn’t know what to do with . . . they just might end up in this dish!
Anna @ Crunchy Creamy Sweet says
We are in KS so sweet corn is a must for a summer dinner! Also I am obsessed with pasta salads lately so this totally needs to happen!
Medha @ Whiak & Shout says
Love the sweetness of the fresh corn! So delish 🙂
Cyndi - My Kitchen Craze says
I’m loving this pasta salad!! I love that you used fresh corn. I am totally craving a bowl right now! Pinned! 🙂
Jennie @onesweetmess says
I’m currently addicted to all things corn. This salad looks so fresh and delicious. I can’t wait to give it a go. Pinned.
Alex Caspero MA,RD (@delishknowledge) says
I do the same thing with most dishes! I end up topping them with a little parm or feta cheese- it transforms almost everything! I love this simple summer side, sounds delicious!
Erin @ Miss Scrambled Egg says
I want all of this pasta salad. Corn is one of my favorite summer vegetables especially when it’s fresh from the farm. I’ll be making this dish very soon.
Nicole ~ Cooking for Keeps says
Ahhh summer pasta. Light, vibrant and so beautiful!
Shelby @ Go Eat and Repeat says
How could you not love this dish? It combines what is perfect in corn AND in pasta salad. I love it!
Kelly - Life Made Sweeter says
Fresh corn is the best! Love that you added it this pasta salad! It looks incredible!
Anna (Hidden Ponies) says
This is a perfect summer side dish! We just had our first fresh local corn this week…one of my favourite summer treats!
Ashley says
Yes yes to all recipes with summer corn! LOVE the sound of this pasta salad, especially with the feta!
Hayley @ The Domestic Rebel says
I love those big, beautiful cherry tomatoes and that sweet corn. This looks like my kinda pasta salad!
Holly Waterfall says
I love how summery this salad is! So perfect