Shrimp with Chicken and Corn Pasta Salad with Bacon is a bright, satisfying main dish that’s perfect for warm weather and summer gatherings. Combining seared chicken, juicy shrimp, sweet corn kernels, crispy bacon, and vibrant red bell peppers over a bed of pasta, this dish is tossed in a creamy basil pesto dressing for maximum flavor. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s ideal for potlucks, BBQs, or a quick weeknight dinner. It’s also highly flexible—swap in canned corn or use rotisserie chicken to save time, and adjust with your favorite seasonal veggies.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 8 oz orecchiette pasta (or short pasta like fusilli, penne, or farfalle)

• 1 lb skinless boneless chicken thighs

• ½ lb cooked shrimp (peeled and deveined)

• 1 cup corn kernels (from 2 ears of corn, boiled or grilled)

• 1 red bell pepper, diced

• 6 strips of cooked bacon, chopped

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• ½ tsp chili powder

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

For the Creamy Basil Pesto Dressing:

• ⅓ cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)

• 3 tbsp Greek yogurt

• 2 tbsp mayonnaise

• 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice (or lemon juice)

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta
   Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

2. Cook the Chicken
   Season chicken thighs with Italian seasoning, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Heat a skillet with olive oil over medium heat. Cook chicken for 5 minutes on each side or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from heat and slice thinly.

3. Cook the Shrimp
   In the same skillet or separately, sear shrimp in a bit of olive oil for about 2 minutes per side or until pink and cooked through. Set aside.

4. Prepare the Dressing
   In a mason jar or small bowl, whisk together basil pesto, Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, and lime juice. Thin with a bit of water or more lime juice if too thick.

5. Assemble the Salad
   In a large bowl, mix cooked pasta, corn, red bell pepper, and chopped bacon. Distribute into serving bowls. Top with sliced chicken and shrimp.

6. Add Dressing and Garnish
   Drizzle the creamy pesto dressing over each serving and sprinkle with fresh chopped basil. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Nutrients (per serving – serves 4)

• Calories: ~639 kcal

• Protein: ~36g

• Carbohydrates: ~42g

• Fat: ~35g

• Fiber: ~4g

• Sugar: ~5g

The Inspiration Behind the Dish

This dish is inspired by classic summer fare but elevated with a restaurant-quality twist. The idea was to marry the comfort of a pasta salad with the sophistication of a composed protein-forward entrée. Combining shrimp and chicken allows for both land and sea flavor profiles, which play beautifully off the herbaceousness of the pesto. Adding corn and red bell peppers keeps things seasonal and colorful, while the bacon adds just the right amount of smoky crunch to tie everything together.

The choice of orecchiette—or other short pastas—makes this dish sturdy and satisfying. These pasta shapes have little curves or nooks that catch the dressing beautifully, making every bite flavorful and texturally interesting.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe stands out because it focuses on building flavor in layers. Each ingredient is cooked and seasoned individually: chicken thighs are seared for caramelization, shrimp are briefly sautéed to maintain their juiciness, and bacon is crisped to add umami and texture. Even the corn can be grilled or charred lightly for a smoky undertone that complements the richness of the pesto dressing.

Another winning factor is the creamy basil pesto dressing. Instead of relying solely on heavy mayonnaise, it blends Greek yogurt and pesto for a fresh, slightly tangy finish. Lime juice brightens the dish, while a touch of mayo adds the familiar creaminess that people love in pasta salads. This dressing brings everything together without overpowering the freshness of the other ingredients.

Seasonal Versatility and Customization

One of the best aspects of this dish is its adaptability. In summer, fresh corn off the cob and bell peppers add bright, garden-fresh flavor. But the recipe doesn’t suffer if you need to use frozen or canned corn in a pinch. Likewise, rotisserie chicken can substitute for seared thighs if you’re short on time or don’t feel like cooking extra protein.

For vegetarians, the shrimp and chicken can be omitted or swapped with chickpeas, grilled tofu, or even roasted cauliflower. The bacon can be replaced with smoked almonds or crispy shallots for a plant-based crunch. The pesto dressing also allows plenty of creativity—you can switch basil for arugula, cilantro, or sun-dried tomato pesto to suit your mood or what’s in your pantry.

Tips for Success

Getting the best out of this recipe comes down to three things: preparation, timing, and texture.

First, cook your pasta just to al dente and rinse it quickly under cold water if you’re serving the dish cold or at room temperature. This prevents overcooking and keeps the pasta from getting gummy.

Second, make sure each protein component is seasoned and cooked properly. Chicken thighs offer better flavor and moisture than breasts, and they sear beautifully. Shrimp cooks fast, so watch closely to avoid rubbery results.

Lastly, don’t overdress the salad. Add the creamy pesto dressing a little at a time and toss gently until everything is well-coated but not soggy. Save some extra dressing on the side for those who want more, or to revive leftovers the next day.

Meal Prep and Storage

This pasta salad is a dream for meal prep lovers. It stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be served chilled or at room temperature. If preparing in advance, keep the dressing and garnishes (like fresh basil) separate until ready to serve, so they stay fresh and vibrant.

The chicken and shrimp can be cooked a day ahead and stored separately, and the pasta can be made ahead of time and tossed in a little olive oil to prevent sticking. You can even make a double batch of the creamy pesto dressing and use it later on grilled veggies, sandwiches, or other salads.

Nutrition Highlights

This recipe is balanced and nutrient-rich despite its indulgent flavor. Each serving provides approximately 639 calories with 36 grams of protein, making it filling enough for lunch or dinner. The blend of proteins from shrimp and chicken supports muscle health, while corn and red peppers offer antioxidants and fiber. Greek yogurt in the dressing adds calcium and probiotics, while the pesto brings in healthy fats and vibrant green goodness from basil and olive oil.

Even with the addition of bacon and mayonnaise, this dish maintains a smart nutritional profile when eaten in moderation. It’s a well-rounded way to enjoy classic summer flavors while still nourishing your body.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Replace the Greek yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt alternative or more mayo, and use a dairy-free pesto.

What other proteins can I use?
Grilled steak strips, salmon chunks, or even shredded rotisserie chicken work beautifully. For plant-based, try tofu or tempeh.

Can I serve it warm?
Definitely. This pasta salad can be enjoyed warm, room temp, or chilled. If serving warm, skip rinsing the pasta and dress just before serving.

Is this freezer-friendly?
Not ideally. The texture of the pasta and the dressing may change upon thawing. It’s best made fresh or stored in the fridge for a few days.

What pasta works best?
Short pasta with shape—like fusilli, penne, farfalle, or orecchiette—works best as it holds the dressing well and pairs nicely with chopped ingredients.

Conclusion

Shrimp with Chicken and Corn Pasta Salad with Bacon is more than just another pasta salad—it’s a celebration of summer’s best ingredients and bold, layered flavors. It’s the kind of dish that’s just as welcome at a family cookout as it is on a busy Tuesday night dinner table. With its colorful appearance, crave-worthy textures, and smart nutrition, this pasta salad recipe is sure to become a repeat favorite in your kitchen.

Whether you’re trying to impress guests or just whip up something satisfying and simple, this recipe checks all the boxes. Customize it to your taste, prepare it ahead for convenience, and savor the freshness in every bite.c