Creamy Pasta Salad Recipe

Introduction

This creamy pasta salad is a delightful mix of tender noodles, crisp bacon, and fresh peas, all tossed in a tangy, flavorful dressing. Perfect as a side dish or a light meal, it’s easy to prepare and sure to please any crowd.

Ingredients

• 12 oz small pasta noodles
• 2 cup frozen peas, thawed
• 12 oz thick cut bacon, cooked and chopped
• 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 3/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar, to taste
• 1 teaspoon salt, to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the pasta noodles in a large pot of boiling water according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
2. Step 2: While the pasta cooks, thaw the peas, cook and chop the bacon, and grate the parmesan cheese. Set all aside.
3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until smooth and combined.
4. Step 4: In a large bowl, combine the pasta, peas, bacon, and parmesan. Pour the dressing over everything and stir gently until evenly coated.
5. Step 5: Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours to let flavors meld, or serve immediately if preferred.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch, add chopped celery or bell peppers just before serving.
• Substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter dressing.
• Use cooked chicken or ham instead of bacon for a different protein option.
• Adjust the seasoning to your taste, adding more vinegar for tang or sugar for balance.

Storage

Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before serving again, give it a good stir and chill until cold. If the salad thickens in the fridge, you can loosen it by stirring in a little extra olive oil or mayonnaise.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes, this salad tastes even better after chilling for a few hours as the flavors meld together. Prepare it up to 1 day in advance and keep refrigerated.

What pasta works best for this recipe?

Small pasta shapes like rotini, elbow macaroni, or shells work well because they hold the dressing and mix easily with the other ingredients.

Creamy Pasta Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 104 reviews

This creamy pasta salad is a deliciously satisfying side dish featuring tender small pasta noodles, sweet thawed peas, crispy bacon, and freshly grated parmesan cheese, all coated in a flavorful homemade creamy dressing with mayonnaise, olive oil, and apple cider vinegar. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a refreshing summer meal.

• Author: Felix
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes plus chilling time
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta Salad Ingredients

• 12 oz small pasta noodles
• 2 cups frozen peas (thawed)
• 12 oz thick cut bacon (cooked and chopped)
• 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

Dressing Ingredients

• 3/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (to taste)
• 1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (to taste)

Instructions

1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the small pasta noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the noodles.
2. Prepare Ingredients: While the pasta cooks, thaw the frozen peas, cook and crumble the thick-cut bacon, and freshly grate the parmesan cheese. Set all aside for assembly.
3. Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until fully combined to create a creamy and tangy dressing.
4. Combine Salad: Add the cooled pasta, thawed peas, crumbled bacon, and parmesan cheese into a large mixing bowl. Pour the dressing over the top, then stir until every ingredient is evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
5. Chill and Serve: Cover the pasta salad with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours to allow flavors to meld, or serve immediately if preferred. Enjoy chilled for best taste and texture.

Notes

• Use small pasta shapes like shells, elbows, or rotini to hold the dressing well.
• Adjust seasoning such as salt and sugar according to your taste preferences.
• For a lighter option, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
• Make the salad a few hours ahead to enhance flavor melding.
• Add fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil for extra freshness.
• Ensure bacon is crisp for added texture contrast.

Keywords: pasta salad, creamy pasta salad, bacon pasta salad, easy pasta salad, summer side dish, picnic recipe, cold pasta salad