Creamy Pasta Salad Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Find it online: https://heutigemahlzeiten.com/creamy-pasta-salad-recipe/
