Creamy Bacon and Pea Pasta Salad Recipe
This Creamy Pasta Salad is a delightful and easy-to-make dish perfect for gatherings and meal prep. Featuring tender pasta, sweet peas, crispy bacon, and a flavorful creamy dressing, this salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. It comes together quickly and can be served chilled or immediately, making it versatile for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Vegetables
- 12 oz small pasta noodles
- 2 cups frozen peas (thawed)
Meat and Cheese
- 12 oz thick cut bacon (cooked and chopped)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Dressing
- 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 the Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the pasta noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the noodles.
- Prepare Ingredients: While the pasta cooks, ensure the peas are thawed, the bacon is cooked until crispy and chopped, and the parmesan cheese is freshly grated. Set these aside for assembly.
- Make the 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 smooth and well combined.
- Combine Salad: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, thawed peas, chopped bacon, and grated parmesan. Pour the prepared dressing over the ingredients and gently toss until everything is evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours to let the flavors meld. Alternatively, serve the salad immediately if time is short.
Notes
- For best flavor, allow the salad to chill for at least an hour before serving.
- You can substitute bacon with turkey bacon or omit for a vegetarian option (adjust diet accordingly).
- Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil for extra freshness.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and pepper.
- Use any small pasta shapes such as shells, rotini, or elbow macaroni.
Keywords: creamy pasta salad, bacon pasta salad, easy pasta salad recipe, picnic salad, summer salad, pasta side dish
