Creamy Pasta Salad

Creamy Pasta Salad

12 servings
This creamy pasta salad is loaded with peas, crispy bacon, and noodles, all covered in a smooth and creamy dressing. It's a perfect side dish for any dinner, potluck, or barbecue. 

Ingredients

  • small pasta noodles
    12 oz
  • peas

    thawed

    2 c
  • thick cut bacon

    cooked and chopped

    12 oz
  • parmesan cheese
    ½ c
  • mayonnaise
    ¾ c
  • olive oil
    2 tbsp
  • apple cider vinegar
    1 tbsp
  • granulated sugar (
    1 tsp
  • salt (
    1 tsp
  • garlic powder (
    ½ tsp
  • onion powder (
    ½ tsp
  • black pepper (
    ¼ tsp

Directions

  1. 1

    Cook the pasta noodles in a large pot of water according to their package directions, until cooked al dente. Drain the water out, and rinse the noodles in cold water.

  2. 2

    While the pasta is cooking, make sure the peas are thawed, bacon is cooked and crumbled, and parmesan is grated. Set aside.

  3. 3

    In a small bowl, add the mayonnaise, olive oil, vinegar, sugar, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Whisk them together till combined.

  4. 4

    Add the pasta, peas, bacon, and parmesan to a large bowl. Pour the dressing over the top. Stir it all together till everything is coated evenly in the dressing.

  5. 5

    Cover the pasta bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and place it in the fridge to chill for 1 to 2 hours, or serve immediately.

Creamy Pasta Salad

Creamy Pasta Salad

30 min12 servings379 cal

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About this Recipe

Craving that quintessential potluck favorite? This Creamy Pasta Salad, loaded with crisp bacon and sweet peas, is the ultimate crowd-pleasing side dish perfect for any gathering. It’s a dish that effortlessly blends comfort with vibrant flavors, making it an instant hit.

What sets this creamy pasta salad apart is its perfectly balanced dressing. It combines the richness of mayonnaise with a bright tang from apple cider vinegar and a subtle sweetness from granulated sugar. This ensures every forkful is vibrant, never heavy. The delightful combination of savory thick-cut bacon and fresh-tasting peas also adds textural and flavor contrast that makes this creamy pasta salad truly irresistible.

Prepare for a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. You'll encounter tender small pasta noodles coated in a luxurious, smooth dressing that's both creamy and zesty. The delightful pop of sweet thawed peas and the salty, satisfying crunch of crispy bacon elevate each bite, complemented by the savory depth of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This dish delivers a comforting yet refreshing experience, making it an ideal accompaniment to heartier meals, all while being straightforward to prepare.

This versatile creamy pasta salad welcomes your personal touch. For a vegetarian option, simply omit the bacon or replace it with roasted chickpeas for a similar crunch. You could also swap the peas for corn or diced bell peppers for different flavors, or introduce a different cheese like sharp cheddar for a bolder profile. Don't have apple cider vinegar? White wine vinegar works well in a pinch.

This Creamy Pasta Salad shines as a reliable side dish for family dinners, festive potlucks, or casual backyard barbecues. Serve it chilled alongside grilled chicken, burgers, or pulled pork for a complete and satisfying meal that everyone will love.

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