Description
This Creamy Pasta Salad is a quick and comforting side dish made with tender pasta, crispy bacon, sweet peas, and a rich, tangy dressing. Perfect for BBQs, potlucks, or busy weeknights, it’s a make-ahead favorite that’s both easy and crowd-pleasing.
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
- 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
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Cook pasta in salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
While pasta cooks, thaw peas, cook and chop bacon, and grate parmesan cheese.
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
In a large bowl, combine pasta, peas, bacon, and parmesan.
Pour dressing over the mixture and stir until evenly coated.
Cover and refrigerate for 1–2 hours for best flavor (or serve immediately).
Stir before serving and adjust creaminess if needed.
Notes
- For best flavor, chill before serving to allow the dressing to soak into the pasta.
- If the salad thickens too much, add a little mayo or olive oil before serving.
- Freshly grated parmesan gives a richer taste than pre-shredded.
- You can substitute turkey bacon or omit for a vegetarian version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg