Creamy Pasta Salad with Bacon, Peas, and Parmesan Recipe

Introduction

This creamy pasta salad is a delicious combination of tender pasta, sweet peas, crispy bacon, and a tangy, flavorful dressing. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a quick side dish, it comes together in just 30 minutes and serves a crowd.

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 (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 package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
2. Step 2: While the pasta cooks, make sure the peas are thawed, the bacon is cooked and chopped, and the parmesan cheese is freshly grated. Set these 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 well combined.
4. Step 4: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, peas, bacon, and parmesan. Pour the dressing over the mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated.
5. Step 5: Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours to let the flavors meld, or serve immediately if preferred.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch, add chopped celery or diced red bell pepper.
• Swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt for a lighter dressing option.
• Use smoked bacon for a deeper, smoky flavor.
• Add fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a burst of freshness.

Storage

Store the pasta salad covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before serving, give it a good stir and add a little extra mayonnaise or olive oil if it seems dry. This salad can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any small pasta shapes like rotini, shells, or bowties work well in this salad.

Is it okay to make this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! Making it a few hours ahead allows the flavors to meld, making it even tastier. Just be sure to keep it refrigerated until serving.

Creamy Pasta Salad with Bacon, Peas, and Parmesan Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 120 reviews

This Creamy Pasta Salad is a delightful and easy-to-make dish featuring tender pasta, sweet peas, crispy bacon, and a savory parmesan cheese blend, all tossed in a rich, tangy mayonnaise dressing. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a refreshing side dish, this salad offers a perfect balance of creamy texture and savory flavors, ready in just 30 minutes.

• Author: Lena
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta and Vegetables

• 12 oz small pasta noodles
• 2 cups frozen peas, thawed

Meat

• 12 oz thick-cut bacon, cooked and chopped

Dressing and Seasonings

• 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 3/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp granulated sugar (to taste)
• 1 tsp salt (to taste)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder (to taste)
• 1/2 tsp onion powder (to taste)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper (to taste)

Instructions

1. Cook 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 it with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the noodles.
2. Prepare Ingredients: While the pasta is cooking, ensure the peas are thawed, the bacon is cooked and chopped into small pieces, and the parmesan cheese is freshly grated. Set these ingredients aside.
3. Make Dressing: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Whisk the mixture thoroughly until it forms a smooth, creamy dressing.
4. Combine Salad: In a large bowl, add the cooled pasta, thawed peas, chopped bacon, and grated parmesan cheese. Pour the dressing over the top and stir gently but thoroughly until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
5. Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator to chill for 1 to 2 hours to enhance the flavors, or serve immediately if preferred.

Notes

• For best flavor, make the salad at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
• You can substitute bacon with turkey bacon for a leaner option.
• Feel free to add chopped celery or red bell pepper for extra crunch and color.
• If you prefer a lighter dressing, use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise.
• Adjust seasoning according to your taste preferences.

Keywords: creamy pasta salad, pasta salad with bacon, easy pasta salad, picnic salad, creamy dressing pasta