As summer rolls in and the days stretch longer, there’s something special about gathering with friends and family over a delicious homestyle meal. Enter my Creamy Pasta Salad with Bacon and Peas—a dish that brings a delightful crunch and a smooth, creamy texture to the table! This pasta salad is not only incredibly easy to whip up but also fully customizable, letting you mix in whatever veggies or proteins you have on hand. Whether serving it at a potluck, barbecue, or just as a refreshing side for dinner, it promises to be a hit among guests and family alike. Who can resist that marriage of crispy bacon and sweet peas in a zesty dressing? Ready to dive into a bowl of goodness? Why is this creamy pasta salad irresistible? Delightful Flavor Fusion: The combination of crispy bacon, sweet peas, and creamy dressing creates a flavor explosion that will leave your taste buds begging for more. Customizable Enjoyment: Easily substitute with your favorite veggies or proteins, such as grilled chicken or cherry tomatoes, to make this salad your own. Perfect for Gatherings: Whether it’s a potluck or a summer BBQ, this pasta salad will effortlessly steal the show and earn rave reviews from guests! Time-Saving Twist: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s the ultimate quick fix for any meal. Serve it alongside grilled meats or with dishes like Chicken Salad Light for a complete dining experience. Creamy Yet Refreshing: Its smooth texture complements the crunch of bacon and the tenderness of peas, ensuring that every bite is a delightful experience! Get ready to enjoy a salad that truly captivates the essence of summer! Creamy Pasta Salad Ingredients • Perfect for your summer gatherings! 12 oz small pasta noodles – Main structure of the salad; you can use small pasta like shells or rotini for different textures. 2 cups frozen peas (thawed) – Adds sweetness and vibrant color; corn can be used as a delightful substitute for a different flavor. 12 oz thick cut bacon (cooked and chopped) – Provides that irresistible crunch and salty flavor; feel free to swap in turkey bacon for a lighter option. 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese – Infuses the dish with savory depth; avoid pre-grated cheese for the best flavor experience. 3/4 cup mayonnaise – Forms the creamy dressing base; for a tangy twist, consider using Greek yogurt instead. 2 tbsp olive oil – Enhances the creaminess of the dressing; avocado oil is a nice alternative if desired. 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar – Adds a necessary acidity; white vinegar is a workable substitute but may alter the flavor slightly. 1 tsp granulated sugar – Balances out the dressing’s acidity; honey or a sugar substitute works well too. 1 tsp salt (to taste) – Elevates the overall flavor; adjust to taste based on bacon’s saltiness. 1/2 tsp garlic powder – Adds depth and aromatic qualities; fresh garlic can be an excellent substitute for a more pungent flavor. 1/2 tsp onion powder – Complements the garlic beautifully; no substitutions necessary here. 1/4 tsp black pepper – Provides a hint of spice; spice it up further with red pepper flakes if you prefer a kick! Dive into making this creamy pasta salad that promises to be the star of your next event! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Creamy Pasta Salad Step 1: Cook the Pasta Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz of small pasta noodles, stirring occasionally. Cook until al dente, usually around 8–10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and keep the noodles firm and cool. Step 2: Prepare the Mix-Ins While the pasta is cooking, ensure that you have 2 cups of frozen peas thawed and ready to go. For the bacon, cook 12 oz of thick-cut bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 8–10 minutes. Once cooked, remove it from the pan, let it cool slightly, then chop it into bite-sized pieces. Step 3: Whisk the Dressing In a small mixing bowl, combine 3/4 cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp granulated sugar, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Whisk the ingredients together until smooth and creamy, creating a flavor-packed dressing that will perfectly coat your creamy pasta salad. Step 4: Combine Ingredients In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, 2 cups of thawed peas, chopped bacon, and 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese. Gently toss the ingredients together, ensuring they are evenly distributed. This mix forms the hearty base of your creamy pasta salad. Step 5: Add the Dressing Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta salad mixture, and gently stir using a spatula until everything is thoroughly coated with the creamy goodness. Make sure each piece of pasta and all mix-ins are well covered, enhancing flavor and texture in every bite of your creamy pasta salad. Step 6: Chill and Serve Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the creamy pasta salad for 1 to 2 hours. Chilling allows the flavors to blend beautifully. If you’re short on time, you can serve it immediately, but allowing it to rest will elevate the taste even further! What to Serve with Creamy Pasta Salad with Bacon and Peas Elevate your summer gatherings with delightful pairings that complete your meal experience. Grilled Chicken: Juicy and flavorful, grilled chicken adds a hearty protein that pairs beautifully with the creamy pasta salad. Mixed Green Salad: A fresh mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides a crisp contrast to the richness of the salad. Garlic Bread: Warm, toasty garlic bread, with its buttery crunch, makes for a comforting side that everyone loves. Coleslaw: The tangy crunch of coleslaw enhances the creamy textures of the pasta salad, making for a vibrant plate. Corn on the Cob: Sweet, buttery corn on the cob adds a touch of summer sweetness and complements the flavors of the salad perfectly. Lemonade or Iced Tea: Refreshing beverages like lemonade or iced tea are ideal companions for a warm day, cleansing the palate between bites. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad offers a sweet finish to your meal, harmonizing wonderfully with the savory notes of the creamy pasta salad. Cheesy Nachos: For a fun twist, serve cheesy nachos alongside for a perfect shareable appetizer that tantalizes the taste buds! Each of these delightful accompaniments enhances the flavors of your creamy pasta salad, ensuring a memorable meal that caters to every craving. Make Ahead Options These Creamy Pasta Salad options are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the pasta and thaw the peas up to 24 hours in advance; just be sure to rinse the pasta in cold water to keep it firm and flavorful. The dressing can also be made ahead, and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain quality, store the pasta and peas separately from the dressing until you’re ready to assemble. When it’s time to serve, simply mix everything together, adding any additional fresh ingredients like bacon or parmesan, for a dish that’s just as delicious as when fresh! Storage Tips for Creamy Pasta Salad Fridge: Store your creamy pasta salad in an airtight container for up to 3-5 days to maintain freshness. If it thickens, simply stir in a bit of extra dressing before serving. Freezer: For longer storage, you can freeze the creamy pasta salad for up to 2 months, but be aware that the texture of the pasta and peas may change upon thawing. Reheating: If you prefer to serve it warm, gently reheating in the microwave is an option, but the creamy texture is best enjoyed cold, making it perfect for summer gatherings! Room Temperature: If serving at a picnic or potluck, keep the pasta salad chilled and avoid leaving it out at room temperature for more than 2 hours to ensure food safety. Expert Tips for Creamy Pasta Salad Prep Ahead: Make this creamy pasta salad in advance to allow the flavors to develop. Optional: prepare extra dressing to maintain creaminess. Rinse Your Pasta: Always rinse the pasta with cold water post-cooking. This preserves the texture and ensures your noodles stay firm. Fresh Is Best: Opt for freshly grated parmesan cheese instead of pre-grated. It adds a depth of flavor that enhances your creamy pasta salad beautifully. Versatile Mix-Ins: Don’t be afraid to switch up the vegetables! Corn, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers will add vibrant colors and flavors. Taste as You Go: Adjust seasonings based on personal preference. Consider the saltiness of your bacon when adding salt to the creamy pasta salad. Serving Size: This salad is perfect for gatherings—think about doubling the recipe if you’re serving a larger crowd or want leftovers! Creamy Pasta Salad Variations Feel free to play with flavors and textures in this delicious creamy pasta salad! Corn Swap: Replace peas with corn for a sweet and crunchy twist that brightens the dish. Veggie Boost: Toss in cherry tomatoes or diced bell peppers for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Protein Power: Add grilled chicken for added heartiness and protein, making it a complete meal. Herb Infusion: Mix in fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a vibrant, aromatic touch that elevates the salad. Cheesy Delight: Swap parmesan for feta cheese for a tangy flavor that adds a Mediterranean flair. Creamy Upgrade: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter, tangy dressing that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Nutty Crunch: Add toasted pine nuts or walnuts for a delightful crunch that complements the creamy components. Spicy Kick: Stir in some diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for a flavorful heat that enhances every bite. By experimenting with these variations, you can create a creamy pasta salad that suits your taste perfectly. And if you’re still craving more delicious ideas, don’t forget to check out my Pesto Pasta Salad or the hearty Beef Bowtie Pasta for inspiration! Creamy Pasta Salad with Bacon and Peas Recipe FAQs What type of pasta works best for this creamy pasta salad? You can use any small pasta noodle like shells, rotini, or even bowtie pasta. The key is to choose a shape that holds the creamy dressing well. I often go for rotini as the twists really grab the dressing and mix-ins! How should I store creamy pasta salad? Keep your creamy pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. If you notice it thickening, just stir in a little extra dressing before serving to bring back its creaminess! Can I freeze creamy pasta salad? Yes, you can freeze creamy pasta salad for up to 2 months! Just remember that the texture of the pasta and peas may change upon thawing, and it’s best enjoyed fresh. To freeze, pack it in an airtight container and label it with the date. When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight. How can I make creamy pasta salad healthier? You can lighten the salad by using whole grain pasta or substituting Greek yogurt for mayonnaise, which will give a tangy flavor and lower the fat content. Additionally, feel free to load it up with fresh veggies like cherry tomatoes or peppers, which will add both nutrients and color. Is this pasta salad suitable for people with gluten allergies? Absolutely! You can make this creamy pasta salad gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta alternatives. Just ensure that all other ingredients, like the mayonnaise and bacon, are also gluten-free to keep it safe for anyone with dietary restrictions. What side dishes pair well with this creamy pasta salad? This creamy pasta salad is perfect alongside grilled meats, fresh salads, or served at potlucks. I often serve it next to barbecued chicken or a simple green side salad to create a light and satisfying meal! Creamy Pasta Salad That'll Steal the Show at Your Next BBQ Creamy Pasta Salad is a delightful blend of crispy bacon, sweet peas, and zesty dressing, perfect for summer gatherings. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 10 minutes minsChilling Time 2 hours hrsTotal Time 2 hours hrs 20 minutes mins Servings: 6 servingsCourse: DinnerCuisine: AmericanCalories: 350 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? Creamy Pasta Salad Ingredients12 oz small pasta noodles Such as shells or rotini.2 cups frozen peas Thawed; corn can be a substitute.12 oz thick cut bacon Cooked and chopped; turkey bacon can be used as a lighter option.1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese Avoid pre-grated cheese for best flavor.3/4 cup mayonnaise Consider Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.2 tbsp olive oil Avocado oil is an alternative.1 tbsp apple cider vinegar White vinegar is a substitute.1 tsp granulated sugar Honey or a sugar substitute works as well.1 tsp salt Adjust to taste based on bacon's saltiness.1/2 tsp garlic powder Fresh garlic can be substituted.1/2 tsp onion powder1/4 tsp black pepper Red pepper flakes can be added for more spice. Equipment large potskilletmixing bowlcolanderwhiskspatula Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Creamy Pasta SaladStart by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz of small pasta noodles, stirring occasionally. Cook until al dente, usually around 8–10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and keep the noodles firm and cool.While the pasta is cooking, ensure that you have 2 cups of frozen peas thawed and ready. Cook 12 oz of thick-cut bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 8–10 minutes. Once cooked, remove it from the pan, let it cool slightly, then chop it into bite-sized pieces.In a small mixing bowl, combine 3/4 cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp granulated sugar, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Whisk the ingredients together until smooth and creamy.In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, 2 cups of thawed peas, chopped bacon, and 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese. Gently toss the ingredients together.Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta salad mixture, and gently stir using a spatula until everything is thoroughly coated.Cover the mixing bowl and refrigerate the creamy pasta salad for 1 to 2 hours. If you’re short on time, you can serve it immediately. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 12gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 250IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 1mg NotesMake this creamy pasta salad ahead of time to allow flavors to develop. Store in an airtight container for up to 3-5 days. Optionally, prepare extra dressing to maintain creaminess. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
