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Creamy Pasta Salad

Creamy Pasta Salad That Will Steal the Potluck Show!

This Creamy Pasta Salad is a delightful side dish perfect for summer gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Small Pasta Noodles Medium-sized shells, rotini, or farfalle
For the Veggies
  • 1 cup Frozen Peas Thawed
For the Protein
  • 6 oz Thick-cut Bacon Cooked and crumbled
For the Creamy Dressing
  • 1 cup Mayonnaise Can substitute with Greek yogurt
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 2 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 1 tbsp Granulated Sugar Adjust according to taste
  • 1 tsp Salt Optional if using salty bacon
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder Can substitute with fresh garlic
  • 1 tsp Onion Powder Can substitute with finely chopped onions
  • 1/2 tsp Black Pepper Adjust based on spice tolerance
For Garnishing
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese Freshly grated

Equipment

  • large pot
  • colander
  • skillet
  • mixing bowl
  • whisk
  • Airtight Container

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water over high heat. Once boiling, add pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. While pasta cooks, thaw peas in warm water. Cook bacon in a skillet until crispy, about 6-8 minutes, and crumble.
  3. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine pasta, peas, bacon, and parmesan. Pour dressing over and stir until evenly coated.
  5. Refrigerate for 1-2 hours before serving or serve immediately. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 10gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 1mg

Notes

The pasta salad can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container. Consider adding extra dressing before serving to maintain creaminess.

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