Go Back
+ servings
Creamy Pasta Salad

Creamy Pasta Salad That'll Brighten Up Your Next BBQ

This Creamy Pasta Salad is perfect for summer gatherings, featuring crispy bacon and peas for a delightful dish.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 2 cups Small Pasta Noodles gluten-free option available
  • 1 cup Frozen Peas (thawed)
  • 6 slices Thick Cut Bacon (cooked and chopped) turkey bacon or vegetarian option works too
  • 1 cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese or crumbled feta
For the Dressing
  • 1 cup Mayonnaise Greek yogurt or vegan mayo can be used
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil avocado oil is a great substitution
  • 3 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar white vinegar or fresh lemon juice can be used
  • 1 tablespoon Granulated Sugar adjust to taste or use honey
  • 1 teaspoon Salt to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder or fresh minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder or fresh minced onion

Equipment

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

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Creamy Pasta Salad
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then add small pasta noodles and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. Prepare the other components: thaw the peas, cook and crumble the bacon in a skillet for 5-7 minutes, then grate the parmesan cheese.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until smooth.
  4. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, peas, bacon, and parmesan cheese. Pour the dressing over and gently toss until evenly coated.
  5. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1-2 hours. Stir lightly before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 12gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

For best flavor, consume within the first 2 days. Make extra dressing for leftovers to maintain creaminess.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!