Creamy Pasta Salad

A burst of flavors and textures greets you with every forkful of this delightful dish! Creamy Pasta Salad is a satisfying blend of pasta, crisp bacon, and sweet peas all enveloped in a rich dressing. In just 30 minutes, you can prepare this dish that stands out for its creamy texture and savory bite.

This recipe is perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or a simple side dish during a summer barbecue. It’s great for make-ahead meals, and you can store it in the refrigerator to enhance its flavors overnight.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The crunchy bacon adds an irresistible smokiness to each bite.
• The creamy dressing perfectly envelops the pasta, creating a rich mouthfeel.
• It can be made ahead, letting the flavors meld beautifully over time.
• The addition of peas introduces a pop of sweetness that balances the dish.

What You’ll Need

Here’s a list of everything you’ll need to create this delicious pasta salad.

For the Salad

• 12 oz small pasta noodles, such as rotini, shells, or farfalle
• 2 cups frozen peas, thawed
• 12 oz thick-cut bacon, cooked and chopped
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

For the Dressing

• 3/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Bacon can be replaced with turkey bacon for a lighter option.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise.
• Swap Parmesan with feta cheese for a tangy twist.
• Trade apple cider vinegar for red wine vinegar.
• Choose gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option.

How to Make It

Follow these simple steps to create your creamy pasta salad.

Cook the pasta

Boil the pasta until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Rinse under cold water and drain well.

Cook the bacon

In a skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove it from the heat and crumble it into small pieces.

Thaw the peas

Place the frozen peas in a bowl and let them thaw while you prepare the rest of the salad.

Whisk the dressing

In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until smooth.

Combine the salad

In a large bowl, mix together the cooked pasta, thawed peas, crumbled bacon, and Parmesan cheese.

Toss with dressing

Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss everything well to ensure it’s evenly coated.

Chill or serve

Chill the salad for at least an hour to meld the flavors, or serve immediately if you can’t wait!

How to Store It

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: No, the texture doesn’t hold up.
Reheat: Not necessary; serve cold or at room temperature.

Tips for Best Results

• For extra flavor, sauté the peas in a little olive oil before adding them to the salad.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for a more robust flavor compared to pre-packaged versions.
• Adjust the seasoning in the dressing based on your taste preference.
• Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a fresh touch.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve alongside grilled meats at your next barbecue.
• Offer it as a hearty side dish for a summer picnic.
• Pair with a light, crisp white wine for a refreshing meal.