Creamy Pasta Salad Recipe
This creamy pasta salad is a delightful blend of tender pasta, sweet peas, crispy bacon, and a rich Parmesan-infused dressing. Perfectly chilled and bursting with flavor, it makes an ideal side dish or light meal for summer picnics, potlucks, or family gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Vegetables
- 12 oz small pasta noodles
- 2 cups frozen peas (thawed)
Protein and Cheese
- 12 oz thick cut bacon (cooked and chopped)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Dressing
- 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
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the pasta noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool them down.
- Prepare Ingredients: While the pasta cooks, ensure the frozen peas are thawed, the thick cut bacon is cooked and chopped into bite-sized pieces, and the Parmesan cheese is freshly grated. Set all aside for assembly.
- Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until fully combined and smooth.
- Combine Salad: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, thawed peas, chopped bacon, and grated Parmesan. Pour the prepared dressing over the ingredients and stir thoroughly to coat everything evenly with the creamy dressing.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours to allow flavors to meld. Alternatively, serve immediately if preferred, though chilling enhances taste and texture.
Notes
- For best results, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-shredded.
- Adjust salt, sugar, and pepper in the dressing to your taste preference.
- Make sure to rinse the pasta with cold water after cooking to prevent it from becoming mushy and to cool it down quickly.
- This salad can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated for enhanced flavor.
- Optional add-ins: chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a fresh touch.
Keywords: creamy pasta salad, bacon pasta salad, cold pasta salad, easy pasta salad recipe, summer salad, picnic salad
Find it online: https://thedishspot.com/creamy-pasta-salad-recipe/
