Go Back
–+ servings
Creamy Pasta Salad

Creamy Pasta Salad Delight: Your New Favorite BBQ Side Dish

This Creamy Pasta Salad is a must-try side dish for summer gatherings, featuring smoky bacon and sweet peas.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 2 cups small pasta noodles any small shape like shells works beautifully
  • 1 cup frozen peas thawed
  • 6 slices thick cut bacon can swap with turkey bacon or cooked chicken
  • 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
For the Dressing
  • 1 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for a healthier twist
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil extra virgin recommended
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar can substitute with white vinegar or lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon salt to taste
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder can replace with fresh garlic
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder optional
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper to taste

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Colander
  • Skillet
  • mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • spatula

Method
 

Steps
  1. Step 1: Boil the pasta. Bring a pot of salted water to boil. Cook small pasta noodles until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. Step 2: Prepare the ingredients. Thaw frozen peas. Cook thick cut bacon until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Crumble and set aside with peas.
  3. Step 3: Make the dressing. Whisk together mayonnaise, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
  4. Step 4: Combine salad ingredients. In a bowl, mix cooled pasta, peas, bacon, and Parmesan cheese. Fold gently to combine.
  5. Step 5: Dress the salad. Pour dressing over the salad and stir gently to coat evenly.
  6. Step 6: Chill before serving. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour to let flavors meld.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 12gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 780mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Chill the salad for at least one hour before serving for best flavor. Adjust seasoning as needed.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!