Go Back
+ servings
Creamy Pasta Salad

Creamy Pasta Salad: The Perfect Summer Side Dish Delight

This Creamy Pasta Salad is a colorful, refreshing side dish perfect for summer gatherings, featuring peas, bacon, and a luscious dressing.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 12 oz small pasta noodles Feel free to swap with any small pasta shape
  • 2 cups frozen peas Thawed
  • 12 oz thick cut bacon Cooked and chopped
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese Can swap for feta
For the Dressing
  • 3/4 cup mayonnaise Greek yogurt can be used
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp granulated sugar Adjust to taste
  • 1 tsp salt Be cautious if other ingredients are salty
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Equipment

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

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. While the pasta cools, thaw the peas and cook the bacon until crispy. Crumble the bacon and grate the parmesan cheese.
Making the Dressing
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until smooth.
Combining
  1. Combine cooled pasta, peas, crumbled bacon, and parmesan in a large mixing bowl. Pour the dressing over and stir to coat.
Chilling
  1. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 12gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 240mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

Leftovers can last in the fridge for up to 5 days. Stir in extra dressing before serving if it seems dry.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!