Creamy Pasta Salad with Bacon, Peas, and Parmesan Recipe
Introduction
This creamy pasta salad is a delicious and satisfying side dish perfect for picnics, barbecues, or potlucks. With tender pasta, crisp bacon, sweet peas, and a tangy, creamy dressing, it comes together easily in about 30 minutes and serves a crowd of 12.
Ingredients
- 12 oz small pasta noodles
- 2 cups frozen peas, thawed
- 12 oz thick cut bacon, cooked and chopped
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 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
- Step 1: Cook the pasta noodles in a large pot of boiling water according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the noodles.
- Step 2: While the pasta cooks, make sure the peas are thawed, the bacon is cooked and chopped, and the parmesan is freshly grated. Set these ingredients aside.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Step 4: In a large bowl, combine the drained pasta, peas, bacon, and parmesan cheese. Pour the dressing over the mixture and gently stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Step 5: Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours to allow flavors to meld, or serve immediately if preferred.
Tips & Variations
- Use rotini or elbow macaroni for the pasta to help hold the creamy dressing better.
- Substitute crispy pancetta for the bacon for a slightly different smoky flavor.
- Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives for brightness and extra color.
- Mix in diced cucumbers or red bell peppers for additional crunch and freshness.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste if you prefer a sweeter or tangier dressing.
Storage
Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before serving, give it a good stir and add a splash of olive oil or mayonnaise if it seems dry. This salad is best enjoyed chilled but can be served at room temperature as well.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes, making this salad a few hours ahead allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just keep it refrigerated and stir before serving.
Is this salad suitable for freezing?
It’s not recommended to freeze this pasta salad because the mayonnaise-based dressing can separate after freezing and thawing, affecting the texture.
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Creamy Pasta Salad with Bacon, Peas, and Parmesan Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This creamy pasta salad is a delightful combination of tender pasta, sweet peas, crispy bacon, and a rich parmesan cheese, all tossed in a tangy and flavorful homemade mayonnaise dressing. Perfect as a side dish for summer cookouts or a refreshing potluck favorite, it is easy to prepare and can be served immediately or chilled to enhance the flavors.
Ingredients
Pasta and Vegetables
- 12 oz small pasta noodles
- 2 cups frozen peas (thawed)
Meat 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 the pasta: Cook the pasta noodles in a large pot of boiling water according to the package directions until al dente. Once cooked, drain thoroughly and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the noodles.
- Prepare ingredients: While the pasta cooks, thaw the frozen peas, cook and crumble the thick cut bacon, and grate the parmesan cheese. Set these aside for assembly.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Whisk the mixture thoroughly until it is smooth and well combined.
- Combine salad components: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked and cooled pasta, thawed peas, chopped bacon, and grated parmesan. Pour the prepared dressing over the top and stir well to coat all ingredients evenly with the dressing.
- Chill and serve: Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld, or serve immediately if preferred. Enjoy the salad chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- For best flavor, let the pasta salad chill for at least an hour before serving.
- Use small pasta shapes like rotini or shells for better dressing coverage.
- Bacon can be substituted with turkey bacon for a leaner option.
- Adjust seasoning such as salt and sugar according to personal taste preferences.
- To make the salad vegetarian, omit bacon and optionally add cooked chickpeas or walnuts for texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: creamy pasta salad, pasta salad with bacon, easy pasta salad, summer salad, potluck recipe, cold pasta salad
