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

Scale

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