Creamy Pasta Salad

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

For the Creamy 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)

Directions:

1. Cook the pasta noodles in a large pot of boiling water according to their package directions until cooked al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
2. While the pasta is cooking, make sure the peas are thawed, and cook the bacon until crispy. Chop the bacon and grate the parmesan cheese.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, olive oil, vinegar, sugar, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper to create the dressing.
4. Add the pasta, peas, bacon, and parmesan to a large mixing bowl. Pour the dressing over the ingredients and stir until everything is evenly coated.
5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for 1 to 2 hours or serve immediately.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 379 kcal | Servings: 12 servings

The Perfect Summer Side Dish

When summer arrives, it’s time to gather with friends and family, fire up the grill, and enjoy delicious meals outdoors. Among the various dishes you can serve, a Creamy Bacon and Peas Pasta Salad is a standout. It’s easy to make, refreshing, and complements just about any main dish perfectly. Whether you’re planning a casual picnic, a big potluck party, or a simple family dinner, this salad is an ideal side dish that brings a delightful balance of flavors and textures to the table.

The Best of Both Worlds: Flavor and Texture

The combination of ingredients in this pasta salad is what makes it so enticing. The pasta provides a soft, chewy base, while the peas add a natural sweetness and slight crunch that contrasts beautifully. But the real game-changer is the crispy bacon; its smoky, savory taste cuts through the creaminess of the dressing, adding a mouthwatering texture and flavor to every bite. The freshly grated parmesan cheese adds an extra depth of umami, enhancing the overall flavor profile without overpowering the dish.

The dressing ties all of these ingredients together with its creamy, slightly tangy, and subtly sweet taste. Made with mayonnaise, olive oil, and a hint of apple cider vinegar, it offers a light yet luxurious coating that wraps around the pasta and mix-ins seamlessly. The added spices, such as garlic powder, onion powder, and a touch of sugar, further elevate the flavor, creating a rich and delicious salad that tastes even better when chilled.

Versatility in a Bowl

One of the main appeals of this pasta salad is its versatility. The basic combination of pasta, bacon, peas, and dressing creates a wonderful foundation, but it’s also incredibly adaptable to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. For those who enjoy more vegetables in their salads, you can easily add chopped bell peppers, corn, carrots, or even cherry tomatoes. Want to add a bit more protein? Toss in some cooked chicken, turkey, or cubed ham. Even adding chunks of cheese, like cheddar or feta, can transform the salad into a more filling, hearty dish.

The type of pasta you use can also vary based on preference. While medium-sized pasta, such as shells, rotini, or farfalle, works best to capture the dressing and mix-ins in every bite, you can also experiment with different shapes and textures to change things up.

Perfect for Make-Ahead and Meal Prep

The creamy bacon and peas pasta salad is a great make-ahead recipe, which is perfect for busy schedules and meal prep enthusiasts. You can prepare the salad in advance by mixing the pasta, peas, and half of the dressing together, while keeping the bacon and the remaining dressing separate until you’re ready to serve. This allows the salad to stay fresh, preventing the bacon from becoming soggy and ensuring that the pasta retains its creamy coating.

Chilling the salad for at least an hour before serving also helps the flavors meld together, making the dish even more delicious. If you need to serve the salad at a later time, it’s easy to refresh it by adding more dressing and stirring before bringing it to the table. This make-ahead quality makes it a popular choice for potluck dinners, barbecues, and family gatherings.

A Salad for All Seasons

Although this creamy pasta salad is a classic summer dish, it can be enjoyed all year round. Its fresh, bright flavors make it an excellent pairing for grilled meats, such as steaks, chicken breasts, or barbecue ribs. During the warmer months, it’s a refreshing side dish for alfresco dining and backyard gatherings. When winter rolls around, it can add a touch of comfort to hearty meals and holiday feasts. With its ease of preparation and universally loved flavor combination, it’s a recipe that fits seamlessly into any season or occasion.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Pasta Salad

1. Cook Pasta to Al Dente: The key to a great pasta salad is ensuring that your pasta is cooked al dente, meaning it’s firm to the bite. Overcooking the pasta will make it mushy, especially as it absorbs the dressing. This is particularly important if you plan to chill the salad before serving.
2. Rinse the Pasta After Cooking: Rinsing the pasta under cold water after cooking helps to stop the cooking process and keeps the pasta firm. It also helps cool the pasta quickly, making it ready to mix with the dressing.
3. Crispy Bacon is a Must: The bacon should be cooked until crispy, as it will add the best texture and flavor contrast to the creamy salad. Thicker cut bacon is recommended, as it holds up well and provides a more substantial bite.
4. Serve it Chilled or Fresh: You can enjoy this pasta salad either freshly made or chilled. Chilling it for at least an hour before serving allows the flavors to meld together. If you’re in a hurry, serving it immediately will still be delicious, though the dressing may be slightly more pronounced in flavor.
5. Customize Your Mix-Ins: The beauty of this pasta salad is that you can customize it to your taste. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different vegetables, proteins, or cheeses. Fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or dill can also be added for an extra burst of freshness.
6. Balance the Creaminess: The creamy dressing is the star of this recipe, but it’s important to balance the flavors. If you prefer a tangier taste, increase the amount of vinegar slightly. For more sweetness, add a touch more sugar. The goal is to create a harmonious dressing that complements the bacon and peas without overwhelming them.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Creamy Bacon and Peas Pasta Salad is more than just a side dish; it’s a crowd-pleaser. With its simple yet flavorful ingredients, it comes together quickly and easily, making it perfect for any cook, regardless of experience level. The creamy dressing pairs beautifully with the smoky bacon and sweet peas, creating a comforting and tasty dish that can be enjoyed by adults and kids alike. Whether you’re looking for a simple dish to complete your summer barbecue spread or a refreshing side to bring to your next family dinner, this pasta salad ticks all the boxes.

Conclusion:

The Creamy Pasta Salad is the perfect dish to add to your meal rotation. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and wonderfully versatile. Its balance of textures and tastes will make it an instant favorite, whether you’re serving it at a barbecue, picnic, or as part of a family meal. So next time you’re in need of a quick, satisfying side dish, give this recipe a try – your taste buds will thank you!

With endless customization options and a crowd-pleasing flavor, this pasta salad is sure to be a staple in your recipe collection for years to come.