This Creamy Pea and Bacon Pasta Salad is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, combining crispy bacon, tender pasta shells, sweet peas, and a flavorful tangy dressing. The umami flavor from the bacon and parmesan, paired with the creaminess of the dressing and the sweetness of the peas, makes every bite a delight. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or a cozy family meal, this dish is not only quick and easy to prepare but also loved by all. No chopping required, and it can be customized to taste by adding different cheeses or seasoning. It’s sure to become a go-to favorite!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 12 oz pasta shell noodles (salad shells)
- 1 lb. thick-cut bacon, diced
- 2 cups frozen peas, thawed
- 2/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Dressing:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or fresh squeezed lemon juice
- 1 1/2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3/4 teaspoon onion powder
Directions:
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. While pasta is cooking, cook the diced bacon in a large skillet until crispy.
- Drain the pasta, rinse until cooled, and drizzle with some olive oil to prevent sticking.
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together all the dressing ingredients until smooth. Set aside 1/3 cup of the dressing to rehydrate the pasta salad before serving if needed.
- In a large bowl, combine the pasta, bacon, peas, and pour over the dressing. Toss well to combine, then add the parmesan cheese and toss again. Cover and chill for a few hours before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: Approximately 290 kcal per serving | Servings: 12 servings
The Ultimate Creamy Pea and Bacon Pasta Salad for Any Occasion
There’s something irresistibly comforting about a bowl of pasta salad. When you combine the salty, crispy bacon with tender pasta shells, sweet peas, and a luscious creamy dressing, you have a dish that is not only delicious but also universally appealing. This Creamy Pea and Bacon Pasta Salad has all the flavors and textures that make it an absolute favorite at parties, picnics, potlucks, and even weeknight family dinners. Its simplicity, versatility, and delicious taste make it a dish you’ll want to prepare again and again.
A Flavorful Experience
This pasta salad is a celebration of flavors and textures. The star of the dish, of course, is the bacon. When cooked until crispy, it brings a smoky, salty taste that enhances every bite, making the pasta salad irresistible. The creamy dressing, made with mayonnaise, olive oil, vinegar (or lemon juice), and seasonings, provides a tangy and rich taste that wraps around the pasta, coating each shell in a smooth and flavorful layer.
The peas are another key ingredient, bringing a natural sweetness that balances out the savory bacon and the creamy dressing. Their bright green color and slight crunch add a pop of texture and freshness that elevates the entire dish. And let’s not forget the parmesan cheese! Freshly grated parmesan adds a rich umami flavor that enhances the overall taste and provides that subtle cheesy goodness without overpowering the other ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
What sets this Creamy Pea and Bacon Pasta Salad apart from other pasta salads is its combination of simplicity and bold flavor. It’s a recipe that requires no chopping of vegetables, and it can be prepared in less than 20 minutes. The ease of preparation makes it a lifesaver when you’re short on time but still want to impress guests with a delicious dish. It’s also versatile and customizable, allowing you to experiment with ingredients or adapt the flavors to suit your preferences.
Whether you’re looking for a quick side dish, a main course, or something to take to a party, this salad ticks all the boxes. It pairs beautifully with a wide range of dishes, from grilled meats to light and fresh sides, and can be served either chilled or at room temperature.
Serving Suggestions & Variations
One of the great things about this salad is that it is highly versatile. Here are some ideas on how you can serve it or make slight variations to suit your taste and dietary needs:
Serve It as a Side or Main Dish
This pasta salad works wonderfully as a side dish for grilled meats, such as chicken, steak, or even fish. It complements the smoky flavors of barbecued dishes and can be served alongside other salads, like a fresh green salad or coleslaw. Alternatively, you can serve it as a main dish, perhaps with some crusty bread on the side and a simple fruit salad for dessert. Its hearty nature, thanks to the pasta and bacon, makes it filling and satisfying.
Add Fresh Herbs
While the original recipe doesn’t call for fresh herbs, adding some chopped fresh parsley, dill, or chives can enhance the flavor and add a touch of freshness. Herbs like parsley and dill provide a nice contrast to the creamy dressing, while chives bring a mild onion flavor that pairs well with the bacon and peas.
Incorporate Different Vegetables
While peas are a classic choice for this dish, you can add or substitute other vegetables to make it more colorful and nutritious. Cherry tomatoes, diced bell peppers, or even roasted corn can be excellent additions. These vegetables not only add color and crunch but also provide extra flavor and nutritional benefits.
Change the Pasta Shape
While the recipe uses pasta shells, feel free to get creative with your pasta choice. Bow-tie (farfalle), rotini, or even elbow macaroni work well in this salad. The key is to use a shape that can hold the dressing well and mix easily with the other ingredients.
Experiment with Cheeses
Parmesan cheese provides a wonderful depth of flavor, but you can also try other cheeses to switch up the taste. Feta cheese, for instance, would add a tangy and salty element, while sharp cheddar or gouda can add a more robust cheesy flavor. Each variation brings its unique twist to the salad.
Make It Healthier
If you’re looking to lighten up the salad without compromising flavor, consider using a lighter mayonnaise or a Greek yogurt-based dressing. The yogurt will still provide creaminess, while adding a subtle tanginess and increasing the protein content. You can also opt for turkey bacon as a leaner alternative to regular bacon, reducing fat while still keeping that smoky flavor.
Season to Your Preference
The dressing itself is a blank canvas for your creativity. You can amp up the flavor by adding a bit of Dijon mustard for a tangy kick, honey for a touch of sweetness, or even some hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy twist.
Tips for the Perfect Pasta Salad
To make sure your pasta salad turns out just right every time, here are some helpful tips:
- Cook the Pasta to Al Dente: Since the pasta will absorb some of the dressing, it’s important to cook it until just al dente. This ensures that the pasta retains its shape and texture, even after it’s mixed with the dressing and stored in the fridge.
- Toss the Pasta with Olive Oil: After draining the pasta, toss it with a little olive oil. This not only prevents the pasta from sticking together but also adds a touch of flavor.
- Keep the Dressing Fresh: Since pasta tends to absorb dressing as it sits, it’s a good idea to reserve some of the dressing to mix into the salad just before serving. This keeps the salad creamy and flavorful.
- Chill for the Best Flavor: Allowing the pasta salad to chill for at least a couple of hours before serving helps all the flavors meld together. However, if you’re in a rush, it’s still delicious served immediately after preparation.
Perfect for Any Season
While pasta salads are often associated with summer and outdoor gatherings, this Creamy Pea and Bacon Pasta Salad is truly a year-round dish. Its flavors are comforting enough to serve during colder months as a side to warm soups or casseroles. In the spring and summer, it makes a refreshing dish to bring to barbecues, picnics, or beach outings.
This pasta salad can easily be prepared in advance, making it an excellent choice for meal prepping. You can store it in the fridge and have a ready-to-eat meal or side dish throughout the week. The flavors continue to develop over time, making it taste even better the next day.
A Hit for All Ages
This recipe is not just for adults but is also kid-friendly. The familiar flavors of bacon, pasta, and peas appeal to picky eaters, and the creamy dressing makes it a comfort food favorite for all ages. It’s also great for packed lunches, as it holds up well in a lunchbox and can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature.
Conclusion:
The Creamy Pea and Bacon Pasta Salad is a versatile and easy-to-make dish that delivers on flavor, texture, and convenience. With its crispy bacon, sweet peas, and creamy dressing, it’s a dish that brings comfort and joy to any meal. Whether you serve it as a side dish, a main course, or take it to your next potluck or gathering, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, with the opportunity to customize and adapt the ingredients to your taste, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your cooking repertoire. With its balance of savory, creamy, and sweet elements, and its effortless preparation, this pasta salad is a winner all around. Give it a try, and you’ll find yourself making it again and again.
