Dinner

Creamy Pasta Salad with Peas, Bacon, and Parmesan Recipe

ByJulian Dempsey January 27, 2026January 27, 2026

Introduction

This creamy pasta salad is a delightful blend of tender noodles, sweet peas, and crispy bacon, all tossed in a luscious homemade dressing. It’s an ideal side dish for dinners, potlucks, or barbecues, offering rich flavors and satisfying textures in every bite.

A white bowl filled with a pasta salad made of spiral rotini pasta mixed with layers of creamy dressing, chickpeas, small pieces of red bell pepper, slices of black olives, and chopped green herbs. The pasta is pale yellow, the chickpeas are light beige, and the red bell peppers add bright red spots throughout. The olives are dark and shiny, and there are small green bits scattered on top. A woman's hand is holding wooden chopsticks, picking up some pasta salad. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the pasta noodles in a large pot of boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the noodles.
Step 2: Ensure the peas are thawed, bacon is cooked and chopped, and parmesan cheese is freshly grated. Set these ingredients aside.
Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 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 mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, peas, bacon, and parmesan. Pour the dressing over and stir gently until everything is evenly coated.
Step 5: Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap, then refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours to let the flavors meld, or serve immediately if preferred.

Tips & Variations

Use rotini or shell pasta for extra sauce-holding capacity.
Substitute bacon with crispy pancetta or smoked turkey for different smoky flavors.
Add diced red onion or celery for added crunch and freshness.
Adjust seasoning in the dressing to your preference, adding more vinegar for tang or sugar for sweetness.
For a lighter version, swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.

Storage

Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir gently before serving, and it can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. Avoid freezing, as the creamy dressing may separate upon thawing.

How to Serve

A white bowl holds a colorful pasta salad with three layers of ingredients. The bottom layer is made of spiral-shaped pasta with a pale yellow color and a soft texture. On top of that are chopped green pieces of avocado or celery and small slices of black olives without shine. Scattered around the salad are chunks of red bell pepper and white chickpeas adding fresh and varied colors. A woman's hand is holding a wooden fork inside the bowl, ready to take some salad. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes, preparing the salad a few hours ahead allows the flavors to blend beautifully. Just keep it refrigerated and give it a good stir before serving.

What type of pasta works best for this salad?

Small shapes like rotini, shells, or elbow macaroni are great choices because they hold the creamy dressing well and mix easily with the other ingredients.