Description

This creamy pasta salad features tender small shell pasta tossed with crispy bacon, sweet peas, and freshly grated parmesan cheese, all coated in a smooth and flavorful creamy dressing. Perfect as a versatile side dish for dinners, potlucks, or barbecues, it offers a delightful combination of textures and tastes with a rich homemade dressing made from mayonnaise, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and aromatic spices.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta Salad

12 oz small pasta noodles (medium shells recommended)
2 cups frozen peas, thawed
12 oz thick-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled
1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

Creamy Dressing

3/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (adjust to taste)
1/2 teaspoon onion powder (adjust to taste)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the pasta noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking, then dry the pasta as much as possible.
Prepare Ingredients: While pasta cooks, thaw the peas, cook the thick-cut bacon until crispy, then crumble it. Grate the parmesan cheese.
Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until smooth and combined.
Combine Salad: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked pasta, thawed peas, crumbled bacon, and parmesan cheese. Pour the dressing over the top and stir thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly in the dressing.
Chill and Serve: Cover the salad with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours to allow flavors to meld, or serve immediately if preferred.

Notes

This salad is an excellent make-ahead dish; prepare everything but reserve half the dressing and the bacon to add just before serving to keep bacon crispy.
Use medium shells, rotini, or farfalle for best texture and coating by the dressing.
Do not overcook the pasta to avoid sogginess, especially since it sits in creamy dressing.
Customize by adding other vegetables like chopped carrots, bell peppers, corn, or add proteins such as grilled chicken or diced ham for a heartier salad.
Incorporate cubed cheddar cheese for added flavor and richness if desired.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: creamy pasta salad, bacon pasta salad, side dish, potluck recipe, summer salad, creamy dressing, peas pasta salad, easy pasta salad