Description
This creamy pasta salad features tender small pasta noodles tossed with sweet peas, crispy thick-cut bacon, and freshly grated parmesan cheese, all coated in a luscious homemade creamy dressing. Perfect as a side dish for dinners, potlucks, or barbecues, it combines fresh flavors with a satisfying texture that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta Salad
- 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
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
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the pasta noodles according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the noodles.
- Prepare Ingredients: While the pasta cooks, thaw the peas completely, cook and crumble the thick-cut bacon, and grate the parmesan cheese. Set all aside for assembling.
- Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Combine Salad: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked and cooled pasta, thawed peas, chopped bacon, and parmesan cheese. Pour the creamy dressing over the top and stir thoroughly until every ingredient is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill or Serve: Cover the bowl tightly with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours to let the flavors meld and the salad chill. Alternatively, serve immediately if preferred.
Notes
- For best flavor, chill the pasta salad for at least 1 hour before serving.
- You can substitute cooked chicken or ham for bacon for a different protein option.
- Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill to brighten the flavor.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this salad gluten-free if needed.
- Adjust seasoning of dressing to your taste preference.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: pasta salad, Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: creamy pasta salad, bacon pasta salad, peas pasta salad, American pasta salad, summer side dish, potluck salad
