Creamy Pasta Salad with Bacon, Peas, and Parmesan Recipe
Introduction
Creamy Pasta Salad is a delightful and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for gatherings or a quick meal. Packed with savory bacon, tender peas, and a tangy dressing, it brings together simple ingredients for a satisfying result.
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
- 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 following the package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Step 2: While the pasta cooks, thaw the peas, cook and chop the bacon, and grate the parmesan cheese. Set these aside.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until smooth.
- Step 4: In a large bowl, combine the drained pasta, peas, bacon, and parmesan. Pour the dressing over the ingredients and stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Step 5: Cover and refrigerate the salad for 1 to 2 hours to let the flavors meld, or serve immediately if preferred.
Tips & Variations
- For added freshness, stir in chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives before serving.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter, tangier dressing.
- Substitute the bacon with cooked pancetta or omit for a vegetarian version.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste, especially the salt and pepper, to suit your preference.
Storage
Store the creamy pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir gently before serving again. It’s best enjoyed chilled, and reheating is not recommended as it may affect the texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, small shapes like rotini, bowtie, or shells work well for this salad as they hold the dressing and mix-ins nicely.
Is it okay to prepare the salad a day in advance?
Absolutely. Preparing it ahead allows the flavors to develop. Just keep it covered and refrigerated until serving.
PrintCreamy Pasta Salad with Bacon, Peas, and Parmesan Recipe
A creamy and flavorful pasta salad featuring tender small pasta noodles, sweet peas, crispy bacon, and freshly grated parmesan, all tossed in a tangy homemade mayonnaise dressing. Perfectly chilled, this salad makes a delightful side dish for picnics, barbecues, or casual meals.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Pasta and Vegetables
- 12 oz small pasta noodles
- 2 cups frozen peas (thawed)
Protein and Cheese
- 12 oz thick cut bacon (cooked and chopped)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
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: Cook the pasta noodles in a large pot of boiling water following package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the noodles.
- Prepare Ingredients: While the pasta cooks, thaw the frozen peas, cook and crumble the thick-cut bacon, and grate the parmesan cheese. Set these aside for assembly.
- 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 to create a flavorful dressing.
- Combine Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, thawed peas, chopped bacon, and grated parmesan. Pour the prepared dressing over all ingredients and gently stir to evenly coat everything in the dressing.
- Chill or Serve: Cover the pasta salad with a lid or plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours to allow flavors to meld. Alternatively, serve immediately if desired.
Notes
- For best texture, rinse pasta with cold water after cooking to prevent sticking and cool it for the salad.
- You can substitute bacon with pancetta or turkey bacon for a different flavor or lighter option.
- Adjust the seasoning such as salt and sugar to your taste preference.
- This salad can be made a day in advance and kept refrigerated to enhance flavors.
- Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives for extra freshness if desired.
Keywords: creamy pasta salad, bacon pasta salad, chilled pasta salad, easy pasta salad, picnic salad, summer salad, pasta with peas and bacon
