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Creamy Pasta Salad

Creamy Pasta Salad with Crispy Bacon and Sweet Peas

This Creamy Pasta Salad is an easy-to-make side dish with crispy bacon and sweet peas, perfect for barbecues and potlucks.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 6 cups
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 8 ounces Small Pasta Noodles Use gluten-free pasta if needed.
  • 1 cup Frozen Peas Thawed.
  • 6 slices Thick Cut Bacon Cooked and chopped.
  • 1 cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese Omit for dairy-free.
For the Dressing
  • 1 cup Mayonnaise Greek yogurt can be used as an alternative.
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Avocado oil is another choice.
  • 2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar White wine vinegar can be used.
  • 1 tablespoon Granulated Sugar Adjust to taste.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Use sea salt or kosher salt.
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Fresh minced garlic can be used.
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder Fresh finely chopped onion can be used.
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper Freshly cracked is preferred.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Skillet
  • Medium bowl
  • Large mixing bowl
  • whisk

Method
 

Cooking Steps
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the small pasta noodles and cook according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. Thaw peas under warm water and drain. Cook and crumble bacon in a skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until crispy, then set aside.
  3. In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, peas, crumbled bacon, and Parmesan cheese. Pour the dressing over and stir gently to coat evenly.
  5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours before serving. Stir gently before serving to refresh the creamy texture.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 9gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

For optimal texture and flavor, add fresh ingredients before serving. Consider making the salad a day in advance to deepen flavor.

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