Go Back
+ servings
undefined

Creamy Pasta Salad with Bacon for a Flavorful Twist

A delicious creamy pasta salad loaded with crispy bacon and sweet peas, perfect for any gathering.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Chill Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Pasta Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces Pasta Noodles (small shape like shells or fusilli)
For the Mix-In Ingredients
  • 1 cup Frozen Peas Thaw before use
  • 6 slices Thick Cut Bacon Cook until crispy
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated) Can substitute with cheddar or pecorino
For the Creamy Dressing
  • 1 cup Mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Extra virgin preferred
  • 1 tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Granulated Sugar Adjust to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt Adjust to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon Onion Powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper Adjust to taste

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Skillet
  • medium bowl
  • large mixing bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. Thaw the peas and cook the bacon in a skillet until crispy, about 5–7 minutes. Crumble the bacon once cooled.
  3. Make the dressing by whisking together mayonnaise, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until smooth.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, peas, bacon, and Parmesan. Add the dressing and mix well.
  5. Chill the pasta salad for at least 1-2 hours. Stir before serving.
  6. Serve cold, as a side dish or a light meal. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 12gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

Rinse pasta under cold water to prevent it from cooking further. Adjust seasoning carefully due to salty ingredients like bacon and Parmesan.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!