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–+ servings
Creamy Pasta Salad

Creamy Pasta Salad That Everyone Will Love and Customize

A vibrant, customizable Creamy Pasta Salad combining crispy bacon, sweet peas, and tender noodles—perfect for gatherings.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 8 oz small pasta noodles adjust cooking time according to package instructions
  • 1 cup frozen peas thawed for even mixing
  • 6 oz thick cut bacon can substitute with turkey bacon
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated enhances creaminess
For the Dressing
  • 1 cup mayonnaise Greek yogurt may be used for a tangy twist
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar can substitute with other vinegars
  • 1 tbsp granulated sugar adjust to taste
  • 1 tsp salt adjust according to taste
  • 1 tsp black pepper adjust according to taste
  • 1 tsp garlic powder or use fresh minced garlic
  • 1 tsp onion powder or use fresh minced onion

Equipment

  • large pot
  • colander
  • Skillet
  • mixing bowl
  • Whisk

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add small pasta noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. Thaw frozen peas in a small bowl of water, and cook thick-cut bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy (about 6-8 minutes). Crumble bacon once cooled, and set aside with grated Parmesan.
  3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
  4. In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, thawed peas, crumbled bacon, and grated Parmesan. Pour dressing over and gently toss until evenly coated.
  5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours to meld flavors. Serve chilled.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 10gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 600IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 1mg

Notes

This salad can be customized with various mix-ins like roasted vegetables or diced chicken. Adjust seasonings according to taste before serving.

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