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+ servings
Creamy Pasta Salad

Creamy Pasta Salad with Bacon and Peas You’ll Love

This creamy pasta salad with bacon and peas is a versatile dish perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta Salad
  • 8 oz Small Pasta Noodles Choose any small shape like elbows or shells
  • 1 cup Frozen Peas Thaw beforehand
  • 6 slices Thick Cut Bacon Cook until crispy
  • 1 cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese Rich creaminess; can swap for feta
For the Dressing
  • 1 cup Mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 2 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 1 tbsp Granulated Sugar Adjust as per taste
  • 1 tsp Salt Adjust based on preference
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1 tsp Onion Powder
  • 1 tsp Black Pepper Freshly ground

Equipment

  • large pot
  • skillet
  • colander
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Spatula

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then add the small pasta noodles and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
  2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the thick-cut bacon for 5-7 minutes until crispy, then drain on a paper towel. Thaw the frozen peas in warm water.
  3. Whisk together mayonnaise, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper in a medium bowl until smooth.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, thawed peas, crumbled bacon, and parmesan cheese; gently toss to combine.
  5. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture; fold in gently until all ingredients are well coated.
  6. Cover and refrigerate for 1-2 hours before serving, or serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 12gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 12mgIron: 8mg

Notes

Chilling the salad enhances flavors. Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-5 days.

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