Description
This creamy pasta salad is a delightful and easy-to-make dish perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or a simple meal. Featuring tender small pasta noodles, sweet peas, crispy bacon, and freshly grated parmesan tossed in a tangy, creamy dressing, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta Salad
- 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
Creamy Dressing
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the pasta noodles according to the package directions 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 all aside.
- 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 fully combined and smooth.
- Combine Salad: In a large bowl, add the cooled pasta, thawed peas, cooked bacon, and grated parmesan. Pour the creamy dressing over the salad and stir well to evenly coat all ingredients.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours to allow flavors to meld. Alternatively, serve immediately if preferred.
Notes
- For best flavor, chill the salad for at least an hour before serving.
- Adjust seasoning in the dressing to your taste.
- Use a good quality mayonnaise for a richer dressing.
- You can substitute bacon with cooked pancetta or turkey bacon for variation.
- This salad can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
