Ultimate Creamy Pasta Salad Recipe – A Perfect Side Dish for Any Occasion!
This Creamy Pasta Salad is a crowd-pleaser, packed with tender pasta, sweet peas, crispy bacon, and a rich, tangy dressing. Perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or as a refreshing side dish. The creamy dressing balances the flavors beautifully, making it a hit every time!
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
Ingredients
Scale
For the Salad:
- 12 oz small pasta noodles (elbow, rotini, or penne)
- 2 cups frozen peas, thawed
- 12 oz thick-cut bacon, cooked and chopped
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
For the Creamy Dressing:
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Pasta:
- Boil pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
2️⃣ Prep Ingredients:
- While pasta cooks, ensure peas are thawed, bacon is crispy and crumbled, and Parmesan is grated.
3️⃣ Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, olive oil, vinegar, sugar, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until smooth.
4️⃣ Combine Salad:
- In a large bowl, mix pasta, peas, bacon, and Parmesan. Pour dressing over and toss until evenly coated.
5️⃣ Chill & Serve:
- Cover and refrigerate for 1-2 hours to let flavors meld (or serve immediately if needed). Stir before serving.
Nutrition
- Calories: 379 kcal per serving
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 537mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 28mg