Creamy Pasta Salad Recipe: Your New Favorite Side Dish
Looking for a crowd-pleasing side dish that’s quick and easy to whip up? This Creamy Pasta Salad is the answer! Bursting with flavors from tender pasta, sweet peas, crispy bacon, and a tangy dressing, it’s the perfect accompaniment for any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, attending a potluck, or need an effortless weeknight dinner option, this salad will impress. With its creamy texture and vibrant colors, it invites everyone to dig in. Plus, it can be made ahead of time—allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Enjoy this delightful pasta salad that’s sure to become a staple on your dining table!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz small pasta (shells, rotini, or farfalle)
- 2 cups frozen peas (thawed)
- 12 oz thick-cut bacon (cooked and crumbled)
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- Thaw the peas and cook the bacon until crispy; crumble into bite-sized pieces.
- Whisk together mayonnaise, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper in a small bowl.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta with peas, bacon, and Parmesan cheese. Add dressing and toss gently until evenly coated.
- Cover and chill in the refrigerator for 1–2 hours before serving or enjoy immediately.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg