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Creamy Pasta Salad

Creamy Pasta Salad: A Perfect Potluck Side Everyone Loves

A delicious and customizable creamy pasta salad, packed with crispy bacon, sweet peas, and a rich dressing, perfect for potlucks.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 8 ounces Pasta Noodles Any small pasta shape
  • 1 cup Frozen Peas Thawed
  • 6 slices Thick Cut Bacon Crispy, may substitute with turkey bacon
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese Freshly grated
For the Dressing
  • 1 cup Mayonnaise Can substitute with Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Can substitute with avocado oil
  • 2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar Can substitute with white wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Granulated Sugar Adjust or omit as preferred
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Adjust to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon Pepper Freshly cracked preferred
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Or fresh minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder Or fresh minced onion

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Colander
  • whisk

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. Cook thick-cut bacon in a skillet over medium heat for 6-8 minutes until crispy. Drain and crumble once cooled.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper until smooth.
  4. In a large bowl, combine pasta, crumbled bacon, thawed peas, and Parmesan. Pour dressing over and mix gently.
  5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld.
  6. Serve cold or at room temperature, giving it a quick stir before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 10gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 450mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 1mg

Notes

This pasta salad can be customized with different mix-ins according to your preferences. It’s a great make-ahead dish for gatherings.

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