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–+ servings
Creamy Pasta Salad

Creamy Pasta Salad: The Ultimate Summer Side Dish

This Creamy Pasta Salad is the perfect summer side dish, featuring crispy bacon and peas for a delightful flavor.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta Salad
  • 8 oz Small Pasta Noodles e.g., shells, elbows, or rotini
  • 1 cup Frozen Peas thawed
  • 6 oz Thick Cut Bacon cooked until crispy
  • 1 cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese use freshly grated for best flavor
For the Creamy Dressing
  • 1 cup Mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for a healthier version
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil or avocado oil for a different flavor
  • 2 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar or red wine vinegar as an alternative
  • 1 tbsp Granulated Sugar adjust to taste or omit
  • 1 tsp Salt to taste
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1 tsp Onion Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Black Pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Skillet
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • whisk

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Creamy Pasta Salad
  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente, about 7-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. Prepare the Ingredients: Cook bacon in a skillet until crispy. Crumble. Thaw peas and grate Parmesan cheese.
  3. Make the Creamy Dressing: Whisk together mayonnaise, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and sugar until smooth. Add seasonings and mix well.
  4. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, bacon, peas, and Parmesan. Pour dressing over and stir gently to coat.
  5. Chill and Serve: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 12gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 1mg

Notes

For best flavor, make ahead of time and allow the flavors to meld overnight. Adjust dressing according to preference before serving.

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