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Creamy Pasta Salad

Delicious Creamy Pasta Salad with Bacon and Peas Fun Twist

This Creamy Pasta Salad is a delicious blend of crispy bacon, sweet peas, and tender pasta, perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Chill Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: PASTA
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta Base
  • 2 cups small pasta noodles penne or rotini works beautifully too!
For the Mix-ins
  • 1 cup frozen peas thawed
  • 6 slices thick cut bacon cooked and chopped
For the Creamy Dressing
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese feta can replace it for a tangy twist
  • 1 cup mayonnaise Greek yogurt serves as a lighter alternative
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil feel free to use any light oil
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar regular vinegar works just as well
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar omit if less sweetness is preferred
For Seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder adjust to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper adjust to taste

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Mixing Bowl
  • small bowl
  • whisk
  • Strainer

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Boil water in a large pot, then add the small pasta noodles. Cook until al dente, typically about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to prevent sticking.
  2. Thaw the frozen peas, ensuring they're ready to add. Meanwhile, cook thick-cut bacon until crispy; then chop it into bite-sized pieces and grate the parmesan cheese for added flavor.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked pasta, thawed peas, crumbled bacon, and freshly grated parmesan cheese. Mix gently to combine everything evenly.
  5. Pour the creamy dressing over the pasta mixture and toss it well to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
  6. Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge for 1-2 hours to let the flavors meld. You can also serve immediately for a quick option.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 12gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 350mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 100IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Optional: Garnish with fresh herbs for a vibrant touch before serving. For optimal flavor, consider making the pasta salad a day in advance and saving some dressing to refresh before serving.

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