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Creamy Pasta Salad

Creamy Pasta Salad Perfect for Summer Gatherings

Enjoy a Creamy Pasta Salad loaded with bacon and peas, perfect for summer gatherings and customizable to your taste.
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
  

For the Salad
  • 12 oz small pasta noodles medium shells or rotini offer excellent texture
  • 2 cups frozen peas thawed
  • 12 oz thick cut bacon cooked and chopped
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
For the Dressing
  • 3/4 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for a lighter alternative
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or another mild vegetable oil
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar
  • 1 tsp granulated sugar to taste
  • 1 tsp salt to taste
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder or fresh minced garlic
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder or fresh chopped onion
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Pot
  • Skillet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Colander
  • whisk

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Creamy Pasta Salad
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add 12 oz of small pasta noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop cooking, then set aside to cool completely.
  2. While the pasta is cooking, take 12 oz of thick-cut bacon; cook in a skillet over medium heat for about 8-10 minutes until crispy. Remove and place on paper towels to absorb excess grease, then crumble. Next, thaw 2 cups of frozen peas if not already done, and grate 1/2 cup of parmesan cheese.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine 3/4 cup of mayonnaise, 2 tbsp of olive oil, 1 tbsp of apple cider vinegar, and 1 tsp of granulated sugar. Using a whisk, blend until smooth. Season with 1 tsp of salt, 1/2 tsp of garlic powder, 1/2 tsp of onion powder, and 1/4 tsp of black pepper, adjusting to taste.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, thawed peas, crumbled bacon, and freshly grated parmesan cheese. Gently mix until well-distributed.
  5. Pour the creamy dressing over the pasta mixture, and stir gently until well-coated.
  6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 12gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 550mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 100IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

This salad can be prepared a day in advance and chilled for best flavor. Avoid salting the pasta water to maintain balanced flavors.

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