Description
This Creamy Pea and Bacon Pasta Salad is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, combining crispy bacon, tender pasta shells, sweet peas, and a tangy, creamy dressing. Perfect for potlucks, parties, or cozy family meals, it’s quick and easy to prepare, requiring minimal effort while delivering bold flavors. Its versatility and irresistible taste make it a favorite for any occasion.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Salad:
- 12 oz pasta shell noodles
- 1 lb thick-cut bacon, diced
- 2 cups frozen peas, thawed
- 2/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
For the Dressing:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or fresh lemon juice
- 1 1/2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3/4 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Drain and rinse with cool water. Drizzle with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Bacon:
- While the pasta cooks, sauté the diced bacon in a skillet until crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, olive oil, vinegar (or lemon juice), sugar, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth. Reserve 1/3 cup of the dressing for refreshing the salad before serving if needed.
- Assemble the Salad:
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, bacon, and peas. Pour over the dressing and toss until evenly coated. Add Parmesan cheese and toss again.
- Chill:
- Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Toss with reserved dressing before serving if the salad seems dry.