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Creamy Pasta Salad

Creamy Pasta Salad That Everyone Will Love and Devour

This Creamy Pasta Salad combines tender pasta, sweet peas, and crispy bacon for a comforting and customizable dish.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 8 ounces Small Pasta Noodles or medium shells
  • 1 cup Frozen Peas thawed
  • 6 slices Thick Cut Bacon cooked and crumbled
  • 1 cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese for best flavor
For the Dressing
  • 1 cup Mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for a lighter option
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil optional for thicker dressing
  • 2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar or red wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Granulated Sugar adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Salt adjust for bacon saltiness
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder

Equipment

  • large pot
  • skillet
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • large bowl
  • Plastic wrap

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add small pasta noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process, then set aside to dry.
  2. While the pasta is cooking, thaw the frozen peas. In a skillet, cook the thick cut bacon over medium heat for 6-8 minutes until crispy; drain on paper towels and crumble. Grate the Parmesan cheese.
  3. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to taste.
  4. In a large bowl, mix together the cooked pasta, thawed peas, crumbled bacon, and grated Parmesan cheese. Pour the dressing over and toss to coat well.
  5. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. If short on time, serving immediately is an option, but chilling enhances flavors.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 10gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 700mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Pasta should be cooked al dente for best texture. Adjust seasoning according to preference, and feel free to customize with different vegetables or proteins.

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