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Creamy Pasta Salad

Creamy Pasta Salad: A Twist on the Classic for Every Potluck

This Creamy Pasta Salad offers a delightful twist on the classic, combining crispy bacon and peas for a comforting side dish.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Chilling Time 2 hours
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta Base
  • 8 oz Small Pasta Noodles Feel free to use gluten-free pasta.
For the Veggies
  • 1 cup Frozen Peas (thawed) Corn or diced bell peppers can substitute.
For the Crunch
  • 6 slices Thick Cut Bacon (cooked and chopped) Turkey bacon can be used as a healthier option.
For the Creamy Dressing
  • 1 cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese Pecorino can substitute, or omit for a dairy-free variant.
  • 1/2 cup Mayonnaise Greek yogurt can be a healthier substitute.
  • 1/4 cup Olive Oil Avocado oil is a great alternative.
  • 2 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar White vinegar is a suitable substitute.
  • 1 tbsp Granulated Sugar Consider honey or agave as natural sweeteners.
For Flavoring
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1 tsp Onion Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Black Pepper

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Colander
  • skillet
  • Medium Mixing Bowl
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk

Method
 

Cooking Steps
  1. Cook the small pasta noodles in a large pot of boiling salted water according to package instructions for 8–10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. Thaw frozen peas in warm water for about 5 minutes. Cook thick-cut bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 6–8 minutes, then chop it.
  3. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until smooth.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, peas, chopped bacon, and Parmesan cheese. Pour dressing over and stir gently.
  5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 12gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 5mg

Notes

Chill for at least 1 hour for better flavor blending. Use fresh ingredients for the best taste and feel free to customize ingredients to your preference.

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