Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I pulled open the fridge door, a wave of nostalgia washed over me—reminding me of summer barbecues with family, laughter echoing through the air. The star of the show at those gatherings? A creamy pasta salad, like this Creamy Pasta Salad with Peas and Crispy Bacon, that brought everyone together and kept the conversation flowing. With its vibrant peas, crispy bacon, and silky dressing, this dish is not only a satisfying side for grilled meats but also an effortless crowd-pleaser at potlucks. Plus, its quick prep ensures you can whip it up in no time, giving you more moments to enjoy with loved ones. Curious how you can elevate your next gathering with this delightful recipe? Let’s dive in! Why Is This Pasta Salad So Popular? Simplicity: You only need a handful of ingredients to create this creamy pasta salad, making it easy even for novice cooks. Crowd-Pleasing: With its rich dressing, crispy bacon, and sweet peas, this dish is sure to delight at any gathering, from family barbecues to potlucks. Customizable: Want to jazz it up? Feel free to substitute in ingredients like grilled chicken or colorful veggies to make it your own. Check out our recipe for Rainbow Chicken Salad for another vibrant option! Prep Time: This recipe can be whipped up in no time, giving you more time to enjoy with your guests. Plus, chilling it allows the flavors to meld perfectly! Versatile: It pairs beautifully with meats like grilled chicken or burgers, making it an ideal side for any meal. Just picture it next to your favorite grilled dishes! Creamy Pasta Salad Ingredients For the Salad • Small Pasta Noodles – The foundation of this creamy pasta salad, providing hearty carbohydrates. Substitution: Feel free to swap in any small-shaped pasta, like macaroni or shells. • Frozen Peas (thawed) – These offer pops of sweetness and a vibrant green color. Substitution: Corn can easily be substituted for a different flavor. • Thick Cut Bacon (cooked and chopped) – This adds a savory crunch that elevates the dish. Prep Note: Make sure your bacon is crispy for the best texture. • Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese – Provides a nutty and salty depth to the salad. Substitution: You can use grated mozzarella or crumbly feta if you prefer. For the Dressing • Mayonnaise – Acts as the creamy base for the dressing, adding richness. Substitution: Greek yogurt is a great, lighter alternative. • Olive Oil – Offers a smooth texture and a subtle flavor to the dressing. • Apple Cider Vinegar – Adds a zesty acidity that balances all the richness. Note: White vinegar will work as a substitute if needed. • Granulated Sugar – Helps sweetness balance the tang of the dressing. • Salt & Black Pepper – Key seasonings that enhance the overall flavor. • Garlic Powder & Onion Powder – Infuses the dressing with aromatic depth for a richer taste. Enjoy this Creamy Pasta Salad as the star of your gatherings or a comforting side dish any night of the week! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Creamy Pasta Salad Step 1: Cook the Pasta Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add your small pasta noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the noodles in a colander and rinse them under cold water to halt the cooking process, ensuring they remain firm for your Creamy Pasta Salad. Step 2: Prep the Ingredients While the pasta cools, take a moment to prepare the other ingredients. Thaw the frozen peas by placing them in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes. Cook the thick cut bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it’s crispy, about 6-8 minutes; then crumble it into bite-sized pieces. Lastly, grate the Parmesan cheese to add that cheesy goodness to your salad. Step 3: Make the Dressing In a separate bowl, combine the mayonnaise, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This dressing will bring all the flavors together in your Creamy Pasta Salad, so ensure it’s well mixed. Step 4: Combine the Ingredients In a large mixing bowl, place the cooled pasta, thawed peas, crumbled bacon, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Pour the creamy dressing over the top. Use a large spoon to toss everything together gently, ensuring each ingredient is coated evenly. This step is essential to achieve that luxurious creaminess in your salad. Step 5: Chill or Serve For the best flavor, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate your creamy pasta salad for 1-2 hours before serving. This chilling time lets the flavors meld beautifully. If you’re short on time, you can serve it immediately, but waiting enhances the taste and overall experience of this delightful dish. Expert Tips for Creamy Pasta Salad Chill for Flavor: Let your Creamy Pasta Salad refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and enhance its taste. Prevent Gummy Pasta: Rinse the cooked pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent it from getting gummy in your salad. Extra Dressing: If making ahead, prepare some extra dressing to add just before serving, as the pasta tends to absorb it over time. Crispy Bacon: Ensure your bacon is cooked until crispy for the best texture and flavor contrast in your salad. Customize: Don’t hesitate to mix in your favorite veggies or proteins, like colorful peppers or grilled chicken, for a personalized twist! Creamy Pasta Salad Variations Feel free to sprinkle your own flair onto this beloved creamy pasta salad, creating irresistible versions tailored to your taste! Dairy-Free: Use a plant-based mayo alternative and skip the cheese for a lighter, dairy-free option. Pasta Swap: Experiment with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to match dietary preferences while staying delicious. Protein Boost: Substitute bacon with diced grilled chicken or chickpeas for an added protein punch; perfect for a family meal! Veggie Vibrance: Toss in diced bell peppers or cherry tomatoes for an extra crunch and bright color. These veggies contrast beautifully against the creamy dressing! Zesty Twist: A dash of lemon juice or zest adds a refreshing brightness, elevating the overall flavor experience. You could also explore the delightful aroma of herbs by mixing in fresh dill or basil. Spicy Kick: For a hint of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. This subtle addition transforms the salad into an adventurous bite! Pasta Salad with a Twist: Merge flavors by incorporating a dressing made with pesto instead of mayonnaise. This creates a fresh, herbaceous profile that’s nothing short of extraordinary. Sweet Surprise: Try adding diced apples or grapes for a surprising sweet element—your guests will adore this mix of sweet and savory! Remember, preparing a dish as versatile as this creamy pasta salad opens up the possibilities for culinary creativity. If you’re seeking even more salad inspiration, consider trying our delicious Millionaire Peach Salad or a delightful Egg Pasta Salad. Each one allows for personalization and flavor experimentation! How to Store and Freeze Creamy Pasta Salad Fridge: Store your creamy pasta salad in an airtight container for up to 3-5 days. Keep it covered to maintain freshness and prevent any drying out. Freezer: While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the salad for up to 2 months. However, the texture may change, so reassemble the essential ingredients before serving. Reheating: If you’ve frozen the salad, thaw it in the fridge overnight. For serving, toss in a bit of extra dressing to bring back creaminess and flavor. Serving Tips: For the best taste, enjoy this creamy pasta salad chilled; flavors are enhanced after a little time in the fridge! Make Ahead Options These Creamy Pasta Salad with Peas and Crispy Bacon is perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time. You can cook the pasta and prepare the dressing up to 24 hours in advance. Simply store the cooled pasta and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to enjoy this delightful dish, combine the pasta, thawed peas, crumbled bacon, and freshly grated Parmesan, then drizzle the dressing over just before serving to keep everything fresh and prevent the pasta from absorbing the dressing too much. With these prep tips, you’ll savor a delicious meal with minimal effort, leaving you more time to enjoy the company of family and friends! What to Serve with Creamy Pasta Salad with Peas and Crispy Bacon? This delicious creamy pasta salad is a crowd-pleaser that pairs beautifully with a range of dishes, elevating any gathering. Grilled Chicken: Juicy and smoky, grilled chicken enhances the salad’s flavors while providing a satisfying protein element. BBQ Ribs: The rich, tangy goodness of barbecue ribs balances out the creamy pasta salad, making for a perfect summer feast. Garden Fresh Salad: A light, crisp garden salad adds a refreshing crunch, complementing the creamy richness of the pasta. Corn on the Cob: Sweet, buttery corn on the cob is a classic summer side that pairs perfectly with the salad’s savory notes. Garlic Bread: This aromatic, crunchy staple brings an irresistible toastiness that beautifully contrasts the creaminess of the pasta salad. Sparkling Lemonade: A refreshing drink, sparkling lemonade provides a zesty and sweet counterpoint to the creamy textures of the dish. Imagine serving this creamy pasta salad alongside mouth-watering barbecue ribs and a chilled glass of sparkling lemonade; it’s the ideal spread for warm evenings filled with laughter! Creamy Pasta Salad with Peas and Crispy Bacon Recipe FAQs How do I know when my peas are ripe and ready to use? Absolutely! If you’re using fresh peas, look for vibrant green color and firm texture; they should be sweet and crisp. However, since this recipe uses frozen peas, simply ensure they are fully thawed before tossing them into your salad. What’s the best way to store leftover creamy pasta salad? I recommend transferring your creamy pasta salad to an airtight container and refrigerating it right after serving. It will stay fresh for about 3-5 days. Just remember to keep it covered to prevent it from drying out or absorbing any other fridge odors. Can I freeze creamy pasta salad? Yes, you can freeze creamy pasta salad for up to 2 months. However, keep in mind the texture may change once thawed. To freeze, place the salad in an airtight freezer bag or container. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight and add a splash of dressing to rehydrate it before serving. What if my pasta becomes gummy after cooking? Very! To prevent gummy pasta, make sure to rinse the noodles thoroughly under cold water right after draining. This will cool them down and stop the cooking process, keeping them firm and al dente. If they do become gummy, a splash of olive oil can help loosen them up. Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind for this recipe? Absolutely! If you’re serving this creamy pasta salad to guests with dietary restrictions, you can customize it easily. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta, and for dairy allergies, consider using a dairy-free mayonnaise. Always double-check that your bacon and other ingredients cater to the guests’ needs. Can pets eat any of the ingredients in this salad? It’s best to keep this salad away from pets. Ingredients like bacon can be too salty or fatty for dogs, while onions (found in onion powder) are toxic to both cats and dogs. Always check with your veterinarian about safe foods for your furry friends! Creamy Pasta Salad: A Flavorful Twist with Peas and Bacon No ratings yet This Creamy Pasta Salad, featuring peas and bacon, is a delightful and easy side dish perfect for summer gatherings. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 10 minutes minsChill Time 2 hours hrsTotal Time 2 hours hrs 25 minutes mins Servings: 6 servingsCourse: SaladsCuisine: AmericanCalories: 350 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Salad8 oz Small Pasta Noodles Substitution: Any small-shaped pasta like macaroni or shells.1 cup Frozen Peas (thawed) Substitution: Corn can easily be substituted for a different flavor.6 oz Thick Cut Bacon (cooked and chopped) Prep Note: Make sure your bacon is crispy for the best texture.1 cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese Substitution: Grated mozzarella or crumbly feta can be used.For the Dressing1 cup Mayonnaise Substitution: Greek yogurt is a great, lighter alternative.2 tbsp Olive Oil2 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar Note: White vinegar will work as a substitute if needed.1 tbsp Granulated Sugar1 tsp Salt1 tsp Black Pepper1 tsp Garlic Powder1 tsp Onion Powder Equipment large potcolanderSkilletMixing Bowlwhisk Method Step-by-Step InstructionsBegin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add your small pasta noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain the noodles in a colander and rinse them under cold water.While the pasta cools, thaw the frozen peas in warm water. Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 6-8 minutes; then crumble it into pieces. Grate the Parmesan cheese.In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Whisk until smooth and creamy.In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, peas, bacon, and Parmesan. Pour the dressing over and toss gently until coated.Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1-2 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled. Nutrition Serving: 1cupCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 10gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 29mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 100IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 1mg NotesFor best flavor, let your Creamy Pasta Salad refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours. Rinse pasta to prevent gumminess. Customize with favorite veggies or proteins. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
