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Creamy Pasta Salad

Creamy Pasta Salad That Will Brighten Any Gathering

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This Creamy Pasta Salad is an easy crowd-pleaser, combining bacon and peas for a delightful dish perfect for any gathering.
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 Base
  • 12 oz Small Pasta Noodles Choose small-shaped pasta like macaroni or shells.
  • 1 cup Frozen Peas Thawed.
  • 6 slices Thick Cut Bacon Cooked and chopped.
  • 1 cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese Enhances creaminess.
For the Dressing
  • 1 cup Mayonnaise Primary binder for the salad.
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil Adds richness.
  • 2 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar Provides necessary acidity.
  • 1 tbsp Granulated Sugar Balances the tanginess.
For Flavoring
  • 1 tsp Salt To taste.
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder To taste.
  • 1 tsp Onion Powder To taste.
  • 1 tsp Black Pepper To taste.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • colander
  • Skillet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Rubber Spatula

Method
 

Cooking and Mixing
  1. Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water over high heat. Once boiling, add small pasta noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente, around 8–10 minutes.
  2. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water until cooled.
  3. While the pasta cools, prepare other ingredients: thaw peas, cook bacon until crispy, and grate Parmesan cheese.
  4. In a medium mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and granulated sugar. Whisk until smooth.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, peas, crumbled bacon, and grated Parmesan. Pour dressing over and gently fold to combine.
  6. Cover and refrigerate for 1–2 hours for flavors to meld.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 12gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Chill for flavor and adjust seasoning as needed. Try adding fresh herbs for an extra dimension of flavor.

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