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Creamy pasta salad with bacon, peas, and parmesan in a bowl

Delicious Creamy Pasta Salad Recipe

Mealoras
Creamy pasta salad made with tender noodles, crispy bacon, sweet peas, and a smooth, flavorful dressing.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Salad
Servings 6 Servings

Ingredients
  

Pasta Salad Ingredients

  • 12 oz small pasta noodles
  • 2 cups frozen peas thawed
  • 12 oz thick-cut bacon cooked and chopped
  • ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

Creamy Dressing Ingredients

  • ¾ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar to taste
  • 1 teaspoon salt to taste
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Cook the Pasta
    Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the pasta noodlesand cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Thismeans the pasta should be tender but still slightly firm.
    Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water.Rinsing stops the cooking process and cools the noodles, which helps thedressing coat the pasta evenly later. Let the pasta drain fully.
  • Prepare the Other Ingredients
    While the pasta is cooking:
    Make sure the frozen peas are fully thawed Cook the bacon until crisp, then chop it into small pieces Grate the parmesan cheese fresh for the best flavor
    Set everything aside until ready to assemble.
  • Make the Creamy Dressing
    In a small bowl, add the mayonnaise, olive oil, apple cidervinegar, sugar, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
    Whisk until the dressing is smooth and wellcombined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. The dressing should be creamywith a slightly tangy, balanced flavor
  • Assemble the Pasta Salad
    Add the cooled pasta, thawed peas, chopped bacon, and gratedparmesan cheese to a large mixing bowl.
    Pour the dressing over the top. Gently stiruntil all the ingredients are evenly coated. Take your time to ensure thedressing reaches every part of the salad without breaking the pasta
  • Chill or Serve
    Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap. Place it in therefrigerator to chill for 1 to 2 hours for best flavor.
    If needed, you can also serve it immediately.Before serving, give it a quick stir to refresh the texture.

Notes

  • Rinse the pasta with cold water after cooking to stop it from overcooking and help the dressing coat evenly.
  • Allow the pasta salad to chill for at least 1 hour for the best flavor and texture.
  • Taste the dressing before mixing and adjust salt, sugar, or vinegar as needed.
  • For best results, use freshly grated parmesan instead of pre-shredded cheese.
  • If the salad thickens after chilling, stir gently before serving to refresh the texture