Elevate your pasta salad game with our Creamy Bacon Pasta Salad, a delightful medley of small noodles, peas, and thick-cut bacon bathed in a luscious creamy dressing. This dish isn’t just a side—it’s a star on its own, offering a perfect balance of textures and a burst of flavors in every forkful. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or craving a satisfying meal, this recipe is your ticket to creamy, bacon-infused bliss.
Imagine a sunny picnic, a checkered blanket spread out, and laughter filling the air as the Creamy Bacon Pasta Salad takes center stage. In our family, this recipe has become synonymous with joyous gatherings and casual feasts. The al dente pasta, the pop of peas, the crunch of bacon, all enveloped in a creamy embrace—each bite is a celebration of simplicity and indulgence. It’s a dish that turns ordinary moments into extraordinary memories.
Why This Symphony of Flavors Pasta Salad:
- Bacon Bliss: Thick-cut bacon adds a savory crunch, turning a classic pasta salad into a gourmet experience.
- Creamy Dreamy Dressing: The luscious combination of mayo, olive oil, and apple cider vinegar creates a dressing that’s the perfect balance of tangy and creamy.
- Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal as a standalone meal or a side dish, this pasta salad suits casual picnics, family dinners, and potluck gatherings with equal flair.
- Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare in advance and let it chill in the fridge, allowing the flavors to meld for a refreshing and satisfying dish.
Ingredients:
For the salad:
- 340 grams (12 oz) small pasta noodles
- 2 cups frozen peas (thawed)
- 340 grams (12 oz) thick-cut bacon (cooked and chopped)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
For the creamy dressing:
- 180 ml (3/4 cup) mayonnaise
- 30 ml (2 TBS) olive oil
- 15 ml (1 TBS) apple cider vinegar
- 5 grams (1 tsp) granulated sugar
- 5 grams (1 tsp) salt (to taste)
- 2.5 grams (1/2 tsp) garlic powder
- 2.5 grams (1/2 tsp) onion powder
- 0.6 grams (1/4 tsp) black pepper (to taste)
Instructions:
- Cook pasta noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain, rinse in cold water, and set aside.
- While the pasta cooks, ensure peas are thawed, bacon is cooked and crumbled, and Parmesan is grated. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper to create the creamy dressing.
- In a large bowl, combine pasta, peas, bacon, and Parmesan. Pour the dressing over and stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Cover the pasta bowl and chill in the fridge for 1 to 2 hours for flavors to meld, or serve immediately.
Notes: Experiment with additional ingredients like cherry tomatoes, diced bell peppers, or grilled chicken for added variety. Adjust the salt and pepper to taste and consider drizzling extra dressing before serving if desired. Enjoy the Creamy Bacon Pasta Salad as a delightful standalone meal or a crowd-pleasing side that steals the spotlight!
