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Creamy Pasta Salad

Creamy Pasta Salad That Elevates Any BBQ or Potluck

This Creamy Pasta Salad is a delightful blend of flavors, perfect for BBQs and potlucks with crispy bacon and sweet peas.
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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 Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 8 ounces Small Pasta Noodles Can substitute with rotini or penne.
  • 1 cup Frozen Peas Thawed and drained.
  • 6 slices Thick Cut Bacon Cooked and chopped.
  • 1 cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese For optimal taste.
For the Dressing
  • 1 cup Mayonnaise Can substitute with Greek yogurt.
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Can be omitted for a lighter dish.
  • 2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar Can substitute with white wine vinegar.
  • 1 tablespoon Granulated Sugar Adjust for personal preference.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Be cautious if using salty bacon.
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper

Equipment

  • pot
  • colander
  • Skillet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. Prepare the ingredients: thaw peas, cook bacon in a skillet until crisp, and grate Parmesan cheese.
  3. Make the dressing by whisking together mayonnaise, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
  4. Combine cooled pasta, peas, bacon, and Parmesan in a large bowl. Pour dressing over and toss gently to coat.
  5. Chill the salad in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours before serving.
  6. Serve and enjoy, adding extra bacon or cheese on top if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 10gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 550mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Chill the salad for a better flavor. Be careful with the salt and consider preparing dressing separately for best texture.

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