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+ servings
Pasta Salad

Creamy Pasta Salad Bliss: A Crowd-Pleasing Favorite

Discover the versatility of this creamy pasta salad, a crowd-pleasing favorite perfect for summer gatherings.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta Base
  • 12 oz small pasta noodles any small shape like shell or rotini can be substituted
For the Mix-Ins
  • 2 cups frozen peas thawed
  • 12 oz thick cut bacon cooked and chopped
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese can substitute with cheddar or feta
For the Dressing
  • 3/4 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for a lighter option
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or white vinegar/lemon juice as alternatives
  • 1 tsp granulated sugar optional
  • 1 tsp salt adjust based on preference
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder optional
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper adjust to taste

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Medium bowl
  • Whisk
  • Plastic wrap

Method
 

Cooking Steps
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. Prepare mix-ins: thaw peas, chop cooked bacon, and grate parmesan cheese.
  3. In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until smooth.
  4. In a large bowl, combine pasta, peas, bacon, and parmesan. Pour dressing over and toss until evenly coated.
  5. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 12gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Allow flavors to meld by chilling the salad, and adjust salt to taste due to salty ingredients like bacon and cheese.

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