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Creamy Pasta Salad

Creamy Pasta Salad That's Perfect for Any Gathering

A delightful creamy pasta salad with sweet peas and crispy bacon that's versatile and quick to prepare.
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 Pasta Salad
  • 8 oz Small Pasta Noodles Use any short pasta shape, such as rotini or shells.
  • 1 cup Frozen Peas Thawed, or substitute with corn.
  • 6 oz Thick Cut Bacon Crispy; substitute with crispy tofu for a vegetarian option.
  • 1 cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese Substitute with feta for a tangy twist.
For the Dressing
  • 1 cup Mayonnaise Can substitute with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil Use avocado oil for a different flavor.
  • 2 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar Can substitute with white wine vinegar.
  • 1 tbsp Granulated Sugar Adjust according to taste.
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Garlic Powder
  • to taste Onion Powder
  • to taste Black Pepper

Equipment

  • large pot
  • colander
  • Skillet
  • Medium bowl
  • large mixing bowl

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add small pasta noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. While the pasta cooks, thaw frozen peas in warm water for about 5 minutes. Cook thick-cut bacon in a skillet over medium heat for 6-8 minutes until crispy, then crumble. Grate Parmesan cheese.
  3. Whisk together mayonnaise, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and granulated sugar in a medium bowl. Add salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper to taste.
  4. In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, thawed peas, crumbled bacon, and grated Parmesan. Toss gently until evenly mixed.
  5. Pour dressing over pasta salad and stir to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 1-2 hours before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 10gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Chill for the best flavor, and taste to avoid over-salting due to salty ingredients like bacon and parmesan. Customize ingredients to suit your taste preferences.

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