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–+ servings
Creamy Pasta Salad

Creamy Pasta Salad That Will Steal the Show at Dinner

This Creamy Pasta Salad is quick, customizable, and perfect for gatherings, offering a delightful mix of flavors.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 8 oz Small Pasta Noodles e.g., rotini or elbow macaroni
  • 1 cup Frozen Peas (Thawed) or substitute with corn
  • 6 oz Thick Cut Bacon or turkey bacon
  • 1 cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese or substitute with feta
For the Dressing
  • 1 cup Mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil optional
  • 2 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar or red wine vinegar
  • 1 tbsp Granulated Sugar omit for less sweetness
  • 1 tsp Salt adjust to taste
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder or fresh garlic
  • 1 tsp Onion Powder or diced onions
  • 1 tsp Black Pepper adjust for spice preference

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • colander
  • Skillet
  • Medium Serving Bowl
  • large mixing bowl

Method
 

Cooking Steps
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. Thaw peas under warm water. Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Cool and crumble. Grate Parmesan cheese.
  3. In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and sugar. Add salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix until smooth.
  4. Combine pasta, peas, bacon, and Parmesan in a mixing bowl. Toss gently.
  5. Pour dressing over the pasta mixture. Fold gently to coat.
  6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 to 2 hours before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 10gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

For best flavor, chill the salad for at least an hour before serving. Consider adding cherry tomatoes or other preferred vegetables.

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