This Creamy Bacon Pasta Salad is a dream come true for pasta lovers! The combination of tender pasta, crispy bacon, and sweet peas, all coated in a rich and tangy creamy dressing, creates a burst of flavor in every bite. The parmesan cheese adds a nutty depth that makes this dish irresistibly good.
Perfect for any occasion, this pasta salad is a great side dish for BBQs, potlucks, or even a quick weeknight dinner. It’s a dish that everyone will love, with just the right balance of creamy, savory, and fresh flavors. Serve it chilled for a refreshing summer meal, or pair it with grilled meats for the ultimate comfort food experience.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 12 oz small pasta noodles (rotini, shells, or farfalle)
- 2 cups frozen peas, thawed
- 12 oz thick cut bacon, cooked and chopped
- ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
For the Creamy Dressing:
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp granulated sugar (to taste)
- 1 tsp salt (to taste)
- ½ tsp garlic powder (to taste)
- ½ tsp onion powder (to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper (to taste)
Directions:
- Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, cook the bacon until crispy, then chop into small pieces. Thaw the peas if needed.
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, olive oil, vinegar, sugar, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until well combined.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, bacon, peas, and parmesan cheese.
- Pour the creamy dressing over the pasta mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to meld, or serve immediately.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 379 kcal | Servings: 12 servings
Creamy Bacon Pasta Salad: The Perfect Side Dish for Every Occasion
Pasta salads are a staple in many households, and for good reason. They’re easy to make, incredibly versatile, and can be customized to suit different tastes and occasions. Among the many variations, Creamy Bacon Pasta Salad stands out as a crowd favorite. It combines the smoky richness of crispy bacon with the freshness of sweet peas, all coated in a smooth, tangy, and creamy dressing that enhances every bite. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ, attending a potluck, or simply looking for a quick and satisfying dish to prepare for your family, this recipe is the perfect addition to your meal plan.
In this article, we’ll explore what makes this creamy pasta salad special, why it’s a must try dish, and how you can adapt it to your personal preferences.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Bacon Pasta Salad
1. Quick and Easy to Make
One of the biggest advantages of this pasta salad is its simplicity. It requires minimal effort, with just a few steps from start to finish. Unlike complicated recipes that require extensive preparation and cooking time, this dish can be ready in about 30 minutes. That makes it perfect for busy weeknights, last minute gatherings, or meal prepping for the week.
2. A Perfect Balance of Flavors and Textures
This pasta salad delivers an amazing combination of flavors and textures. The smokiness of crispy bacon pairs beautifully with the sweetness of peas, while the creamy dressing ties everything together with a tangy and slightly savory taste. The addition of parmesan cheese adds depth, providing a subtle nutty and salty finish. The result? A rich and flavorful dish that keeps you coming back for more.
3. Ideal for Any Occasion
Whether you’re planning a backyard BBQ, a holiday gathering, or a casual dinner with friends, this creamy bacon pasta salad fits right in. It’s a versatile dish that can be served as a side or even as a main course if paired with protein like grilled chicken or shrimp. Since it’s served cold, it’s also a refreshing option during the warmer months.
4. Great for Meal Prep and Leftovers
If you’re a fan of meal prepping, this recipe is perfect for you. You can make a large batch in advance and store it in the refrigerator for several days. The flavors continue to develop over time, making it even tastier the next day. This makes it a great option for work lunches, quick dinners, or as a side to complement different meals throughout the week.
Ways to Customize This Pasta Salad
One of the best things about pasta salads is their flexibility. You can easily tweak the ingredients to match your preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few ways you can customize this dish:
1. Switch Up the Pasta
While small pasta varieties like rotini, shells, or farfalle work great in this recipe, you can swap them out for whole wheat pasta, gluten free pasta, or even chickpea based pasta for added protein and fiber.
2. Add More Vegetables
If you want to make this pasta salad even more nutritious, consider adding extra vegetables. Some great options include:
- Bell peppers (for a crunch and pop of color)
- Cherry tomatoes (for a burst of juiciness)
- Cucumbers (for extra freshness)
- Red onions (for a mild, tangy kick)
- Corn (for additional sweetness)
3. Boost the Protein
If you want to turn this pasta salad into a more filling meal, you can add extra protein sources. Some delicious options include:
- Grilled chicken (adds lean protein and pairs well with the dressing)
- Hard-boiled eggs (for a creamy, protein rich addition)
- Cubed ham or turkey (for a smoky and hearty twist)
- Shrimp (for a seafood variation)
4. Try Different Cheeses
While parmesan is a classic choice, you can experiment with other cheeses for different flavor profiles:
- Feta cheese (for a tangy, Mediterranean style twist)
- Cheddar cheese (for a more robust, sharp flavor)
- Mozzarella pearls (for a milder and creamier bite)
5. Adjust the Dressing
The creamy dressing in this recipe is made with mayonnaise, olive oil, and apple cider vinegar. However, you can make a few swaps to change the taste or lighten it up:
- Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a healthier, tangier option with extra protein.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a bright, citrusy kick.
- Mix in some Dijon mustard for extra depth and a hint of spice.
- Use ranch dressing instead of the homemade one for a shortcut that still delivers great flavor.
Tips for the Best Creamy Bacon Pasta Salad
To make sure your pasta salad turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:
Cook the pasta al dente: Overcooked pasta can become mushy, especially when mixed with the dressing. Cooking it al dente helps it hold its shape and texture.
Rinse the pasta with cold water: This stops the cooking process and prevents the pasta from becoming sticky. It also helps it cool down quickly, which is important for a cold pasta salad.
Crisp up the bacon well: For the best texture, make sure your bacon is nice and crispy before adding it to the salad. Soggy bacon won’t provide the same satisfying crunch.
Let the salad chill before serving: While you can eat it immediately, allowing it to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour lets the flavors meld together for an even better taste.
Add the bacon right before serving: If making this salad ahead of time, consider adding the bacon at the last minute to keep it crispy.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy bacon pasta salad is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of dishes. Here are a few ideas:
Serve it alongside grilled meats – It’s the perfect companion to grilled chicken, ribs, steak, or sausages.
Pair it with fresh salads – A simple green salad with vinaigrette balances out the richness of the pasta.
Enjoy it with sandwiches – Serve it as a side with club sandwiches, burgers, or sliders.
Make it part of a BBQ spread – Add some corn on the cob, baked beans, and watermelon slices for a complete summer feast.
Conclusion:
Creamy Bacon Pasta Salad is a dish that never fails to impress. It’s easy to make, incredibly delicious, and highly adaptable. Whether you’re preparing it for a party, a casual family dinner, or just to enjoy as a meal prep staple, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. The combination of crispy bacon, sweet peas, and a rich, creamy dressing makes it a comfort food favorite that you’ll want to make again and again.
So the next time you’re looking for a quick and flavorful side dish, give this pasta salad a try you won’t be disappointed!