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Creamy Pasta Salad

Creamy Pasta Salad That'll Wow Your Taste Buds

This Creamy Pasta Salad is a perfect blend of creamy, crunchy, and sweet, making it ideal for summer gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 2 cups small pasta noodles gluten-free pasta is a great substitute
For the Veggies
  • 1 cup frozen peas thawed
For the Protein
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon can use turkey bacon or vegetarian option
For the Creamy Dressing
  • 1 cup mayonnaise or use Greek yogurt for a lighter twist
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil avocado oil is a good substitute
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar optional, honey can be used instead
  • to taste salt bacon adds saltiness
  • to taste pepper
  • 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder can use fresh minced garlic for more flavor
  • 0.5 teaspoon onion powder or fresh minced onion
For the Garnish
  • 0.5 cups freshly grated parmesan cheese omit for a dairy-free version

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • medium skillet
  • Colander
  • Mixing bowl
  • serving bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Creamy Pasta Salad
  1. Start by bringing 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. In a medium skillet, cook bacon over medium heat for 8-10 minutes until crispy. Remove and crumble. Sauté peas in the same skillet until heated through.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and granulated sugar. Mix in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  4. Combine the cooled pasta, sautéed peas, and crumbled bacon in a large serving bowl. Fold in parmesan cheese if using.
  5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to enhance flavors. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 10gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 1mg

Notes

This creamy pasta salad can be customized with various mix-ins and makes for a great make-ahead dish. Store in the fridge for 3-5 days.

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