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Creamy Pasta Salad

Creamy Pasta Salad That Dazzles at Every Summer Gathering

This Creamy Pasta Salad is customizable, quick to make, and perfect for summer gatherings.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Chilling Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 8 oz Pasta Noodles Any small pasta shape works, like shells or elbows.
  • 1 cup Frozen Peas Thaw before using.
  • 6 slices Thick Cut Bacon Can be replaced with turkey bacon or omitted.
  • 1 cup Parmesan Cheese Freshly grated is recommended.
For the Dressing
  • 1 cup Mayonnaise Greek yogurt can be a lighter option.
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil Can be omitted if using full-fat mayonnaise.
  • 2 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar Use lemon juice as an alternative.
  • 1 tbsp Granulated Sugar Adjust sweetness to taste.
  • to taste Salt and Pepper Essential seasoning elements.
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder Fresh minced garlic can also be used.
  • 1 tsp Onion Powder Fresh chopped onion can also be used.

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • colander
  • large skillet
  • medium bowl
  • large mixing bowl

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. Thaw frozen peas in a colander under warm water. In a skillet, cook bacon strips over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Cool and crumble.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, olive oil, vinegar, sugar, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until smooth.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, peas, crumbled bacon, and Parmesan cheese. Toss gently to mix.
  5. Pour dressing over the pasta mixture and stir until fully coated.
  6. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 10gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 220mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 150IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Taste the dressing before mixing; adjust seasoning based on the saltiness of the bacon and cheese.

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